Beamforming techniques in wi-fi band

Abstract

Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communication are described. The first wireless device transmits signaling with the second wireless device based on establishing a radio frequency link, the signaling indicating that the first wireless device and the second wireless device are to skip execution of a beam training process, or to indicate a selection between a first beam training process associated with the radio frequency link and a second beam training process associated with the radio frequency link. The first wireless device may then transmit one or more messages with the second wireless device via the radio frequency link using a beam indicating, based on the signaling, that the first wireless device and the second wireless device are to skip execution of the beam training procedure, or to indicate a selection between the first beam training process and the second beam training process.

Description

[0001] Cross-references

[0002] This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. patent application No. 17 / 855,427, filed on June 30, 2022 by Patil et al., entitled “BEAMFORMING TECHNIQUES IN WI-FI FREQUENCY BANDS,” which is assigned to the assignee of this document and is expressly incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The following relates to wireless communications, including beamforming techniques in the Wi-Fi band. Background Art

[0004] Wireless communication systems are widely deployed to provide various types of communication content, such as voice, video, packet data, messaging, broadcast, and the like. These systems can be multiple access systems capable of supporting communication with multiple users by sharing available system resources (e.g., time, frequency, and power). A wireless network (e.g., a wireless local area network (WLAN), such as a Wi-Fi (i.e., an Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11) network) may include an access point (AP) that can communicate with one or more stations (STAs) or mobile devices. An AP may be coupled to a network, such as the Internet, and may enable mobile devices to communicate via the network (or communicate with other devices coupled to the access point). A wireless device may communicate bidirectionally with a network device. For example, in a WLAN, a STA may communicate with an associated AP via a downlink (DL) and an uplink (UL). A DL (or forward link) may refer to a communication link from an AP to a STA, and a UL (or reverse link) may refer to a communication link from a STA to an AP.

[0005] Many Wi-Fi deployments may use the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and / or 6 GHz frequency bands, which may be referred to as the "sub-7" GHz bands. Future Wi-Fi enhancements are intended to leverage multi-link operation techniques to enhance the user experience in other frequency bands, such as the 60 GHz band. While the 60 GHz band may provide a significant amount of resource usage for Wi-Fi devices, the 60 GHz band is not widely used due to several challenges, including high propagation losses. Therefore, there is a need for improved Wi-Fi communications in corresponding frequency bands, such as the 60 GHz band. Summary of the invention

[0006] The described technology relates to improved methods, systems, devices or apparatuses for supporting beamforming technology in Wi-Fi bands. In general, various aspects of the present disclosure relate to technologies that enable wireless devices to exchange information indicating whether it is desired to perform a beam training process for a Wi-Fi band (e.g., a 60 GHz link), and if it is desired to perform a beam training process, what level of beam training process should be performed. Specifically, the wireless device is able to not perform beam training at all in some cases, or is able to perform a less precise (and less power-intensive) beam training process. For example, the relative quality of communications performed on a 60 GHz link can be used to determine whether a beam training process should be performed, or how precise (and therefore how power-intensive) a beam training process should be performed. In other cases, information determined from other links (e.g., links below 7 GHz) can be used to facilitate beam training processes on 60 GHz links. For example, location information and / or beam information determined using links below 7 can be used to determine whether a beam training process (or the level of accuracy of the beam training process) should be performed on a 60 GHz link.

[0007] A method for wireless communication at a first wireless device is described. The method may include: transmitting signaling with a second wireless device based on establishing a radio frequency link, the signaling indicating that the first wireless device and the second wireless device are to skip the performance of a beam training procedure or indicating a selection between a first beam training procedure associated with the radio frequency link and a second beam training procedure associated with the radio frequency link; and transmitting one or more messages with the second wireless device via the radio frequency link using a beam, the beam being at least partially based on whether the signaling indicates that the first wireless device and the second wireless device are to skip the performance of the beam training procedure or indicates the selection between the first beam training procedure and the second beam training procedure.

[0008] An apparatus for wireless communication at a first wireless device is described. The apparatus may include: a processor; a memory coupled to the processor; and instructions stored in the memory. The instructions may be executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: transmit signaling with a second wireless device based on establishing a radio frequency link, the signaling indicating that the first wireless device and the second wireless device are to skip the execution of a beam training procedure or indicating a selection between a first beam training procedure associated with the radio frequency link and a second beam training procedure associated with the radio frequency link; and transmit one or more messages with the second wireless device via the radio frequency link using a beam, the beam being at least partially based on whether the signaling indicates that the first wireless device and the second wireless device are to skip the execution of the beam training procedure or indicates the selection between the first beam training procedure and the second beam training procedure.

[0009] Another apparatus for wireless communication at a first wireless device is described. The apparatus may include: means for transmitting signaling with a second wireless device based on establishing a radio frequency link, the signaling indicating the first wireless device and the second wireless device to skip performing a beam training procedure or indicating a selection between a first beam training procedure associated with the radio frequency link and a second beam training procedure associated with the radio frequency link; and means for transmitting one or more messages with the second wireless device via the radio frequency link using a beam, the beam being at least partially based on whether the signaling indicates the first wireless device and the second wireless device to skip performing the beam training procedure or indicates the selection between the first beam training procedure and the second beam training procedure.

[0010] A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication at a first wireless device is described. The code may include instructions executable by a processor for: transmitting signaling with a second wireless device based on establishing a radio frequency link, the signaling indicating that the first wireless device and the second wireless device are to skip the execution of a beam training procedure or indicating a selection between a first beam training procedure associated with the radio frequency link and a second beam training procedure associated with the radio frequency link; and transmitting one or more messages with the second wireless device via the radio frequency link using a beam, the beam being at least partially based on whether the signaling indicates that the first wireless device and the second wireless device are to skip the execution of the beam training procedure or indicates the selection between the first beam training procedure and the second beam training procedure.

[0011] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, units, or instructions for performing one or more measurements on a signal received from the second wireless device via the radio frequency link, wherein the signaling indicates the selection between the first beam training procedure and the second beam training procedure based on a failure of the one or more measurements to satisfy one or more thresholds.

[0012] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, units, or instructions for performing one or more measurements on a signal received from the second wireless device via the radio frequency link, wherein the signaling may indicate to the first wireless device and the second wireless device to skip execution of the beam training process based on the one or more measurements satisfying one or more thresholds.

[0013] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the radio frequency link may be associated with a first frequency band, and the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media may also include operations, features, units, or instructions for: communicating with the second wireless device via a second radio frequency link associated with a second frequency band different from the first frequency band, wherein transmitting the signaling may be based on location information, beam information, or both, wherein the location information, the beam information, or both may be based on communicating via the second radio frequency link.

[0014] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the first frequency band may be associated with frequencies above 7 GHz, and wherein the second frequency band is associated with frequencies below 7 GHz.

[0015] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, units, or instructions for transmitting the signaling indicating the selection between the first beam training procedure and the second beam training procedure based on the first wireless device, the second wireless device, or both, previously operating according to an idle state for at least a duration.

[0016] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the first beam training process includes a beam refinement process without a sector-level training process, and the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media may also include operations, features, units, or instructions for: performing one of the first beam training process or the second beam training process based on the signaling indicating the selection between the first beam training process and the second beam training process, wherein the beam used to transmit the one or more messages via the radio frequency link can be selected based on performing the first beam training process or the second beam training process.

[0017] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, performing a second beam training process may include operations, features, units, or instructions for: receiving a first plurality of signal sets from the second wireless device using a set of wide beams that can be spatially separated within a set of sectors during one or more beacon transmission intervals associated with the sector-level training process to identify a first sector among the plurality of sector sets; and receiving a second plurality of signal sets from the second wireless device using a plurality of sets of narrow beams that can be spatially separated within the first sector during one or more service periods associated with the beam refinement process, wherein the beams can be selected from the plurality of narrow beam sets.

[0018] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, performing a second beam training process may include operations, features, units, or instructions for: during one or more service periods associated with the sector-level training process, sending a first plurality of signal sets to the second wireless device to identify a first sector in a plurality of sector sets using a plurality of wide beam sets that can be spatially separated within sectors in a plurality of sector sets; and during one or more additional service periods associated with the beam refinement process, sending a second plurality of signal sets to the second wireless device using a plurality of narrow beam sets that can be spatially separated within the first sector, wherein the beams can be selected from a plurality of narrow beam sets.

[0019] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, performing a first beam training process may include operations, features, units, or instructions for: as part of the beam refinement process, sending a plurality of signal sets to the second wireless device using a subset of narrow beams from the plurality of sets of narrow beams that may be spatially separated across sectors in the plurality of sets of sectors, wherein the beams may be selected from the subset of narrow beams.

[0020] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, performing a second beam training process may include operations, features, units, or instructions for: as part of the sector-level training process, receiving a first plurality of signal sets from the second wireless device using a plurality of wide beam sets that may be spatially separated across a plurality of sector sets to identify a first sector in the plurality of sector sets; and as part of the beam refinement process, receiving a second plurality of signal sets from the second wireless device using a plurality of narrow beam sets that may be spatially separated across the first sector, wherein the beams may be selected from the plurality of narrow beam sets.

[0021] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, units, or instructions for transmitting, with the second wireless device, a message indicating the first sector of the plurality of sector sets based on sending the first plurality of signal sets as part of the sector-level training process, wherein sending the second plurality of signal sets as part of the beam refinement process may be based at least in part on the message indicating the first sector.

[0022] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, units, or instructions for transmitting, with the second wireless device, a request for one of the first beam training procedure or the second beam training procedure, wherein the signaling indicates the selection between the first beam training procedure and the second beam training procedure based on the request.

[0023] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, means, or instructions for transmitting the signaling based on a mobility state associated with the first wireless device, the second wireless device, or both.

[0024] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the first wireless device includes an AP, a first multi-link device, or both, the second wireless device includes a STA, a second multi-link device, or both; the first wireless device includes the STA, the first multi-link device, or both, and the second wireless device includes the AP, the second multi-link device, or both. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 An example of a wireless communication system supporting beamforming technology in a Wi-Fi band according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0026] Figure 2 An example of a wireless communication system supporting beamforming technology in a Wi-Fi band according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0027] Figure 3 An example of a beam training process supporting beamforming technology in a Wi-Fi band according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0028] Figure 4 An example of a process flow for supporting beamforming techniques in Wi-Fi bands according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0029] Figure 5 and Figure 6 A block diagram of a device supporting beamforming technology in a Wi-Fi band according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0030] Figure 7 A block diagram of a communication manager supporting beamforming technology in a Wi-Fi band according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0031] Figure 8 A diagram of a system including a device supporting beamforming technology in a Wi-Fi band is shown in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figures 9 to 12 A flow chart illustrating a method of supporting beamforming technology in Wi-Fi bands according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] In some deployments, wireless devices (e.g., Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) devices) may support multi-link operation (MLO), according to which the devices may communicate via multiple different links. For example, an access point (AP) multi-link device (MLD) may communicate with a non-AP MLD via a 2.4 gigahertz (GHz) link, a 5 GHz link, a 6 GHz link, or any combination thereof, which may be generally referred to as the "sub-7" GHz band. In some systems, the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD may be able to communicate via other radio frequency links, such as 45 GHz and 60 GHz links (e.g., non-sub-7 links), which may provide relatively higher data rates or greater link diversity.

[0034] Communicating over such other radio frequency links may present several challenges that may impede the adoption of such other radio frequency links (which in turn may limit the achievable throughput or diversity of the system). For example, non-sub-7 bands, such as the 45 GHz and 60 GHz bands, may be relatively more susceptible to propagation losses than the sub-7 bands. Therefore, a beam refinement process may be utilized in the sub-7 bands and the 60 GHz bands to identify beams within the respective bands that exhibit adequate performance and are less susceptible to propagation losses. However, performing multiple beam training processes for different bands may be time consuming and may increase power consumption at the wireless device.

[0035] Thus, aspects of the present disclosure are directed to techniques for enabling wireless devices (e.g., AP MLDs, non-AP MLDs) to exchange information indicating whether a beam training procedure is desired to be performed for a radio frequency link (e.g., a Wi-Fi link, a 60 GHz link), and if so, what level or type of beam training procedure should be performed. Specifically, the wireless device is able to not perform beam training at all in some cases, thereby avoiding time and power consumption for beam training when beam training is not required or is not useful. In contrast, when beam training is desired to be performed for a radio frequency link (e.g., a Wi-Fi link, a 60 GHz link), the wireless device can indicate whether the device is desired to perform a more precise (and therefore more power intensive) beam training procedure, or whether the device is capable of performing a less precise (and therefore less power intensive) beam training procedure for the radio frequency link. In this way, power resources can be more efficiently used for different situations when beam training is desired to be performed.

[0036] Specific implementations of the subject matter described in the present disclosure may be implemented to achieve one or more of the following potential advantages. For example, by exchanging signaling indicating whether beam training is desired for a corresponding radio frequency link or the type / degree of beam training, a wireless device (e.g., an AP MLD, a non-AP MLD) is able to completely avoid performing a beam training process for the corresponding radio frequency link, thereby reducing resource usage and reducing power consumption at the wireless device. In addition, in the event that it is still desired to perform beam training on the corresponding radio frequency link, by exchanging signaling indicating the type / degree of desired beam training, the wireless device is able to perform a shorter and less power-intensive beam training process, thereby speeding up communications performed on the radio frequency link, reducing power consumption at the wireless device, and improving the overall user experience. In addition, enabling wireless devices to perform less intensive beam training processes can result in more efficient use of wireless resources.

[0037] In some implementations, the relative quality of communications performed on the 60 GHz link may be used to determine whether a beam training procedure should be performed, or how accurate (and therefore how power intensive) a beam training procedure should be performed. In other cases, information determined from other links (e.g., sub-7 GHz links) may be used to facilitate the beam training procedure on the 60 GHz link. For example, location information and / or beam information determined using a sub-7 link may be used to determine whether a beam training procedure (or what level of accuracy a beam training procedure) should be performed on the 60 GHz link.

[0038] The techniques described herein may utilize one or more parameters, such as mobility information and / or the quality of communications performed on non-below-7 links, to determine whether beam training is required (or to what extent beam training) on ​​non-below-7 links. Therefore, the techniques described herein may enable wireless devices (e.g., AP MLD, non-AP MLD) to avoid performing beam training for non-below-7 links in some scenarios, thereby reducing power consumption and speeding up communications on non-below-7 links. In addition, by utilizing communications on the below-7 band to facilitate beam training on the non-below-7 band, the techniques described herein may utilize existing Wi-Fi frameworks and signaling to improve beam training techniques for non-below-7 bands.

[0039] Various aspects of the disclosure are initially described in the context of a wireless communication system. Additional aspects of the disclosure are described in the context of example L2 message formats and example process flows. Various aspects of the disclosure are further illustrated and described by device diagrams, system diagrams, and flow charts involving beamforming techniques in Wi-Fi bands.

[0040] For the purpose of describing the innovative aspects of the present disclosure, the following description refers to some implementations. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the teachings herein can be applied in a variety of different ways. The described implementations can be implemented in any device, system, or network capable of sending and receiving RF signals in accordance with any of the following: the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 16.11 standard or the IEEE 802.11 standard, Standard, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), GSM / General Packet Radio Service (GPRS0, Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE), Terrestrial Trunked Radio (TETRA), Wideband CDMA (W-CDMA), Evolution Data Optimized (EV-DO), 1xEV-DO, EV-DO Rev A, EV-DO Rev B, High Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA), High Speed ​​Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), High Speed ​​Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA), Evolved High Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA+), Long Term Evolution (LTE), AMPS or other known signals used to communicate within a wireless, cellular or Internet of Things (IoT) network (e.g., systems utilizing third generation (3G), fourth generation (4G) or fifth generation (5G), or further implementations of their technologies).

[0041] Figure 1 A wireless communication system 100 configured according to various aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The wireless communication system 100 may be an example of a wireless local area network (WLAN) or a Wi-Fi network, and may include an AP 105 and a plurality of associated STAs 115, which may represent devices such as mobile stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), other handheld devices, netbooks, notebook computers, tablet computers, laptop computers, display devices (e.g., TVs or computer monitors), or printers. The AP 105 and associated STAs 115 may represent a basic service set (BSS) or an extended service set (ESS). The various STAs 115 in the network are able to communicate with each other through the AP 105. Also shown is a coverage area 110 of the AP 105, which may represent a BSA of the wireless communication system 100. An extended network station (not shown) associated with the wireless communication system 100 may be connected to a wired or wireless distribution system that allows multiple APs 105 to be connected in an ESS.

[0042] STA115 may be located in the intersection of more than one coverage area 110 and may be associated with more than one AP 105. A collection of a single AP 105 and associated STA115 may be referred to as a BSS. An ESS is a collection of connected BSSs. A distribution system (not shown) may be used to connect the APs 105 in the ESS. In some implementations, the coverage area 110 of the AP 105 may be divided into sectors (also not shown). The wireless communication system 100 may include APs 105 of different types (e.g., metropolitan or home networks) with varying and overlapping coverage areas 110. Two STA115 may also communicate directly via a direct wireless link 125, regardless of whether the two STAs 115 are in the same coverage area 110. Examples of direct wireless links 120 may include Wi-Fi direct connections, Wi-Fi tunneling direct link establishment (TDLS) links, and other group connections. The STA 115 and the AP 105 may communicate according to WLAN radio and baseband protocols for physical and medium access control (MAC) layers from IEEE 802.11 and versions including, but not limited to, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11a, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ad, 802.11ah, 802.11ax, or 802.11be. In some other implementations, a peer-to-peer (P2P) connection or an ad hoc network may be implemented within the wireless communication system 100.

[0043] In some implementations, a STA 115 (or AP 105) may be detected by a central AP 105, but may not be detected by other STAs 115 in the coverage area 110 of the central AP 105. For example, one STA 115 may be at one end of the coverage area 110 of the central AP 105, while another STA 115 may be at the other end. Therefore, both STAs 115 may communicate with the AP 105, but may not receive the transmission of the other party. This may result in a conflict transfer of two STAs 115 in a contention-based environment, such as a carrier sense multiple access with collision avoidance (CSMA / CA) environment, because the STAs 115 may transmit at the same time. A STA 115 whose transmission is not identifiable but within the same coverage area 110 may be referred to as a hidden node. CSMA / CA may be supplemented by exchanging a request to send (RTS) packet transmitted by a transmitting STA 115 (or AP 105) and a clear to send (CTS) packet transmitted by a receiving STA 115 (or AP 105). This may alert other devices within range of the sender and receiver not to transmit during the main transmission. RTS / CTS can therefore help alleviate the hidden node problem.

[0044] In some implementations, the wireless communication system 100 may support MLO, according to which two or more devices may communicate via two or more wireless links (e.g., two or more radio frequency links). MLO may refer to or apply to pre-association or post-association operations. In such an implementation, the wireless communication system 100 may include one or more MLDs capable of communicating (e.g., transmitting or receiving) via multiple links. In some aspects, one or more STAs 115 may be associated or affiliated with a first MLD (e.g., a non-AP MLD 130), and one or more APs 105 may be associated or affiliated with a second MLD (e.g., an AP MLD 135). One or more STAs 115 or APs 105 affiliated with an MLD may be associated with multiple functions of the MLD.

[0045] For example, the MLD may be a device capable of communicating via multiple radio frequency links, and the operation or function of the MLD at each of the multiple radio frequency links may be described as being performed by a corresponding STA 115 (in an example where the MLD is a non-AP MLD 130, such that each STA 115 affiliated with the non-AP MLD 130 is a non-AP STA 115) or a corresponding AP 105 (in an example where the MLD is an AP MLD 135, such that each STA 115 affiliated with the AP MLD 135 is or functions as an AP 105). Thus, the non-AP MLD 130 may communicate (e.g., transmit or receive) via a first radio frequency link using a first STA 115, and may communicate (e.g., transmit or receive) via a second radio frequency link using a second STA 115. Similarly, the APMLD 135 may communicate (e.g., transmit or receive) via a first radio frequency link using a first AP 105, and may communicate (e.g., transmit or receive) via a second radio frequency link using a second AP 105. For example, the non-AP MLD 130 may efficiently communicate with the AP MLD 135 using a first STA-AP pair via the wireless link 120 - a , and using a second STA-AP pair via the wireless link 120 - b .

[0046] The non-AP MLD 130 and the AP MLD 135 may communicate via various radio frequency links, including 2.4 GHz links, 5 GHz links, and 6 GHz links, commonly referred to as "sub-7 GHz links". In some systems, the 2.4 GHz links, 5 GHz links, and 6 GHz links may be relatively easy to access. For example, the non-AP MLD 130 and the AP MLD 135 may access or communicate (e.g., transmit or receive via) using any one or more of the 2.4 GHz links, 5 GHz links, and 6 GHz links without negotiating access on different links, without requiring access constraints (e.g., access constraints related to service types), or without applying techniques associated with mitigating propagation path losses (e.g., focusing transmission and reception in a particular direction via beamforming). However, some other radio frequency links may be associated with access constraints or difficulties, and in some implementations, the non-AP MLD 130 and the AP MLD 135 may use any one or more of the 2.4 GHz links, 5 GHz links, and 6 GHz links to support and facilitate communications via such other radio frequency links.

[0047] Thus, in some aspects, the wireless communication system 100 may support enabling wireless devices (e.g., AP MLD 135, non-AP MLD 130) to exchange information indicating whether it is desired to perform a beam training procedure for a radio frequency link (e.g., Wi-Fi link, 60 GHz link), and if it is desired to perform a beam training procedure, what level of beam training procedure should be performed. Specifically, the wireless device may be able to avoid performing beam training altogether in some cases. In contrast, when it is desired to perform beam training for a radio frequency link (e.g., Wi-Fi link, 60 GHz link), the wireless device may indicate whether it is desired for the device to perform a more precise (and therefore more power intensive) beam training procedure, or whether the device may perform a less precise (and therefore less power intensive) beam training procedure for the radio frequency link.

[0048] In some implementations, the relative quality of communications performed on the 60 GHz link may be used to determine whether a beam training procedure should be performed, or how accurate (and therefore how power intensive) a beam training procedure should be performed. In other cases, information determined from other links (e.g., sub-7 GHz links) may be used to facilitate the beam training procedure on the 60 GHz link. For example, location information and / or beam information determined using a sub-7 link may be used to determine whether a beam training procedure (or what level of accuracy a beam training procedure) should be performed on the 60 GHz link.

[0049] In some aspects, a first radio frequency link (e.g., any one or more of a 2.4 GHz link, a 5 GHz link, or a 6 GHz link) may be referred to as a sub-7 GHz link, where a sub-7 GHz link may generally refer to any radio frequency link at or below 7 GHz, or any set of two or more radio frequency links. Additionally, as described herein, a second radio frequency link may refer to any radio frequency link associated with access constraints or difficulties. Thus, implementations described herein may be applicable to any radio frequency band or link that has constraints or rules on which devices may gain access, when a device may gain access, or how far (in terms of reachable distance) a message may be sent via a radio frequency band or link.

[0050] In addition, the devices of the wireless communication system 100 may support various possible configurations associated with operation at one or more radio frequencies (e.g., possible configurations for 45 GHz or 60 GHz operation). For example, depending on the radio configuration, a device (e.g., AP 105, STA 115, non-AP MLD 130, or AP MLD 135) may operate according to a single-link single radio (SLSR) configuration, a multi-link single radio (MLSR) configuration, or a multi-link multi-radio (MLMR) configuration; wherein, according to the SLSR configuration, a single radio device may operate using one radio frequency (e.g., a 60 GHz link); according to the MLSR configuration, a device may operate using one radio frequency band at a time (but may operate using both 45 GHz or 60 GHz, and 7 GHz or less); according to the MLMR configuration, a device may operate on more than one frequency band at the same time (where at least one radio unit operates using a 7 GHz or less frequency band). According to the implementation described herein, the MLD may support an MLSR or MLMR configuration. Therefore, the described technology may be applied to devices that may communicate via multiple links simultaneously or to devices that may communicate via different links at different times.

[0051] In addition, although described herein as a non-AP MLD 130, the non-AP MLD 130 may be used as a soft AP device (which may be referred to as a soft AP device). In these examples where the non-AP MLD 130 is used as a soft AP device, the non-AP MLD 130 may perform the same or similar functions as the AP MLD 135 to one or more other STAs 115 or to one or more other non-AP MLDs 130 (e.g., send or receive the same or similar signaling). If operated as a soft AP device, which may be a device that operates using a battery or other limited power source (or in a power saving mode), the non-AP MLD 130 may use the same set of radio frequency chains for the operation of the non-AP MLD 130 for the soft AP device operation. In addition, although referred to herein as a soft AP device, such a device may be any client device (e.g., any battery-powered client device) that is used as an AP MLD 135.

[0052] Figure 2 An example of a wireless communication system 200 supporting beamforming technology in a Wi-Fi band according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown. Aspects of the wireless communication system 200 may implement aspects of the wireless communication system 100, or be implemented by aspects of the wireless communication system 100. For example, the wireless communication system 200 shows communication between a non-AP MLD 130 and an AP MLD 135, which may be examples of the non-AP MLD 130 and the AP MLD 135, respectively, as described with reference to FIG. Figure 1 As shown and described.

[0053] In some implementations, the non-AP MLD 130 and the AP MLD 135 can communicate via a communication link 205. In some implementations, the communication link 205 can include one or more different links. For example, in some implementations, the communication link 205 can include a first radio frequency link 210-a (e.g., a sub-7 link, such as any one or more of a 2.4 GHz link, a 5 GHz link, or a 6 GHz link) and a second radio frequency link 210-b (e.g., a non-sub-7 link, such as a 45 GHz link or a 60 GHz link). In this example, the first radio frequency link 210-a (e.g., a sub-7 link) can support communications performed via the second radio frequency link 210-b (e.g., a non-sub-7 link). In other words, the first radio frequency link 210-a can be used as an anchor or stable link to facilitate communications via the second radio frequency link 210-b.

[0054] Furthermore, in some aspects, the 60 GHz link can be part of an MLO setup involving a below-7 link. In other words, an AP operating on 60 GHz can be attached to an AP MLD 135 that has at least one other AP operating on a below-7 link. In some implementations, aspects of the present disclosure are directed to utilizing a below-7 link as an anchor link to facilitate operation on a 60 GHz link and reduce management frame overhead. In other words, as will be described in further detail herein, aspects of the present disclosure are directed to utilizing an MLO framework to facilitate operation on non-below-7 links, such as 45 GHz or 60 GHz links.

[0055] In some wireless communication systems, wireless communication within the 60MHz frequency band may be performed within a repeating beacon interval (BI). Each BI may include a beacon header interval (BHI) and a data transmission interval (DTI). The BHI may include three sub-intervals, including a beacon transmission interval (BTI), an associated beamforming training (A-BFT) interval, and an announcement transmission interval (ATI). During the BTI, the AP 105, the AP MLD 135, or the personal basic service set control point (PCP) may send multiple directional beacons (e.g., beacon frames). During the A-BFT, one or more STAs 115 or non-AP MLDs 130 may perform beam training for communication with the AP 105, the AP MLD 135, or the PCP. Finally, during the ATI, the AP 105, the AP MLD 135, or the PCP may exchange management frames with the associated and beam trained STAs 115 or non-AP MLDs 130.

[0056] The DTI of a BI may include one or more contention-based access periods (CBAPs), or scheduled SPs, or a combination of both, for exchanging data frames. For example, a DTI may include CBAP or SP frames, CBAP or SP frames, and CBAP or SP frames. SPs may be dynamic or pseudo-static. In some aspects, a DTI may be a useful time portion in a BI during which actual data transfer between devices may occur.

[0057] Some radio frequency bands (e.g., 45 GHz or 60 GHz bands) may provide a large amount of communication resources (e.g., a large spectrum band) that a communication device (e.g., a Wi-Fi device) may use. Operation at relatively high radio frequency bands (e.g., 45 GHz or 60 GHz bands) may present several challenges at the device or system level, which may result in the 45 GHz or 60 GHz bands not being widely adopted in data communications.

[0058] For example, transmissions in the 45 GHz or 60 GHz bands may suffer from high propagation losses (e.g., high attenuation). Therefore, omnidirectional transmissions (e.g., non-beamforming transmissions) do not travel very far. As a result, wireless devices may need to perform directional transmissions to utilize beamforming antenna gain to form a narrow beam toward the desired peer device. In other words, wireless devices communicating in non-sub-7 bands may need to focus transmissions and receptions into narrow beams so that transmissions reach the desired receiver.

[0059] The beam training process 220 may be performed to identify a narrow beam for performing beamforming communications. During the beam training process, the transmit / receive plane at the transmit / receive device may be divided into a number of sectors, wherein the wireless device is configured to identify a narrow Tx / Rx beam within the sector to be used for beamforming communications. Some beam training processes 220 (e.g., beam training processes defined by 802.11ad / ay) may include two steps or phases: (1) a sector-level scanning (SLS) phase (e.g., sector-level training process 225), and (2) a beam refinement phase (BRP) (e.g., beam refinement process 230).

[0060] While the terms "SLS" and "BRP" (and similar terms) are terms used and defined in 802.11ad / ay, it is noted herein that different terms may be used to refer to different steps of the beam training process. In particular, future generations of Wi-Fi may employ different words or phrases to refer to corresponding steps of the beam training process. Furthermore, future generations of Wi-Fi may include additional or alternative steps / phases of the beam training process. However, various aspects of the present disclosure that enable wireless devices to skip the beam training process or perform a less intensive beam training process may be implemented for both the current beam training framework and future beam training frameworks with additional and / or alternative steps / phases.

[0061] During the SLS phase (e.g., sector-level training process 225) of the beam training process 220, the wireless device scans sectors / wide beams (e.g., quasi-omni beams, such as wide beam 240) to determine the approximate direction of the peer device and identifies the wide beam 240 that can be used to communicate with the peer device (e.g., identifies the sector corresponding to the peer device). In other words, during SLS, each wireless device (e.g., AP, STA, AP MLD 135, non-AP MLD 130) can take turns sending short frames on each sector at the corresponding device, while the other side listens in quasi-omni or omni mode to help establish the approximate direction of the location of the peer wireless device.

[0062] In contrast, during the BRP (e.g., beam refinement process 230) of the beam training process 220, the wireless device scans for narrow beams within the sector / wide beam 240 discovered during the SLS phase (e.g., a beam 245 narrower than the wide beam 240 used in SLS), and identifies the narrow beam 245 within the identified sector / wide beam 240 to be used for communication with the peer device. In other words, the BRP may follow the SLS to further refine the beam information to be used for wireless communication. Additionally or alternatively, the BRP may operate independently of the SLS (e.g., without the SLS) to establish a narrow beam directed toward the peer device.

[0063] However, such a beam training process 220 is complex, time consuming, and results in a large control signaling overhead. In particular, some beam training processes 220 require multiple (directional) beacon transmissions during the BTI. In addition, it may be desirable for non-associated STAs to perform beam training before sending an association request frame to the desired AP (e.g., during A-BFT). In addition, it may be desirable for wireless devices to perform beam training at regular or irregular intervals after association to maintain a high throughput between the respective devices, thus introducing a frequency beam training process 220, increasing the signaling / training overhead, and reducing the useful medium time available for communication between the respective devices. In addition, the beam training process 220 can be used in both sub-7 bands and non-sub-7 bands to identify beams within the respective beams 235, 245 that exhibit sufficient performance and are less susceptible to propagation losses. However, the execution of multiple beam training processes 220 for different frequency bands may be time consuming and may increase power consumption at the wireless device.

[0064] Thus, aspects of the present disclosure relate to techniques that enable wireless devices (e.g., AP MLD 135, non-AP MLD 130) to exchange information indicating whether it is desirable to perform a beam training process 220 for a radio frequency link 210 (e.g., a Wi-Fi link, a 60 GHz link), and if so, what level of beam training process 220 should be performed. In particular, the AP MLD 135 and the non-AP MLD 130 can avoid performing beam training altogether in some cases. Conversely, when it is desirable to perform beam training for a second radio frequency link 210-b (e.g., a Wi-Fi link, a 60 GHz link), the APMLD 135 and the non-AP MLD 130 can indicate whether it is desirable for the device to perform a more precise (and therefore more power intensive) beam training process 220, or whether the device can perform a less precise (and therefore less power intensive) beam training process 220 for the second radio frequency link 210-b.

[0065] Aspects of the present disclosure may utilize the MLO framework to facilitate operations on non-below-7 frequency bands, such as 45 GHz or 60 GHz frequency bands, where the non-below-7 frequency bands may be part of an MLO setup involving a below-7 link. Specifically, according to some aspects of the present disclosure, the MLO framework may enable the AP MLD 135 to perform basic operations (e.g., time synchronization, receiving traffic indications, receiving critical update indications, etc.) by monitoring a single link (e.g., a below-7 link) to facilitate wireless communications on the non-below-7 link. Thus, some aspects of the present disclosure may reduce or eliminate the need for a wireless device to monitor beacons on a non-below-7 link to perform basic service set (BSS) operations.

[0066] In particular, as described herein, the full beam training process 220 may include two phases (SLS and BRP) that require two peer devices to each perform a short transmission across each of their sectors (e.g., sector sweep). However, sectorized beacons may help wireless devices decide whether to perform beam training. With sectorized beacon transmissions, a sector sweep may be performed at the AP MLD 130, where the AP MLD 135 may determine whether beam training is required, and if so, whether to perform full beam training (e.g., SLS and BRP) or only refinement (e.g., BRP only) based on the strength of the beacon received on the desired sector. Thus, the sectorized beacons and BTI described herein may enable more efficient beam training techniques.

[0067] In other words, aspects of the present disclosure may be used to determine whether a beam training process 220 is required / desired for a non-below 7 link, which may reduce the frequency of performing the beam training process 220, and / or reduce the time and power consumption used to perform the beam training process 220. Specifically, the techniques herein may be used between wireless devices to determine whether the wireless device may completely skip performing the beam training process 220 for a radio frequency link 210 (e.g., a 60 GHz link (e.g., a second radio frequency link 210-b)). Additionally, if the wireless device determines that a beam training process 220 is required, the wireless device may use the techniques described herein to determine whether a complete beam training process 220 (e.g., beam training including SLS and BRP) is required, or whether the wireless device may perform a truncated or shortened beam training process 220 (e.g., beam training including only BRP).

[0068] For example, refer to Figure 2, the non-AP MLD 130 and the AP MLD 135 may communicate with each other via a first radio frequency link 210-a associated with a first frequency band. In some cases, the first frequency band associated with the first radio frequency link 210-a may include a sub-7 frequency band, such as a 2.4 GHz frequency band or a 5 GHz frequency band. In some implementations, the non-AP MLD 130 and the AP MLD 135 may perform a beam training process 220 associated with the first radio frequency link 210-a to identify beams for communicating with each other via the first radio frequency link 210-a.

[0069] In some aspects, the non-AP MLD 130, the AP MLD 135, or both may determine location information, beam information, or both associated with the corresponding wireless device. That is, the wireless device may determine location information (e.g., relative geographic location) associated with the non-AP MLD 130, the AP MLD 135, or both, and / or may determine the Tx / Rx beams used by the non-AP MLD 130, the AP MLD 135. The wireless device may determine the location information and / or the beam information based on performing communication via the first radio frequency link 210-a.

[0070] For example, the wireless devices may determine the relative geographic locations of the respective devices and / or the Tx / Rx beams used by the respective devices based on communicating with each other via the below-7 link. For example, a STA instance (e.g., non-AP MLD 130) may perform an angle of arrival (AoA) measurement (and / or other types of measurements / processes) on the below-7 link to determine the approximate direction (e.g., a rough estimate of the sector) of a peer device (e.g., AP MLD 135). In some implementations, as will be described in further detail herein, location information and / or beam information associated with the respective device and / or the first radio frequency link 210-a may be used to determine whether a beam training process 220 should be performed for the second radio frequency link 210-b, and if a beam training process 220 is required, what type or level of beam training should be performed. In other words, the rough estimate of the sector of the peer device determined on the below-7 link may be used as an alternative to performing SLS on the 60 GHz link, which may eliminate the overhead associated with performing SLS on the 60 GHz link.

[0071] The non-AP MLD 130 and the AP MLD 135 may establish a second RF link 210-b. The second RF link 210-b may be associated with a second frequency band that is different from a first frequency band associated with the first RF link 210-a. For example, the second RF link 210-b may include a non-below-7 link associated with a frequency band above 7 GHz, such as a 45 GHz band or a 60 GHz band. As previously described herein, in some implementations, the first RF link 210-a (e.g., a below-7 link) may be used as a stable anchor link for facilitating communications and operations (e.g., a beam training process 220) for the second RF link 210-b (e.g., a non-below-7 link). In this regard, the wireless device may establish the second RF link 210-b as part of an MLO scheme.

[0072] In some aspects, the non-AP MLD 130, the AP MLD 135, or both may perform measurements on communications performed via the second radio frequency link 210-b. For example, the non-AP MLD 130 may perform measurements on signals received from the AP MLD 135 via the second radio frequency link 210-b. The measurements performed on the second radio frequency link 210-b may include, but are not limited to, RSSI measurements, RSRP measurements, RSRQ measurements, SNR measurements, SINR measurements, and the like. In some implementations, as will be described in further detail herein, the relative quality of the second radio frequency link 210-b (determined by the measurements performed on the second radio frequency link 210-b) may be used to determine whether a beam training process 220 should be performed for the second radio frequency link 210-b, and if a beam training process 220 is required, what type or level of beam training should be performed.

[0073] In a scenario where the corresponding wireless device is associated and active on a second RF link 210-b (e.g., a 60 GHz link), it may be expected that the non-APMLD 130 that is associated with the 60 GHz link and has an active session with the AP MLD 135 may at least occasionally perform measurements to refine the Tx / Rx beams (where the frequency may be based on mobility) to maintain adequate MCS on the second RF link 210-b.

[0074] For example, in the context of a non-AP MLD 130 associated with an active frame exchange, the AP MLD 130 may transmit a beacon during a BTI via beam 235 as an initiator-side scan for the 60 GHz link. In this example, the associated non-AP MLD 130 that recently exchanged frames with the AP MLD 135 on the 60 GHz link may listen (e.g., monitor) for beacon frames during the BTI using one or more wide beams 240 in a quasi-omni mode, such as a wide beam 240 in a beamforming sector that was recently used to exchange frames with the AP MLD 135. For example, the AP MLD 135 may scan across beams 235-a, 235-b, 235-c, and / or 235-d, and the non-AP MLD 130 may monitor for a beacon within the wide beam 240-a that was recently used to communicate with the AP MLD 135 via the second radio frequency link 210-b. The non-AP MLD 130 may perform measurements (e.g., RSSI measurements) on the received beacons and determine, based on the measurements, whether (and / or what type / extent) of a beam training process 220 is required. For example, if a beacon frame is received with an RSSI above a certain RSSI threshold, a BRP may not be required and the wireless device may skip or avoid performing a beam training process 220 for the second radio link 210-b. Conversely, if a beacon frame is received with an RSSI below the RSSI threshold, the non-AP MLD 130 may initiate a beam training process 220 during the next D-SP (e.g., via signaling 215).

[0075] In some aspects, the non-AP MLD 130, the AP MLD 135, or both may transmit signaling 215 indicating whether it is desired to perform a beam training procedure 220 for the second radio frequency link 210-b. Furthermore, if it is desired to perform a beam training procedure 220 for the second radio frequency link 210-b, the signaling 215 may indicate what type or level of beam training procedure 220 is to be performed. Figure 2 As shown, signaling 215 may be transmitted between respective devices via a first radio frequency link 210 - a (eg, a sub-7 link), a second radio frequency link 210 - b (eg, a non-sub-7 link), or both.

[0076] In some implementations, the frequency and intensity (e.g., type) of the beam training process 220 performed for the second RF link 210-b can be based on the scenario. Different scenarios that can result in different frequencies / intensities of beam training processes can include: (1) the non-AP MLD 130 is associated and active on the 60 GHz link, (2) the non-AP MLD 130 is associated and idle on the 60 GHz link, and (3) the non-AP MLD 130 establishes a new association on the 60 GHz link.

[0077] For example, the signaling 215 may instruct the wireless device to skip the execution of the beam training process 220 for the second radio frequency link 210-b, or may indicate a selection between the first beam training process 220 and the second beam training process 220. In this example, the first beam training process 220 may include only the beam refinement process 230 (e.g., BRP without SLS), and the second beam training process 220 may include the sector-level training process 225 (e.g., SLS or sector-level sweep) and the beam refinement process 230 (e.g., SLS+BRP).

[0078] The wireless device may send / receive signaling 215 indicating whether a beam training process 220 for the second radio frequency link 210-b is desired (and what type / extent of beam training process 220) based on communication via the first radio frequency link 210-a, determining beam / position information, establishing the second radio frequency link 210-b, performing measurements for the second radio frequency link 210-b, or any combination thereof. In some implementations, the AP MLD 135, the non-AP MLD 130, or both may indicate a need to perform the beam training process 220 during the D-SP via a field in an initiation frame of the signaling 215. The D-SP may include polling and response frames, in which the AP MLD 135 and the non-AP MLD 130 exchange messages (e.g., signaling 215) indicating whether either of the devices is to initiate the beam training process 220. The polling and response frames may include a trigger frame (e.g., a poll) followed by a physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU) (e.g., a response), such as a trigger-based PPDU (TB). Furthermore, the poll and response frame may include a new frame configured / defined to perform such poll-response, or some other existing frame extended to perform poll-response.

[0079] For example, one or more bits in the trigger frame of the signaling 215 sent by the AP MLD 135 may indicate to perform a beam training process 220, which includes a sector-level training process 225, a beam refinement process 230, or both. As another example, one or more bits in the TB of the signaling 215 sent by the non-AP MLD 130 may indicate to perform a beam training process 220, which includes a sector-level training process 225, a beam refinement process 230, or both. For example, the first bit field value of the signaling 215 (e.g., "00") may indicate that the wireless device skips the beam training process 220, the second bit field value (e.g., "01") may indicate that the wireless device performs the beam training process 220 with only the beam refinement process 230 (e.g., performs the beam refinement process without the sector-level training process 225), and the third bit field value (e.g., "11") may indicate that the wireless device performs the beam training process 220 with both the sector-level training process 225 and the beam refinement process 230.

[0080] In some implementations, the signaling 215 may indicate whether to perform the beam training process 220 (and / or what type / degree of beam training process 220) based on the relative quality of the second radio frequency link 210-b. For example, in the case where the second radio frequency link 210-b exhibits sufficient quality (e.g., measurements that meet a certain threshold, such as RSSI ≥ Thresh), the signaling 215 may indicate that the wireless device may skip the execution of the beam training process 220 for the second radio frequency link, or may perform a less intensive beam training process 220 (e.g., the beam training process 220 with only the BRP). In contrast, in the case where the second radio frequency link 210-b exhibits relatively poor quality (e.g., measurements that fail to meet a certain threshold, such as RSSI < Thresh), the signaling 215 may indicate that the wireless device may perform a more intensive beam training process 220 (e.g., the beam training process 220 with only the SLS and BRP). In some implementations, the wireless device may implement multiple different thresholds for determining whether to perform the beam training process 220 for the second radio frequency link 210-b (and what type / degree of beam training process 220).

[0081] As previously described, the beacon frame received by the non-AP MLD 130 via the wide beam 240-a (corresponding to the sector most recently used to communicate with the AP MLD 130) has an RSSI below the RSSI threshold, the non-AP MLD 130 may initiate the beam training process 220 during the next D-SP via signaling 215. Additionally or alternatively, the AP MLD 135 may initiate the beam training process 220 during the D-SP via signaling 215, for example, based on a packet error rate (PER) or other criteria determined during a previous frame exchange.

[0082] As another example, the wireless device may transmit signaling 215 based on the location information and / or beam information determined based on the first radio frequency link 210-a. In other words, the positioning operation (e.g., 11az) and / or the radio frequency sensing operation (e.g., 11bf) may replace at least the sector-level training process 225 (SLS) of the beam training process 220 (e.g., beacon does not exist). In this case, it may be assumed that all non-AP MLDs 130 and AP MLDs 135 support positioning / radio frequency sensing operations (e.g., all associated STAs support sector estimation based on 11az / 11bf). In addition, the presence or absence of a beacon (or equivalent frame) may be announced during association. That is, if the positioning / beam information determined via the first radio frequency link 210-a is used to enable the wireless device to skip the execution of the beam training process 220 for the second radio frequency link 210-b, the signaling 215 may be exchanged during the association for the second radio frequency link 210-a to instruct the device to skip the beam training process 220.

[0083] For example, beam information (e.g., Tx / Rx beams) used for communication via the first RF link 210-a may be used to determine beam information (e.g., Tx / Rx beams) that may be used for communication via the second RF link 210-b, and thereby may enable the wireless device to skip execution of a beam training process for the second RF link 210-b. Similarly, in a case where the corresponding wireless device determines location information associated with the non-AP MLD 130 and / or the AP MLD 135 based on the first RF link 210-a, the location information may be used to determine the Tx / Rx beams for the second RF link 210-b, and therefore to determine whether the beam training process 220 (and what type / extent of beam training process 220) should be performed for the second RF link 210-b.

[0084] In other implementations, the wireless device may be configured to perform the beam training process 220 for the second radio frequency link 210-b on demand. That is, in some cases, the wireless device may perform the beam training process 220 for the non-7 or less link only upon a request from one of the corresponding devices. In other words, the beacon transmission of the beam training process 220 for the 60 GHz link may be on demand, wherein the beacon transmission is not required during idle conditions (e.g., the beam training process 220 is not required), and wherein the associated non-AP MLD 130 and / or AP MLD 135 may indicate whether the beacon transmission (e.g., the beam training process 220) for the 60 GHz link is required.

[0085] For example, in some cases, the non-AP MLD 130 may send a request for a beam training procedure 220 for the second radio link 210-b to the AP MLD 135. In this example, the AP MLD 135 may send signaling 215 indicating what type / extent of beam training procedure 220 is to be performed (e.g., indicating a selection between a first beam training procedure 220 and a second beam training procedure 220). Criteria for initiating the beam training procedure 220 on demand may include, but are not limited to, scenarios in which the non-AP MLD 130 is out of inactivity and / or needs to perform training (e.g., performing an initiator scan during a BTI). The signaling 215 for initiating on-demand training may be transmitted on a below-7 link and / or a non-below-7 link (during a D-SP).

[0086] In additional or alternative implementations, the wireless device may indicate whether to perform the beam training process 220 (or what type / extent of beam training process 220) based on other parameters or characteristics, such as the mobility state (e.g., topology) of the corresponding device, the previous operating state of the corresponding device, or both.

[0087] For example, in a situation where both the non-AP MLD 130 and the AP MLD 135 are relatively stationary (e.g., a low mobility state, such as a screen sharing configuration from a laptop to a screen in a conference room), the beam used for communication via the second radio frequency link 210-b may remain relatively constant. Thus, the signaling 215 may indicate that the wireless device may skip the execution of the beam training process 220, or perform a less intensive beam training process 220 (e.g., only perform the beam refinement process 230). In other words, beam training (e.g., beacon transmission) may be turned off based on the topology.

[0088] In high mobility use cases, it may not make sense to perform frequent beam training procedures 220 because the beams 235, 240 used by the respective devices may change frequently. Since the traffic is at the MLD level, the two MLDs (e.g., APMLD 135, non-AP MLD 130) may start frame exchange on the 7-GHz link and use the 60 GHz link on an opportunistic basis. For example, the AP MLD 135 may form a sharp beam 235 (e.g., fewer sectors) when communicating with a stationary device (e.g., non-AP MLD 130) such as a TV, but may form a larger beam 235 (e.g., more sectors) when communicating with a mobile device such as a laptop or phone. Therefore, the frequency and / or type of beam training procedures 220 performed between the respective devices may be based on some form of adaptive learning (e.g., adaptive sectorization). In particular, the APMLD 135 may change its beam characteristics based on the device type or historical connection associated with the non-AP MLD 130 (e.g., a low mobility device or a high mobility device). Furthermore, the topology / mobility state of the non-AP MLD 130 (e.g., mobile device, stationary device) may be signaled to the AP MLD 130 during association. Additionally or alternatively, the AP MLD 135 may be configured to learn or store information (e.g., profile) associated with the non-AP MLD 130 based on previous interactions with the non-AP MLD 130.

[0089] In addition, the type of beam training process 220 may be based on whether the non-AP MLD 130 is in an associated and idle state on the 60 GHz link. In particular, a non-AP MLD 130 in an idle state may turn off the 60 GHz radio unit to save power and may not monitor the BTI on the 60 GHz link. Therefore, over time (and due to mobility during the idle state), the beams (e.g., beams 235, 240) at the respective devices are likely to become misaligned. Therefore, in the event that the non-AP MLD 130 and / or the AP MLD 135 were previously operating in an idle or inactive state for a certain threshold duration, the signaling 215 may indicate that it is desired that the wireless device perform a certain type of beam training process 220, such as a beam training process 220 that includes both a sector-level training process 225 and a beam refinement process 230. Specifically, in some cases, after a long period of inactivity on the 60 GHz link, or after association, it may be necessary or desirable to have a beam training process 220 that includes both the sector-level training process 225 and the beam refinement process 230. In contrast, if the 60 MHz link (e.g., the second RF link 210-b) between the AP MLD 135 and the non-AP MLD 130 is frequently used, then a beam training process 220 that includes only the beam refinement process 230 may be sufficient.

[0090] In the case of a new association on a 60 GHz link (e.g., the second RF link 210-b), whether beam training is desired depends on how / where the association is performed. In the case of a non-AP MLD 130 establishing a new association for a 60 GHz link (e.g., the second RF link 210-b), MLO establishment may occur on a 7 or lower link (e.g., the first RF link 210-a). Therefore, the non-AP MLD 130 may not need or desire to perform beamforming (e.g., perform the beam training process 220) for the 60 GHz link prior to association. Conversely, it may be desirable for the newly associated non-AP MLD 130 (e.g., STA) to perform a beam training process on the 60 GHz link.

[0091] In the case where the signaling 215 instructs the wireless device to perform the beam training process 220, the wireless device may perform the beam training process 220 for the second RF link 210-b. For example, the wireless device may perform one of the first beam training process 220 or the second beam training process 220 based on the selection between the first beam training process 220 and the second beam training process 220 indicated via the signaling 215.

[0092] As previously described, the type and extent of the beam training process 220 can vary depending on the time used to perform the corresponding process, the steps of the corresponding process, the power consumption associated with the corresponding process, and the relative accuracy / intensity of the corresponding process. For example, in some implementations, the first beam training process 220 can include a beam refinement process 230 (e.g., BRP instead of SLS), and the second beam training process 220 can include a sector-level training process 225 and a beam refinement process 230 (e.g., SLS+BRP). In this regard, the second beam training process 220 can be more intensive and require more time and power than the first beam training process 220, but can be more accurate and precise for determining a beam that will exhibit adequate performance.

[0093] For example, Figure 2 As shown and in the context of a beam training process 220 that includes both a sector-level training process 225 and a beam refinement process 230 (e.g., SLS+BRP), the AP MLD 135 may transmit a signal by scanning across a set of narrow Tx beams 235 that are spatially separated across a set of Tx sectors, and the non-AP MLD 130 may scan across a set of wide beams 240 that are spatially separated across a set of Rx sectors to identify the relative direction / sector of a corresponding peer device. For example, as part of the sector-level training process 225, the non-AP MLD 130 may identify that a first wide beam 240-a is associated with an approximate direction of the AP MLD 135, and may transmit a message to the AP MLD 135 indicating the wide beam 240-a, the corresponding sector, a third narrow beam 235-c, or any combination thereof. Subsequently, as part of the beam training process 220, the device may perform a beam refinement process 230, in which the AP MLD 135 transmits a signal using the indicated beam 235-c, and the non-AP MLD 130 receives the signal by scanning across a set of narrow beams 245 within the wide beam 240-a. Thus, after the beam refinement process 230, the wireless device may determine that the best beams for communicating via the second radio frequency link 210-b may include the narrow beam 235-c (Tx) and the narrow beam 245-b (Rx).

[0094] In contrast, in the context of a beam training process 220 that includes only a beam refinement process 230 (e.g., BRP), the wireless device can avoid performing a sector-level training process 225 and can immediately perform the beam refinement process 230 (e.g., earlier than if the sector-level training process 225 is also performed), as described herein.

[0095] Although Figure 2The beam training process 220 is shown performed with the AP MLD 135 acting as a Tx device and the non-AP MLD 130 acting as an Rx device, but the beam training process 220 may be performed in both directions so that each respective device can determine Tx and Rx beams for communication via the second radio frequency link.

[0096] In some aspects, the non-AP MLD 130 and the AP MLD 135 may determine beams (e.g., Tx / Rx beams 235, 245) to be used for communication via the second radio frequency link 210-b. The respective devices may determine beams (e.g., narrow beams 235, 245) to be used for communication via the second radio frequency link 210-b based on the transmit signaling 215 and the execution or skipping of the beam training process 220.

[0097] For example, in the case where the wireless device does not perform the beam training process 220 for the second radio frequency link 210-b (e.g., skips the beam training process 220), the wireless device may determine the Tx / Rx beams 235, 245 for the second radio frequency link 210-b based on the previous beams for the second radio frequency link 210-b, based on the beam information associated with the first radio frequency link 210-a, etc. In this regard, in the case where the wireless device does not perform the beam training process 220 for the non-below-7 link, the beams 235, 245 for the second radio frequency link 210-b may be determined by utilizing information and operations performed via the below-7 link. As used herein, terms / phrases such as "skipping the performance of the beam training process" may refer to not performing the beam training process 220, avoiding performing the beam training process 220, selecting a beam for communication independently of performing the beam training process 220, and / or selecting a beam for communication without performing the beam training process 220.

[0098] Conversely, in the event that the wireless device does perform the beam training process 220 for the second radio frequency link 210 - b , the wireless device may determine the Tx / Rx beams 235 , 245 for the second radio frequency link 210 - b based on the beam training process 220 .

[0099] Subsequently, the non-AP MLD 130 and the AP MLD 135 may transmit one or more messages to each other via the second radio frequency link 210-b using the determined beams 235, 245. In this regard, the wireless devices may communicate with each other based on transmitting signaling 215, performing or skipping the beam training process 220, determining the beams 235, 245 for the second radio frequency link 210-b, or any combination thereof.

[0100] The techniques described herein may facilitate a more efficient beam training process 220 on non-below-7 links. For example, the techniques described herein may enable a wireless device to avoid performing a beam training process 220 on a non-below-7 link altogether. Furthermore, in cases where it is still desirable to perform beam training on a non-below-7 link, the techniques described herein may enable a wireless device to determine the level of precision / accuracy with which the beam training process 220 should be performed. Thus, the techniques described herein may reduce the frequency with which the beam training process 220 is performed on a non-below-7 link. Furthermore, when it is desirable to perform a beam training process 220, the techniques described herein may enable a wireless device to perform less intensive beam training processes 220 in some cases, which may reduce the time and power consumption for performing such beam training processes 220. By reducing the time and power consumption associated with the beam training process 220 performed on a non-below-7 link, the techniques described herein may improve battery life at a wireless device (e.g., a non-APMLD 130), speed up communications on non-below-7 frequency bands, and improve the overall user experience.

[0101] Figure 3 An example of a beam training process 300 for supporting beamforming techniques in a Wi-Fi band according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown. Aspects of the beam training process 300 may implement or be implemented by aspects of the wireless communication system 100, the wireless communication system 200, or both. For example, the beam training process 300 illustrates communication between a non-AP MLD 130 and an AP MLD 135, which may be examples of the non-AP MLD 130 and the AP MLD 135, respectively, as described with reference to FIG. Figure 1 As shown and described.

[0102] For example, STA 115 and AP 105, or non-AP MLD 130 and AP MLD 135 (which may be reference Figure 1-2 The STA 115 and AP 105, or the examples of non-AP MLD 130 and AP MLD 135, respectively, shown or described may perform the beam training process 300 to measure signal strengths associated with one or more beam pairs and select a beam pair associated with a suitable or maximum signal strength.

[0103] In some implementations, the beam training process 300 can be a beacon frame based beam training process according to which a communication device can perform beam training via one or more sectorized beacons. Figure 3 The beam training process 300 shown in FIG. 3 may include a BI 305 that is divided into three parts: (1) BTI 310, (2) dedicated service period (D-SP 315), and (3) opportunistic service period (O-SP 320).

[0104] For example, the BI 305 may include a BTI 310 during which the AP 105 may send sectorized beacons in different beamforming directions during different beam training resources 325 (which may generally refer to any one or more of the beam training resources 325-a, beam training resources 325-b, beam training resources 325-c, and beam training resources 325-d). In other words, the AP 105 may perform a sector sweep (e.g., SLS) of a short beacon frame during the BTI 310. The beacon frame may include a short frame that the STA may use as a reference for evaluating whether beam training is needed.

[0105] For example, Figure 3 As shown, beam training resource 325-a may be associated with directional beam 330-a (which may be represented as s1), and AP 105 may accordingly use directional beam 330-a to transmit sectorized beacon frames during beam training resource 325-a. Similarly, beam training resource 325-b may be associated with directional beam 330-b (which may be represented as s2), beam training resource 325-c may be associated with directional beam 330-c (which may be represented as s3), and beam training resource 325-d may be associated with directional beam 330-d (which may be represented as s4). k ). Thus, the AP 105 may scan across a set of directional beams 330 (which generally refers to any one or more of directional beams 330-a, directional beams 330-b, directional beams 330-c, or directional beams 330-d) during the BTI 310. The STA 115 may measure the various directional beams 330 used by the AP 105 and identify a suitable beam pair for the AP 105 and STA 115 to exchange data. Thus, the AP 105 and the STA 115 may transmit data using a suitable beam pair for data frame exchange during the SP.

[0106] For example, the STA 115 and the AP 105 may communicate using a suitable beam pair during one or more of the D-SP 315-a, the D-SP 315-b, and the D-SP 315-c. Additionally or alternatively, the STA 115 and the AP 105 may perform beam training during any one or more of the D-SP 315-a, the D-SP 315-b, and the D-SP 315-c. As shown in the beam training process 300, during the D-SP 315-c, the AP 105 may use a directional beam 330-d, and the STA 115 may use a directional beam 335. The STA 115 and the AP 105 may also communicate during one or more open SPs (O-SPs) 320 (which may generally refer to any one or more of the O-SP 320-a and the O-SP 320-b).

[0107] According to implementations described herein, in a scenario where the non-AP MLD 130 and the AP MLD 135 support 60 GHz link beacon frames, the non-AP MLD 130 (or the STA 115 associated with the non-AP MLD 130) and the AP MLD 135 (or the AP 105 associated with the AP MLD 135) may use the 60 GHz link to perform the beam training process 300. In some implementations, the non-AP MLD 130 and the AP MLD 135 may conditionally support beacon frame transmission using the 60 GHz link. For example, the AP MLD 135 may send one or more sectorized beacon frames to the non-AP MLD 130 using the 60 GHz link based on satisfaction of a condition associated with 60 GHz link beacon frame transmission.

[0108] Figure 3 The beam training process 300 shown in FIG. 1 may be used to illustrate a beam training process performed between wireless devices after a new association, or after one of the wireless devices is restored after a long idle period. Specifically, the different steps of the beam training process (e.g., sector-level training process 225 (SLS), beam refinement process 230 (BRP)) may be shown in FIG. Figure 3 The different parts of BI 305 are shown during execution.

[0109] For example, according to a first implementation, a STA (e.g., a non-AP MLD 130) may monitor several BTIs 310 in a quasi-omni mode to determine the approximate location of the AP MLD 135, and may perform a responder-side SLS and BRP during an associated D-SP 315. In this regard, the AP MLD 130 may transmit signals as part of an SLS during a BTI 310, and the non-AP MLD 130 may transmit signals as part of an SLS during a D-SP 315, wherein a BRP is performed during the D-SP 315. In other words, the non-AP MLD 130 may receive signals using a wide beam 240 within one or more BTIs 310 as part of a sector-level training process 225, and may transmit signals during one or more D-SPs 315 as part of a sector-level training process 225. One disadvantage of this implementation is that the beam training process 300 may occur over several BTIs 310, which may result in longer beam training. However, for use cases that do not require frames to be exchanged on 60 GHz immediately after association, this delay may be acceptable.

[0110] As another example, according to a second implementation, the AP MLD 130 and the non-AP MLD 130 (STA) may perform both SLS and BRP during the D-SP 315. In this implementation, a portion of the D-SP 315 (after association or after returning from an idle state) may be used for beam training.

[0111] Figure 4 An example of a process flow 400 for supporting beamforming techniques in a Wi-Fi band according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown. Aspects of the process flow 400 may implement or be implemented by aspects of the wireless communication system 100, the wireless communication system 200, the beam training process 300, or any combination thereof. For example, the process flow 400 illustrates signaling between a non-AP MLD 405 and an AP MLD 410 that may be used to determine whether it is desired to perform a beam training process (or what type / extent of beam training process) for a radio frequency link (e.g., a 60 GHz link), such as with respect to Figure 1-3 As shown and described.

[0112] Process flow 400 may include non-AP MLD 405 and AP MLD 410, which may be reference Figure 1-3 Examples of non-AP MLD 130, AP MLD 135, STA and other wireless devices are described. For example, Figure 4 The non-AP MLD 405 and the AP MLD 410 shown in FIG. 4 may include examples of the non-AP MLD 130 and the AP MLD 135, respectively. Figure 2 shown.

[0113] In some examples, the operations shown in process flow 400 can be performed by hardware (e.g., including circuits, processing blocks, logic components, and other components), code executed by a processor (e.g., software), or any combination thereof. The following alternative examples can be implemented in which some of the steps are performed in a different order than described or not performed at all. In some cases, the steps may include additional features not mentioned below, or further steps may be added.

[0114] At 415, the non-AP MLD 405 and the AP MLD 410 may communicate with each other (e.g., send and / or receive information) via a first radio frequency link associated with a first frequency band. In some cases, the first frequency band associated with the first radio frequency link may include a sub-7 frequency band, such as a 2.4 GHz frequency band or a 5 GHz frequency band. In some implementations, the non-AP MLD 405 and the AP MLD 410 may perform a beam training procedure associated with the first radio frequency link to identify a beam for communicating with each other via the first radio frequency link.

[0115] At 420, the non-AP MLD 405, the AP MLD 410, or both may determine location information, beam information, or both associated with the corresponding wireless device. That is, the wireless device may determine location information (e.g., relative geographic location) associated with the non-AP MLD 405, the AP MLD 410, or both, and / or may determine the Tx / Rx beams used by the non-AP MLD 405, the AP MLD 410. The wireless device may determine the location information and / or beam information at 420 based on the communication via the first radio frequency link performed at 415. For example, the wireless devices may determine the relative geographic location of the corresponding device and / or the Tx / Rx beams used by the corresponding device based on communicating with each other via the 7-1 link at 415. In some implementations, as will be described in further detail herein, the location information and / or beam information associated with the corresponding device and / or the first radio frequency link may be used to determine whether a beam training process should be performed for the second radio frequency link, and if a beam training process is required, what type or level of beam training should be performed.

[0116] At 425, the non-AP MLD 405 and the AP MLD 410 may establish a second radio frequency link. The second radio frequency link may be associated with a second frequency band that is different from the first frequency band associated with the first radio frequency link. For example, the second radio frequency link may include a non-below-7 link associated with a frequency band above 7 GHz, such as a 45 GHz band or a 60 GHz band. As previously described, in some implementations, the first radio frequency link (e.g., below-7 link) may be used as a stable anchor link for facilitating communications and operations (e.g., beam training procedures) for the second radio frequency link (e.g., non-below-7 link). In this regard, the wireless device may establish the second radio frequency link as part of the MLO scheme.

[0117] At 430, the non-AP MLD 405, the AP MLD 410, or both may perform measurements on the communications performed via the second radio frequency link established at 425. For example, the non-AP MLD 405 may perform measurements on signals received from the AP MLD 410 via the second radio frequency link. The measurements performed on the second radio frequency link may include, but are not limited to, RSSI measurements, RSRP measurements, RSRQ measurements, SNR measurements, SINR measurements, etc. In some implementations, as will be described in further detail herein, the relative quality of the second radio frequency link (as determined by the measurements at 430) may be used to determine whether a beam training procedure should be performed for the second radio frequency link, and if a beam training procedure is required, what type or level of beam training should be performed.

[0118] At 435, the non-AP MLD 405, the AP MLD 410, or both may communicate (e.g., send and / or receive) signaling indicating whether it is desired to perform a beam training procedure for the second radio frequency link. In addition, if it is desired to perform a beam training procedure for the second radio frequency link, the signaling may indicate what type or level of beam training procedure to perform. The signaling may be transmitted between the respective devices via the first radio frequency link (e.g., a sub-7 link), the second radio frequency link (e.g., a non-sub-7 link), or both.

[0119] For example, the signaling may instruct the wireless device to skip the execution of the beam training procedure for the second radio frequency link, or may indicate a selection between a first beam training procedure and a second beam training procedure. In this example, the first beam training procedure may include only a beam refinement procedure (e.g., BRP), and the second beam training procedure may include a sector-level training procedure (e.g., SLS or sector-level scanning) and a beam refinement procedure.

[0120] Based on communicating via a first radio frequency link at 415, determining beam / position information at 420, establishing a second radio frequency link at 425, performing measurements at 430, or any combination thereof, the wireless device may send / receive signaling at 435 to indicate whether a beam training process for the second radio frequency link is desired (and what type / degree of beam training process).

[0121] For example, in the case where the second radio frequency link exhibits sufficient quality (e.g., measurements meeting a certain threshold, such as RSSI ≥ Thresh), the signaling may indicate that the wireless device may skip performing the beam training process or may perform a less intensive beam training process (e.g., a beam training process with only BRP). In contrast, in the case where the second radio frequency link exhibits relatively poor quality (e.g., measurements failing to meet a certain threshold, such as RSSI < Thresh), the signaling may indicate that the wireless device may perform a more intensive beam training process (e.g., a beam training process with only SLS and BRP). In some implementations, the wireless device may implement multiple different thresholds for determining whether to perform a beam training process for the second radio frequency link (and what type / degree of beam training process).

[0122] As another example, the wireless device may transmit signaling at 435 based on the position information and / or beam information determined at 420. For example, beam information (e.g., Tx / Rx beams) used for communicating via the first radio frequency link may be used to determine beam information (e.g., Tx / Rx beams) that may be used for communicating via the second radio frequency link. Similarly, in the case where the corresponding wireless device determines position information associated with the non-AP MLD 405 and / or the AP MLD 410 based on the first radio frequency link, the position information may be used to determine the Tx / Rx beams for the second radio frequency link and thus to determine whether a beam training process should be performed for the second radio frequency link (and the type / degree of the beam training process).

[0123] In other implementations, the wireless device may be configured to perform a beam training process for the second radio frequency link on demand. That is, in some cases, the wireless device may perform a beam training process for the non-7 or lower link only upon request from one of the corresponding devices. For example, in some cases, the non-AP MLD 405 may send a request for a beam training process for the second radio frequency link to the AP MLD 410. In this example, the AP MLD 410 may send signaling at 435 to indicate the type / degree of the beam training process to be performed (e.g., to indicate a selection between a first beam training process and a second beam training process).

[0124] In additional or alternative implementations, the wireless device may indicate whether to perform a beam training procedure (or what type / degree of beam training procedure) based on other parameters or characteristics, such as the mobility state of the corresponding device, the previous operating state of the corresponding device, or both. For example, in a case where both the non-AP MLD 405 and the AP MLD 410 are relatively stationary (e.g., a low mobility state), the beam used for communication via the second radio link may remain relatively constant. Therefore, the signaling at 435 may indicate that the wireless device may skip the execution of the beam training procedure, or perform a less intensive beam training procedure (e.g., only perform a beam refinement procedure). As another example, in a case where the non-AP MLD 405 and / or the AP MLD 410 previously operated in an idle or inactive state for a certain threshold duration, the signaling may indicate that the wireless device desires to perform a certain type of beam training procedure, such as a beam training procedure that includes both a sector-level training procedure and a beam refinement procedure.

[0125] At 440, the non-AP MLD 405 and the AP MLD 410 may determine whether it is desired to perform a beam training process (and what type / degree of beam training process) for the second radio frequency link. Specifically, the corresponding devices may determine whether it is desired to perform a beam training process (and what type / degree of beam training process) for the second radio frequency link based on the signaling at 435.

[0126] In the event that the wireless device is not expected to perform a beam training procedure for the second radio link (step 440=No), process flow 400 may proceed to 450. Conversely, in the event that the wireless device is expected to perform some type of beam training procedure for the second radio link (step 440=Yes), process flow 400 may proceed to 445.

[0127] At 445, the non-AP MLD 405 and the AP MLD 410 may perform a beam training procedure for the second radio link. Specifically, the wireless device may perform the beam training procedure based on the signaling at 435. For example, the wireless device may perform one of the first beam training procedure or the second beam training procedure based on a selection between the first beam training procedure and the second beam training procedure indicated via the signaling at 435.

[0128] As previously described, the type and extent of the beam training process may vary depending on the time used to perform the corresponding process, the steps of the corresponding process, the power consumption associated with the corresponding process, and the relative accuracy / intensity of the corresponding process. For example, in some implementations, a first beam training process may include a beam refinement process (e.g., BRP), and a second beam training process may include a sector-level beam training process and a beam refinement process (e.g., SLS+BRP). In this regard, the second beam training process may be more intensive and require more time and power than the first beam training process, but may be more accurate and precise for determining a beam that will exhibit adequate performance.

[0129] At 450, the non-AP MLD 405 and the AP MLD 410 may determine a beam (e.g., a Tx / Rx beam) to be used for communication via the second radio frequency link. The respective devices may determine the beam (e.g., a narrow beam) to be used for communication via the second radio frequency link based on communication signaling at 435, analysis performed at 440, a beam training process performed at 445, or any combination thereof.

[0130] For example, in the event that the wireless device does not perform a beam training procedure for the second radio frequency link (e.g., step 440=No), the wireless device may determine a Tx / Rx beam for the second radio frequency link based on a previous beam for the second radio frequency link, based on beam information associated with the first radio frequency link (as determined at 420), etc. In this regard, in the event that the wireless device does not perform a beam training procedure for a non-below-7 link, the beam for the second radio frequency link may be determined by utilizing information and operations performed via the below-7 link.

[0131] Conversely, in the event that the wireless device does perform a beam training procedure for the second radio frequency link (eg, step 440 =Yes), the wireless device may determine a Tx / Rx beam for the second radio frequency link based on the beam training procedure performed at 445 .

[0132] At 455, the non-AP MLD 405 and the AP MLD 410 may transmit one or more messages to each other via the second radio frequency link using the beam determined at 450. In this regard, the wireless devices may communicate with each other at 455 based on transmitting signaling at 435, performing analysis at 440, performing a beam training process at 445, determining a beam for the second radio frequency link at 450, or any combination thereof.

[0133] The techniques described herein may facilitate a more efficient beam training process on non-below-7 links. For example, the techniques described herein may enable a wireless device to completely avoid performing a beam training process on a non-below-7 link. In addition, in the event that beam training is still desired to be performed on a non-below-7 link, the techniques described herein may enable a wireless device to determine what precision / accuracy of beam training process should be performed. Therefore, the techniques described herein may reduce the frequency of performing beam training processes on non-below-7 links. In addition, when it is desired to perform a beam training process, the techniques described herein may enable a wireless device to perform a less intensive beam training process in some cases, which may reduce the time and power consumption used to perform such a beam training process. By reducing the time and power consumption associated with beam training processes performed on non-below-7 links, the techniques described herein may improve battery life at a wireless device (e.g., a non-AP MLD), speed up communications on non-below-7 frequency bands, and improve the overall user experience.

[0134] Figure 5 A block diagram 500 of a device 505 supporting beamforming techniques in a Wi-Fi band according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The device 505 may be an example of aspects of an AP as described herein. The device 505 may include a receiver 510, a transmitter 515, and a communication manager 520. The device 505 may also include a processor. Each of these components may communicate with each other (e.g., via one or more buses).

[0135] The receiver 510 may provide a means for receiving information such as packets, user data, control information, or any combination thereof associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, information channels related to beamforming techniques in Wi-Fi bands). The information may be passed to other components of the device 505. The receiver 510 may utilize a single antenna or a collection of multiple antennas.

[0136] The transmitter 515 may provide a means for transmitting signals generated by the other components of the device 505. The transmitter 515 may utilize a single antenna or a collection of multiple antennas.

[0137] The communication manager 520, the receiver 510, the transmitter 515, or various combinations thereof, or various components thereof may be examples of means for performing various aspects of beamforming techniques in the Wi-Fi band as described herein. For example, the communication manager 520, the receiver 510, the transmitter 515, or various combinations thereof or components thereof may support methods for performing one or more functions described herein.

[0138] In some examples, the communication manager 520, the receiver 510, the transmitter 515, or various combinations or components thereof can be implemented in hardware (e.g., in a communication management circuit). The hardware can include a processor, a DSP, a CPU, an ASIC, an FPGA or other programmable logic device, a microcontroller, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof, which are configured as or otherwise support means for performing the functions described in the present disclosure. In some examples, a processor and a memory coupled to the processor can be configured to perform one or more functions described herein (e.g., by executing instructions stored in the memory by the processor).

[0139] Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the communication manager 520, the receiver 510, the transmitter 515, or various combinations or components thereof may be implemented by code executed by a processor (e.g., as communication management software or firmware). If implemented in code executed by a processor, the functions of the communication manager 520, the receiver 510, the transmitter 515, or various combinations or components thereof may be performed by a general purpose processor, a DSP, a CPU, an ASIC, an FPGA, a microcontroller, or any combination of these or other programmable logic devices (e.g., units configured or otherwise supported for performing the functions described in the present disclosure).

[0140] In some examples, communication manager 520 can be configured to perform various operations (e.g., receive, obtain, monitor, output, send) using or cooperating with receiver 510, transmitter 515, or both. For example, communication manager 520 can receive information from receiver 510, send information to transmitter 515, or integrate with receiver 510, transmitter 515, or a combination of both to obtain information, output information, or perform various other operations as described herein.

[0141] The communication manager 520 may support wireless communication at the first wireless device according to the examples disclosed herein. For example, the communication manager 520 may be configured to or otherwise support a unit for transmitting signaling with the second wireless device based on establishing a radio frequency link, the signaling indicating that the first wireless device and the second wireless device are to skip the execution of a beam training process, or indicating a selection between a first beam training process associated with the radio frequency link and a second beam training process associated with the radio frequency link. The communication manager 520 may be configured to or otherwise support a unit for transmitting one or more messages with the second wireless device via the radio frequency link using a beam, the beam based on whether the signaling indicates that the first wireless device and the second wireless device are to skip the execution of a beam training process, or indicates a selection between the first beam training process and the second beam training process.

[0142] By including or configuring the communication manager 520 according to the examples described herein, the device 505 (e.g., a processor controlling the receiver 510, the transmitter 515, the communication manager 520, or a combination thereof or otherwise coupled thereto) can support techniques that facilitate more efficient beam training procedures on non-below-7 links. For example, the techniques described herein can enable a wireless device to completely avoid performing a beam training procedure on a non-below-7 link. In addition, in the event that it is still desired to perform beam training on a non-below-7 link, the techniques described herein can enable the wireless device to determine what precision / accuracy of beam training procedures should be performed. Therefore, the techniques described herein can reduce the frequency of performing beam training procedures on non-below-7 links. In addition, when it is desired to perform a beam training procedure, the techniques described herein can enable the wireless device to perform a less intensive beam training procedure in some cases, which can reduce the time and power consumption used to perform such a beam training procedure. By reducing the time and power consumption associated with the beam training process performed on non-sub-7 links, the techniques described herein can improve battery life at wireless devices (e.g., non-AP MLDs), speed up communications on non-sub-7 bands, and improve the overall user experience.

[0143] Figure 6 A block diagram 600 of a device 605 supporting beamforming techniques in a Wi-Fi band according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The device 605 may be an example of aspects of the device 505 or AP as described herein. The device 605 may include a receiver 610, a transmitter 615, and a communication manager 620. The device 605 may also include a processor. Each of these components may communicate with each other (e.g., via one or more buses).

[0144] The receiver 610 may provide a means for receiving information such as packets, user data, control information, or any combination thereof associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, information channels related to beamforming techniques in Wi-Fi bands). The information may be passed to other components of the device 605. The receiver 610 may utilize a single antenna or a collection of multiple antennas.

[0145] The transmitter 615 may provide a means for transmitting signals generated by the other components of the device 605. The transmitter 615 may utilize a single antenna or a collection of multiple antennas.

[0146] The device 605 or its various components may be examples of units for performing various aspects of beamforming techniques in the Wi-Fi band as described herein. For example, the communication manager 620 may include a beam training signaling manager 625, a message communication manager 630, or any combination thereof. The communication manager 620 may be an example of various aspects of the communication manager 520 described herein. In some examples, the communication manager 620 or its various components may be configured to perform various operations (e.g., receive, obtain, monitor, output, send) using or otherwise cooperating with the receiver 610, the transmitter 615, or both. For example, the communication manager 620 may receive information from the receiver 610, send information to the transmitter 615, or be integrated with the receiver 610, the transmitter 615, or a combination of the two to obtain information, output information, or perform various other operations as described herein.

[0147] The communication manager 620 may support wireless communication at the first wireless device according to the examples disclosed herein. The beam training signaling manager 625 may be configured as or otherwise support a unit for transmitting signaling with the second wireless device based on establishing a radio frequency link, the signaling being used to indicate that the first wireless device and the second wireless device are to skip the execution of the beam training process, or indicate a selection between a first beam training process associated with the radio frequency link and a second beam training process associated with the radio frequency link. The message communication manager 630 may be configured as or otherwise support a unit for transmitting one or more messages with the second wireless device via the radio frequency link using a beam, the beam based on whether the signaling indicates that the first wireless device and the second wireless device are to skip the execution of the beam training process, or indicates a selection between the first beam training process and the second beam training process.

[0148] Figure 7 A block diagram 700 of a communication manager 720 supporting beamforming techniques in a Wi-Fi band according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The communication manager 720 may be an example of aspects of the communication manager 520, the communication manager 620, or both as described herein. The communication manager 720 or its various components may be examples of units for performing various aspects of beamforming techniques in a Wi-Fi band as described herein. For example, the communication manager 720 may include a beam training signaling manager 725, a message transmission manager 730, a measurement manager 735, a beam training process manager 740, a request transmission manager 745, or any combination thereof. Each of these components may communicate with each other directly or indirectly (e.g., via one or more buses).

[0149] The communication manager 720 may support wireless communication at the first wireless device according to the examples disclosed herein. The beam training signaling manager 725 may be configured to or otherwise support a unit for transmitting signaling with the second wireless device based on establishing a radio frequency link, the signaling indicating that the first wireless device and the second wireless device are to skip the execution of a beam training process, or indicating a selection between a first beam training process associated with the radio frequency link and a second beam training process associated with the radio frequency link. The message communication manager 730 may be configured to or otherwise support a unit for transmitting one or more messages with the second wireless device via the radio frequency link using a beam, the beam based on whether the signaling indicates that the first wireless device and the second wireless device are to skip the execution of a beam training process, or indicates a selection between the first beam training process and the second beam training process.

[0150] In some examples, the measurement manager 735 can be configured as or otherwise support means for performing one or more measurements on a signal received from a second wireless device via a radio frequency link, wherein signaling indicates a selection between a first beam training procedure and a second beam training procedure based on a failure of the one or more measurements to satisfy one or more thresholds.

[0151] In some examples, the measurement manager 735 can be configured as or otherwise support means for performing one or more measurements on a signal received from the second wireless device via a radio frequency link, wherein signaling indicates to the first wireless device and the second wireless device to skip execution of a beam training process based on the one or more measurements satisfying one or more thresholds.

[0152] In some examples, the radio frequency link is associated with a first frequency band, and the message transmission manager 730 can be configured as or otherwise support means for communicating with a second wireless device via a second radio frequency link associated with a second frequency band different from the first frequency band, wherein the transmission signaling is based on location information, beam information, or both, wherein the location information, beam information, or both are based on communicating via the second radio frequency link.

[0153] In some examples, the first frequency band is associated with frequencies above 7 GHz. In some examples, the second frequency band is associated with frequencies below 7 GHz.

[0154] In some examples, the beam training signaling manager 725 can be configured as or otherwise support means for transmitting signaling indicating a selection between a first beam training procedure and a second beam training procedure based on the first wireless device, the second wireless device, or both, previously operating according to an idle state for at least a duration.

[0155] In some examples, the first beam training process includes a beam refinement process, and the beam training process manager 740 can be configured as or otherwise support a unit for performing one of the first beam training process or the second beam training process based on signaling indicating a selection between the first beam training process and the second beam training process, wherein the beam used to transmit one or more messages via the radio frequency link is selected based on performing the first beam training process or the second beam training process.

[0156] In some examples, to support performing a second beam training procedure, the beam training procedure manager 740 may be configured or otherwise support means for receiving a first plurality of sets of signals from a second wireless device to identify a first sector in a set of multiple sectors using a set of multiple wide beams that are spatially separated within a set of multiple sectors during one or more beacon transmission intervals associated with a sector-level training procedure. In some examples, to support performing a second beam training procedure, the beam training procedure manager 740 may be configured or otherwise support means for receiving a second plurality of sets of signals from a second wireless device using a set of multiple narrow beams that are spatially separated within a first sector during one or more service periods associated with a beam refinement procedure, wherein the beams are selected from the set of multiple narrow beams.

[0157] In some examples, to support performing a second beam training procedure, the beam training procedure manager 740 may be configured or otherwise support means for transmitting a first plurality of sets of signals to a second wireless device during one or more service periods associated with a sector-level training procedure using a set of a plurality of wide beams that are spatially separated within sectors in a set of a plurality of sectors to identify a first sector in a set of a plurality of sectors. In some examples, to support performing a second beam training procedure, the beam training procedure manager 740 may be configured or otherwise support means for transmitting a second plurality of sets of signals to a second wireless device during one or more additional service periods associated with a beam refinement procedure using a set of a plurality of narrow beams that are spatially separated within a first sector, wherein the beams are selected from the set of a plurality of narrow beams.

[0158] In some examples, to support performance of a first beam training process, the beam training process manager 740 may be configured to or otherwise support means for sending a set of multiple signals to a second wireless device as part of a beam refinement process using a subset of narrow beams from a plurality of sets of narrow beams spatially separated across sectors in a set of multiple sectors, wherein the beams are selected from the subset of narrow beams.

[0159] In some examples, to support performing a second beam training procedure, the beam training procedure manager 740 may be configured to or otherwise support a unit for receiving a set of a first plurality of signals from a second wireless device as part of a sector-level training procedure using a set of a plurality of wide beams that are spatially separated across a set of a plurality of sectors to identify a first sector in a plurality of sets of sectors. In some examples, to support performing a second beam training procedure, the beam training procedure manager 740 may be configured to or otherwise support a unit for receiving a set of a second plurality of signals from a second wireless device as part of a beam refinement procedure using a set of a plurality of narrow beams that are spatially separated across a first sector, wherein the beam is selected from the set of a plurality of narrow beams.

[0160] In some examples, 750 can be configured as or otherwise support a unit for communicating a message indicating a first sector in a set of multiple sectors with a second wireless device based on sending a set of a first plurality of signals as part of a sector-level training process, wherein sending a set of a second plurality of signals as part of a beam refinement process is based on the message indicating the first sector.

[0161] In some examples, the request communication manager 745 can be configured as or otherwise support a unit for communicating a request for one of a first beam training procedure or a second beam training procedure with a second wireless device, wherein signaling indicates a selection between the first beam training procedure and the second beam training procedure based on the request.

[0162] In some examples, the beam training signaling manager 725 can be configured as or otherwise support means for transmitting signaling based on a mobility state associated with the first wireless device, the second wireless device, or both.

[0163] In some examples, the first wireless device includes an AP, a first MLD, or both. In some examples, the second wireless device includes a STA, a second MLD, or both. In some examples, the first wireless device includes a STA, a first MLD, or both. In some examples, the second wireless device includes an AP, a second MLD, or both.

[0164] Figure 8A diagram of a system 800 including a device 805 supporting beamforming techniques in a Wi-Fi band according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The device 805 may be an example of or include components of a device 505, a device 605, or an AP as described herein. The device 805 may include components for two-way voice and data communications, including components for sending and receiving communications, such as a communication manager 820, a network communication manager 810, a transceiver 815, an antenna 825, a memory 830, a code 835, a processor 840, and an inter-AP communication manager 845. These components may be in electronic communication or otherwise coupled (e.g., operatively, communicatively, functionally, electronically, electrically) via one or more buses (e.g., a bus 850).

[0165] The network communications manager 810 may manage communications with the core network (eg, via one or more wired backhaul links). For example, the network communications manager 810 may manage the transmission of data communications for client devices (eg, one or more STAs 115).

[0166] In some cases, the device 805 may include a single antenna 825. However, in some other cases, the device 805 may have more than one antenna 825, which is capable of sending or receiving multiple wireless transmissions at the same time. The transceiver 815 can communicate bidirectionally via one or more antennas 825, wired or wireless links as described herein. For example, the transceiver 815 can represent a wireless transceiver and can communicate bidirectionally with another wireless transceiver. The transceiver 815 may also include a modem for modulating packets and providing the modulated packets to one or more antennas 825 for transmission, and demodulating packets received from one or more antennas 825. As described herein, the transceiver 815 or the transceiver 815 and the one or more antennas 825 can be examples of transmitters 515, transmitters 615, receivers 510, receivers 610, or any combination thereof or components thereof.

[0167] The memory 830 may include RAM and ROM. The memory 830 may store computer-readable, computer-executable code 835, which includes instructions that, when executed by the processor 840, cause the device 805 to perform various functions described herein. In some cases, the memory 830 may contain a BIOS, etc., which may control basic hardware or software operations, such as interaction with peripheral components or devices.

[0168] The processor 840 may include an intelligent hardware device (e.g., a general-purpose processor, a DSP, a CPU, a microcontroller, an ASIC, an FPGA, a programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic component, a discrete hardware component, or any combination thereof). In some cases, the processor 840 may be configured to operate a memory array using a memory controller. In some other cases, the memory controller may be integrated into the processor 840. The processor 840 may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in a memory (e.g., a memory 830) to enable the device 805 to perform various functions (e.g., functions or tasks that support beamforming technology in a Wi-Fi band). For example, the device 805 or a component of the device 805 may include a processor 840 and a memory 830, which is coupled to the processor 840 or coupled with the processor 840, and the processor 840 and the memory 830 are configured to perform various functions described herein.

[0169] The inter-station communication manager 845 may manage communications with other APs 105 and may include a controller or scheduler for controlling communications with STAs 115 in cooperation with other APs 105. For example, the inter-station communication manager 845 may coordinate the scheduling of transmissions to the APs 105 for various interference mitigation techniques such as beamforming or joint transmissions. In some examples, the inter-station communication manager 845 may provide an X2 interface within an LTE / LTE-A wireless communication network technology to provide communications between APs 105.

[0170] The communication manager 820 may support wireless communication at the first wireless device according to the examples disclosed herein. For example, the communication manager 820 may be configured to or otherwise support a unit for transmitting signaling with the second wireless device based on establishing a radio frequency link, the signaling indicating that the first wireless device and the second wireless device are to skip the execution of a beam training process, or indicating a selection between a first beam training process associated with the radio frequency link and a second beam training process associated with the radio frequency link. The communication manager 820 may be configured to or otherwise support a unit for transmitting one or more messages with the second wireless device via the radio frequency link using a beam, the beam based on whether the signaling indicates that the first wireless device and the second wireless device are to skip the execution of a beam training process, or indicates a selection between the first beam training process and the second beam training process.

[0171] By including or configuring the communication manager 820 according to the examples described herein, the device 805 can support techniques that facilitate more efficient beam training processes on non-below-7 links. For example, the techniques described herein can enable a wireless device to completely avoid performing a beam training process on a non-below-7 link. In addition, in the case where it is still desired to perform beam training on a non-below-7 link, the techniques described herein can enable a wireless device to determine what precision / accuracy of beam training processes should be performed. Therefore, the techniques described herein can reduce the frequency of performing beam training processes on non-below-7 links. In addition, when it is desired to perform a beam training process, the techniques described herein can enable a wireless device to perform a less intensive beam training process in some cases, which can reduce the time and power consumption for performing such a beam training process. By reducing the time and power consumption associated with the beam training process performed on a non-below-7 link, the techniques described herein can improve the battery life at a wireless device (e.g., a non-AP MLD), speed up communications on non-below-7 frequency bands, and improve the overall user experience.

[0172] Fig. 9 A flowchart illustrating a method 900 for supporting beamforming techniques in Wi-Fi bands according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown. As described herein, the operations of the method 900 may be implemented by an AP or a component thereof. For example, the operations of the method 900 may be implemented by reference to Figure 1-8 The AP described herein performs. In some examples, the AP may execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the AP to perform the described functions. Additionally or alternatively, the AP may use dedicated hardware to perform various aspects of the described functions.

[0173] At 905, the method may include transmitting signaling with the second wireless device based on establishing the radio frequency link, the signaling indicating that the first wireless device and the second wireless device are to skip the execution of the beam training process, or indicating a selection between a first beam training process associated with the radio frequency link and a second beam training process associated with the radio frequency link. Operation 905 may be performed according to examples disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of operation 905 may be performed as described in reference to Figure 7 The beam training signaling manager 725 executes.

[0174] At 910, the method may include transmitting one or more messages with the second wireless device via a radio frequency link using a beam, wherein the beam is based on whether the signaling indicates that the first wireless device and the second wireless device are to skip the performance of the beam training process or indicate a selection between the first beam training process and the second beam training process. Operation 910 may be performed according to examples disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of operation 910 may be performed as described in reference to Figure 7 The message delivery manager 730 executes.

[0175] Fig.10 A flowchart illustrating a method 1000 for supporting beamforming techniques in Wi-Fi bands according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown. As described herein, the operations of the method 1000 may be implemented by an AP or a component thereof. For example, the operations of the method 1000 may be implemented by reference to Figure 1-8 The AP described herein performs. In some examples, the AP may execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the AP to perform the described functions. Additionally or alternatively, the AP may use dedicated hardware to perform various aspects of the described functions.

[0176] At 1005, the method may include performing one or more measurements on a signal received from a second wireless device via a radio frequency link. Operation 1005 may be performed according to examples disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of operation 1005 may be performed as described in reference to Figure 7 The measurement manager 735 executes.

[0177] At 1010, the method may include transmitting signaling with the second wireless device based on establishing the radio frequency link, the signaling indicating a selection between a first beam training procedure associated with the radio frequency link and a second beam training procedure associated with the radio frequency link based on one or more measurements failing to satisfy one or more thresholds. Operation 1010 may be performed according to examples disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of operation 1010 may be performed as described in reference to Figure 7 The beam training signaling manager 725 executes.

[0178] At 1015, the method may include transmitting one or more messages with the second wireless device via a radio frequency link using a beam based on signaling indicating a selection between a first beam training procedure and a second beam training procedure. Operation 1015 may be performed according to examples disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of operation 1015 may be performed as described in reference to Figure 7 The message parameter manager 730 executes.

[0179] Fig.11 A flowchart illustrating a method 1100 for supporting beamforming techniques in Wi-Fi bands according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown. As described herein, the operations of the method 1100 may be implemented by an AP or a component thereof. For example, the operations of the method 1100 may be implemented by reference to Figure 1-8 The AP described herein performs. In some examples, the AP may execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the AP to perform the described functions. Additionally or alternatively, the AP may use dedicated hardware to perform various aspects of the described functions.

[0180] At 1105, the method may include performing one or more measurements on a signal received from the second wireless device via the radio frequency link, wherein the signaling indicates to the first wireless device and the second wireless device to skip performing a beam training process based on the one or more measurements satisfying one or more thresholds. Operation 1105 may be performed according to examples disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of operation 1105 may be performed as described in reference to Figure 7 The measurement manager 735 executes.

[0181] At 1110, the method may include transmitting signaling with the second wireless device based on establishing a radio frequency link, the signaling indicating to the first wireless device and the second wireless device to skip performing a beam training process based at least in part on one or more measurements satisfying one or more thresholds. Operation 1110 may be performed according to examples disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of operation 1110 may be performed as described in reference to Figure 7 The beam training signaling manager 725 executes.

[0182] At 1115, the method may include transmitting one or more messages with the second wireless device via a radio frequency link using a beam based on signaling indicating that the first wireless device and the second wireless device are to skip the performance of a beam training process. Operation 1115 may be performed according to examples disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of operation 1115 may be performed as described in reference to Figure 7 The message delivery manager 730 executes.

[0183] Fig.12 A flowchart illustrating a method 1200 for supporting beamforming techniques in Wi-Fi bands according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown. As described herein, the operations of the method 1200 may be implemented by an AP or a component thereof. For example, the operations of the method 1200 may be implemented by reference to Figure 1-8 The AP described herein performs. In some examples, the AP may execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the AP to perform the described functions. Additionally or alternatively, the AP may use dedicated hardware to perform various aspects of the described functions.

[0184] At 1205, the method may include communicating with a second wireless device via a second radio frequency link associated with a second frequency band different from the first frequency band, wherein transmitting signaling is based on location information, beam information, or both, wherein the location information, beam information, or both are based on communicating via the second radio frequency link. Operation 1205 may be performed according to examples disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of operation 1205 may be performed as described in reference to Figure 7 The message delivery manager 730 executes.

[0185] At 1210, the method may include determining location information, beam information, or both based at least in part on communicating via the second radio frequency link. Operation 1210 may be performed according to examples disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of operation 1210 may be performed as described in reference to Figure 7 The message delivery manager 730 executes.

[0186] At 1215, the method may include transmitting signaling with the second wireless device based on establishing the radio frequency link, the signaling indicating that the first wireless device and the second wireless device are to skip performing a beam training procedure, or indicating a selection between a first beam training procedure associated with the radio frequency link and a second beam training procedure associated with the radio frequency link, wherein the transmitting signaling is based at least in part on location information, beam information, or both, wherein the location information, beam information, or both are based at least in part on communicating via the second radio frequency link. Operation 1215 may be performed according to examples disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of operation 1215 may be performed as described in reference to Figure 7 The beam training signaling manager 725 executes.

[0187] At 1220, the method may include transmitting one or more messages with the second wireless device via a radio frequency link using a beam, wherein the beam is based on whether the signaling indicates that the first wireless device and the second wireless device are to skip the performance of the beam training process or indicate a selection between the first beam training process and the second beam training process. Operation 1220 may be performed according to examples disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of operation 1220 may be performed as described in reference to Figure 7 The message delivery manager 730 executes.

[0188] The following provides an overview of various aspects of the disclosure:

[0189] Aspect 1: A method for wireless communication at a first wireless device, comprising: transmitting signaling to a second wireless device based at least in part on establishing a radio frequency link, the signaling indicating that the first wireless device and the second wireless device are to skip the execution of a beam training process, or indicating a selection between a first beam training process associated with the radio frequency link and a second beam training process associated with the radio frequency link; and using a beam to transmit one or more messages to the second wireless device via the radio frequency link, the beam being based at least in part on whether the signaling indicates that the first wireless device and the second wireless device are to skip the execution of the beam training process, or indicates the selection between the first beam training process and the second beam training process.

[0190] Aspect 2: The method described in Aspect 1 further includes: performing one or more measurements on a signal received from the second wireless device via the RF link, wherein the signaling indicates the selection between the first beam training process and the second beam training process based at least in part on the one or more measurements failing to meet one or more thresholds.

[0191] Aspect 3: The method described in any one of Aspects 1 to 2 further includes: performing one or more measurements on a signal received from the second wireless device via the RF link, wherein the signaling indicates to the first wireless device and the second wireless device to skip the execution of the beam training process based at least in part on the one or more measurements satisfying one or more thresholds.

[0192] Aspect 4: The method described in any one of Aspects 1 to 3, wherein the radio frequency link is associated with a first frequency band, and the method further comprises: communicating with the second wireless device via a second radio frequency link associated with a second frequency band different from the first frequency band, wherein transmitting the signaling is at least partially based on location information, beam information, or both, and wherein the location information, the beam information, or both are at least partially based on communication via the second radio frequency link.

[0193] Aspect 5: The method of aspect 4, wherein the first frequency band is associated with frequencies above 7 GHz and the second frequency band is associated with frequencies below 7 GHz.

[0194] Aspect 6: The method described in any one of Aspects 1 to 5 further includes: transmitting the signaling for indicating the selection between the first beam training process and the second beam training process based at least in part on the first wireless device, the second wireless device, or both, having previously operated in an idle state for at least a duration.

[0195] Aspect 7: The method described in Aspects 1 to 6, wherein the first beam training process includes a beam refinement process, and wherein the second beam training process includes the sector-level training process and the beam refinement process, and the method further includes: performing one of the first beam training process or the second beam training process according to the signaling used to indicate the selection between the first beam training process and the second beam training process, wherein the beam used to transmit the one or more messages via the radio frequency link is selected at least in part based on performing the first beam training process or the second beam training process.

[0196] Aspect 8: The method described in Aspect 7, wherein performing the second beam training process includes: during one or more beacon transmission intervals associated with the sector-level training process, using a plurality of wide beams spatially separated within a plurality of sectors, receiving a first plurality of signals from the second wireless device to identify a first sector among the plurality of sectors; and during one or more service periods associated with the beam refinement process, using a plurality of narrow beams spatially separated within the first sector, receiving a second plurality of signals from the second wireless device, wherein the beam is selected from the plurality of narrow beams.

[0197] Aspect 9: A method as described in any one of Aspects 7 to 8, wherein performing the second beam training process includes: during one or more service periods associated with the sector-level training process, using a plurality of wide beams spatially separated within sectors among a plurality of sectors, sending a first plurality of signals to the second wireless device to identify a first sector among the plurality of sectors; and during one or more additional service periods associated with the beam refinement process, using a plurality of narrow beams spatially separated within the first sector, sending a second plurality of signals to the second wireless device, wherein the beams are selected from a plurality of narrow beams.

[0198] Aspect 10: A method as described in any of Aspects 7 to 9, wherein the first wireless device is associated with a plurality of narrow beams spatially separated across a plurality of sectors, and wherein performing the first beam training process comprises: as part of the beam refinement process, sending a plurality of signals to the second wireless device using a subset of narrow beams from the plurality of narrow beams spatially separated across sectors in the plurality of sectors, wherein the beams are selected from the subset of narrow beams.

[0199] Aspect 11: A method as described in any one of Aspects 7 to 10, and wherein performing the second beam training process includes: as part of the sector-level training process, receiving a first plurality of signals from the second wireless device using a plurality of wide beams spatially separated across a plurality of sectors to identify a first sector among the plurality of sectors; and as part of the beam refinement process, receiving a second plurality of signals from the second wireless device using a plurality of narrow beams spatially separated across the first sector, wherein the beams are selected from the plurality of narrow beams.

[0200] Aspect 12: The method described in Aspect 11 also includes: transmitting a message indicating the first sector among the multiple sectors with the second wireless device at least in part based on sending the first plurality of signals as part of the sector-level training process, wherein sending the second plurality of signals as part of the beam refinement process is at least in part based on the message indicating the first sector.

[0201] Aspect 13: The method described in any one of Aspects 1 to 12 further includes: transmitting a request for one of the first beam training process or the second beam training process to the second wireless device, wherein the signaling indicates the selection between the first beam training process and the second beam training process based at least in part on the request.

[0202] Aspect 14: The method of any one of Aspects 1 to 13, further comprising: transmitting the signaling based at least in part on a mobility state associated with the first wireless device, the second wireless device, or both.

[0203] Aspect 15: The method described in any one of Aspects 1 to 14, wherein the first wireless device includes an AP, a first multi-link device, or both, and the second wireless device includes an STA, a second multi-link device, or both, or the first wireless device includes the STA, the first multi-link device, or both, and the second wireless device includes the AP, the second multi-link device, or both.

[0204] Aspect 16: An apparatus for wireless communication at a first wireless device, comprising a processor; a memory coupled to the processor; and instructions stored in the memory and executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to perform the method of any one of aspects 1 to 15.

[0205] Aspect 17: An apparatus for wireless communication at a first wireless device, comprising at least one unit for performing the method of any one of aspects 1 to 15.

[0206] Aspect 18: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication at a first wireless device, the code comprising instructions executable by a processor to perform the method of any one of aspects 1 to 15.

[0207] It should be noted that the methods described herein describe possible implementations, and that the operations and steps may be rearranged or otherwise modified, and other implementations are possible. Furthermore, aspects from two or more methods may be combined.

[0208] The technology described herein can be used for various wireless communication systems, such as code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA), single carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) and other systems. The terms "system" and "network" are usually used interchangeably. A code division multiple access (CDMA) system can implement radio technologies such as CDMA2000, Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (UTRA), etc. CDMA2000 covers IS-2000, IS-95 and IS-856 standards. IS-2000 releases are usually referred to as CDMA2000 1X, 1X, etc. IS-856 (TIA-856) is usually referred to as CDMA2000 1xEV-DO, High Speed ​​Packet Data (HRPD), etc. UTRA includes Wideband CDMA (WCDMA) and other variants of CDMA. A time division multiple access (TDMA) system can implement radio technologies such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM). An Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) system may implement radio technologies such as Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), Evolved UTRA (E-UTRA), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802.20, Flash-OFDM, and the like.

[0209] One or more wireless communication systems described herein may support synchronous or asynchronous operation. For synchronous operation, STAs have similar frame timing, and transmissions from different STAs may be approximately aligned in time. For asynchronous operation, STAs have different frame timing, and transmissions from different STAs may not be aligned in time. The techniques described herein may be used for synchronous or asynchronous operation.

[0210] Downlink transmissions described herein may also be referred to as forward link transmissions, and uplink transmissions may also be referred to as reverse link transmissions. Each communication link described herein (including, for example, Figure 1 and Figure 2 The wireless communication systems 100 and 200 may include one or more carriers, wherein each carrier may be a signal composed of multiple subcarriers (eg, waveform signals of different frequencies).

[0211] The descriptions set forth herein in conjunction with the accompanying drawings describe exemplary configurations and do not represent all examples that may be implemented or within the scope of the claims. The term "exemplary" as used herein means "used as an example, instance, or illustration," rather than "preferred" or "better than other examples." The detailed description includes specific details to provide an understanding of the described techniques. However, these techniques may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to avoid obscuring the concepts of the described examples.

[0212] In the drawings, similar components or features may have the same reference label. In addition, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label with a dash and a second label that distinguishes between the similar components. If only the first reference label is used in the specification, the description applies to any one similar component having the same first reference label, regardless of the second reference label.

[0213] The information and signals described herein may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies and techniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be referenced throughout the description may be represented by voltage, current, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof.

[0214] A general purpose processor, DSP, ASIC, FPGA or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof for performing the functions described herein may implement or perform the various exemplary blocks and modules described in conjunction with the present disclosure. A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in an alternative embodiment, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. The processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices (e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, a combination of one or more microprocessors and a DSP core, or any other such configuration).

[0215] The functions described herein may be implemented in hardware, software executed by a processor, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software executed by a processor, these functions may be stored in a computer-readable medium or transmitted as one or more instructions or codes on a computer-readable medium. Other examples and implementations are within the scope of the present disclosure and the appended claims. For example, due to the nature of software, the above functions may be implemented using software executed by a processor, hardware, firmware, hard wiring, or any combination thereof. The features that implement the functions may also be physically located in various locations, including being distributed so that the various parts of the functions are implemented at different physical locations. In addition, as used herein, including in the claims, the "or" used in a list of items (e.g., a list of items beginning with phrases such as "at least one" or "one or more") represents an inclusive list, such that, for example, a list of at least one of A, B, or C represents A or B or C or AB or AC or BC or ABC (i.e., A and B and C). Moreover, as used herein, the phrase "based on" should not be interpreted as a reference to a closed set of conditions. For example, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, an exemplary step described as "based on condition A" may be based on both condition A and condition B. In other words, as used herein, the phrase "based on" should be interpreted in the same manner as the phrase "based at least in part on."

[0216] Computer readable medium includes non-transitory computer storage medium and communication medium, wherein communication medium includes any medium that is convenient to transmit computer program from one place to another place.Non-transitory storage medium can be any available medium that can be accessed by general-purpose computer or special-purpose computer.By way of example and not limitation, non-transitory computer readable medium can include RAM, ROM, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), compact disk (CD) ROM or other optical disk storage, disk storage or other magnetic storage device, or can be used for carrying or storing the program code unit with instruction or data structure form and can be accessed by general-purpose computer or special-purpose computer or general processor or special-purpose processor any other medium.In addition, any connection can be appropriately referred to as computer readable medium.For example, if software is transmitted from website, server or other remote source using coaxial cable, optical fiber cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL) or wireless technology such as infrared, wireless and microwave, then coaxial cable, optical fiber cable, twisted pair, DSL or wireless technology such as infrared, wireless and microwave are included in the definition of described medium. As used herein, disk and disc include CD, laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk and Blu-ray disc, wherein disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while discs use lasers to reproduce data optically. The above combinations should also be included in the scope of protection of computer-readable media.

[0217] The description herein is provided to enable those skilled in the art to make or use the present disclosure. Various modifications to the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other variations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure is not limited to the examples and designs described herein, but should be given the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. An apparatus for wireless communication at a first wireless device, comprising: processor; a memory coupled to the processor; as well as instructions stored in the memory and executable by the processor to cause the device to: transmitting signaling with a second wireless device based at least in part on establishing a radio frequency link, the signaling indicating that the first wireless device and the second wireless device are to skip performance of a beam training procedure or indicating a selection between a first beam training procedure associated with the radio frequency link and a second beam training procedure associated with the radio frequency link; as well as One or more messages are transmitted with the second wireless device via the radio frequency link using a beam, the beam being at least partially based on whether the signaling indicates to the first wireless device and the second wireless device to skip performance of the beam training procedure or to indicate the selection between the first beam training procedure and the second beam training procedure.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The instructions are also executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: performing one or more measurements on signals received from the second wireless device via the radio frequency link, wherein the signaling indicates the selection between the first beam training procedure and the second beam training procedure based at least in part on a failure of the one or more measurements to satisfy one or more thresholds.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The instructions are also executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: One or more measurements are performed on signals received from the second wireless device via the radio frequency link, wherein the signaling indicates to the first wireless device and the second wireless device to skip performance of the beam training procedure based at least in part on the one or more measurements satisfying one or more thresholds.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The radio frequency link is associated with a first frequency band, and the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: and communicating with the second wireless device via a second radio frequency link associated with a second frequency band different from the first frequency band, wherein transmitting the signaling is based at least in part on location information, beam information, or both, wherein the location information, the beam information, or both are based at least in part on communicating via the second radio frequency link.

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein: The first frequency band is associated with frequencies above 7 GHz, and wherein the second frequency band is associated with frequencies below 7 GHz.

6. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The instructions are also executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: The signaling indicating the selection between the first beam training procedure and the second beam training procedure is transmitted based at least in part on the first wireless device, the second wireless device, or both, previously operating according to an idle state for at least a duration.

7. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The first beam training process includes a beam refinement process without a sector-level training process, and wherein the second beam training process includes the sector-level training process and the beam refinement process, and the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: performing one of the first beam training procedure or the second beam training procedure based on the signaling indicating the selection between the first beam training procedure and the second beam training procedure, wherein the beam used to transmit the one or more messages via the radio frequency link is selected at least in part based on performing the first beam training procedure or the second beam training procedure.

8. The device according to claim 7, wherein: The instructions for performing the second beam training process are executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: receiving, during one or more beacon transmission intervals associated with the sector-level training procedure, a first plurality of signals from the second wireless device using a plurality of wide beams spatially separated within a plurality of sectors to identify a first sector of the plurality of sectors; as well as During one or more service periods associated with the beam refinement process, a second plurality of signals are received from the second wireless device using a plurality of narrow beams that are spatially separated within the first sector, wherein the beams are selected from the plurality of narrow beams.

9. The device according to claim 7, wherein: The instructions for performing the second beam training process are executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: transmitting, during one or more service periods associated with the sector-level training procedure, a first plurality of signals to the second wireless device using a plurality of wide beams spatially separated within sectors of a plurality of sectors to identify a first sector of the plurality of sectors; as well as During one or more additional service periods associated with the beam refinement process, a second plurality of signals are transmitted to the second wireless device using a plurality of narrow beams that are spatially separated within the first sector, wherein the beams are selected from the plurality of narrow beams.

10. The device according to claim 7, wherein: The first wireless device is associated with a plurality of narrow beams that are spatially separated across a plurality of sectors, and wherein the instructions for performing the first beam training procedure are executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: As part of the beam refinement process, a plurality of signals are transmitted to the second wireless device using a subset of narrow beams from the plurality of narrow beams that are spatially separated across sectors from the plurality of sectors, wherein the beams are selected from the subset of narrow beams.

11. The device according to claim 7, wherein: The instructions for performing the second beam training process are executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: as part of the sector-level training process, receiving a first plurality of signals from the second wireless device using a plurality of wide beams spatially separated across a plurality of sectors to identify a first sector of the plurality of sectors; as well as As part of the beam refinement process, a second plurality of signals are received from the second wireless device using a plurality of narrow beams that are spatially separated across the first sector, wherein the beam is selected from the plurality of narrow beams.

12. The device according to claim 11, wherein: The instructions are also executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: Based at least in part on sending the first plurality of signals as part of the sector-level training process, communicating with the second wireless device a message indicating the first sector of the plurality of sectors, wherein sending the second plurality of signals as part of the beam refinement process is based at least in part on the message indicating the first sector.

13. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The instructions are also executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: and transmitting, with the second wireless device, a request for one of the first beam training procedure or the second beam training procedure, wherein the signaling indicates the selection between the first beam training procedure and the second beam training procedure based at least in part on the request.

14. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The instructions are also executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: The signaling is transmitted based at least in part on a mobility state associated with the first wireless device, the second wireless device, or both.

15. The device according to claim 1, in, The first wireless device comprises an access point (AP), a first multi-link device, or both, and wherein the second wireless device comprises a station (STA), a second multi-link device, or both, or The first wireless device includes the STA, the first multi-link device, or both, and the second wireless device includes the AP, the second multi-link device, or both.

16. A method for wireless communication at a first wireless device, comprising: transmitting signaling with a second wireless device based at least in part on establishing a radio frequency link, the signaling indicating that the first wireless device and the second wireless device are to skip performance of a beam training procedure or indicating a selection between a first beam training procedure associated with the radio frequency link and a second beam training procedure associated with the radio frequency link; as well as One or more messages are transmitted with the second wireless device via the radio frequency link using a beam, the beam being at least partially based on whether the signaling indicates to the first wireless device and the second wireless device to skip performance of the beam training procedure or to indicate the selection between the first beam training procedure and the second beam training procedure.

17. The method according to claim 16, further comprising: performing one or more measurements on signals received from the second wireless device via the radio frequency link, wherein the signaling indicates the selection between the first beam training procedure and the second beam training procedure based at least in part on a failure of the one or more measurements to satisfy one or more thresholds.

18. The method according to claim 16, further comprising: One or more measurements are performed on signals received from the second wireless device via the radio frequency link, wherein the signaling indicates to the first wireless device and the second wireless device to skip performance of the beam training procedure based at least in part on the one or more measurements satisfying one or more thresholds.

19. The method according to claim 16, wherein: The radio frequency link is associated with a first frequency band, the method further comprising: and communicating with the second wireless device via a second radio frequency link associated with a second frequency band different from the first frequency band, wherein transmitting the signaling is based at least in part on location information, beam information, or both, wherein the location information, the beam information, or both are based at least in part on communicating via the second radio frequency link.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein: The first frequency band is associated with frequencies above 7 GHz, and wherein the second frequency band is associated with frequencies below 7 GHz.

21. The method of claim 16, further comprising: The signaling indicating the selection between the first beam training procedure and the second beam training procedure is transmitted based at least in part on the first wireless device, the second wireless device, or both, previously operating according to an idle state for at least a duration.

22. The method according to claim 16, wherein: The first beam training process includes a beam refinement process without a sector-level training process, and wherein the second beam training process includes the sector-level training process and the beam refinement process, and the method further includes: performing one of the first beam training procedure or the second beam training procedure based on the signaling indicating the selection between the first beam training procedure and the second beam training procedure, wherein the beam used to transmit the one or more messages via the radio frequency link is selected at least in part based on performing the first beam training procedure or the second beam training procedure.

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein: Executing the second beam training process includes: receiving, during one or more beacon transmission intervals associated with the sector-level training procedure, a first plurality of signals from the second wireless device using a plurality of wide beams spatially separated within a plurality of sectors to identify a first sector of the plurality of sectors; and During one or more service periods associated with the beam refinement process, a second plurality of signals are received from the second wireless device using a plurality of narrow beams that are spatially separated within the first sector, wherein the beams are selected from the plurality of narrow beams.

24. The method according to claim 22, wherein: Executing the second beam training process includes: During one or more service periods associated with the sector-level training procedure, transmitting a first plurality of signals to the second wireless device using a plurality of wide beams spatially separated within sectors of a plurality of sectors to identify a first sector of the plurality of sectors; and During one or more additional service periods associated with the beam refinement process, a second plurality of signals are transmitted to the second wireless device using a plurality of narrow beams that are spatially separated within the first sector, wherein the beams are selected from the plurality of narrow beams.

25. The method according to claim 22, wherein: The first wireless device is associated with a plurality of narrow beams that are spatially separated across a plurality of sectors, and wherein performing the first beam training procedure comprises: As part of the beam refinement process, a plurality of signals are transmitted to the second wireless device using a subset of narrow beams from the plurality of narrow beams that are spatially separated across sectors from the plurality of sectors, wherein the beams are selected from the subset of narrow beams.

26. The method of claim 22, and wherein: Executing the second beam training process includes: as part of the sector-level training process, receiving a first plurality of signals from the second wireless device using a plurality of wide beams spatially separated across a plurality of sectors to identify a first sector of the plurality of sectors; and As part of the beam refinement process, a second plurality of signals are received from the second wireless device using a plurality of narrow beams that are spatially separated across the first sector, wherein the beam is selected from the plurality of narrow beams.

27. The method according to claim 26, further comprising: Based at least in part on sending the first plurality of signals as part of the sector-level training process, communicating with the second wireless device a message indicating the first sector of the plurality of sectors, wherein sending the second plurality of signals as part of the beam refinement process is based at least in part on the message indicating the first sector.

28. The method of claim 16, further comprising: and transmitting, with the second wireless device, a request for one of the first beam training procedure or the second beam training procedure, wherein the signaling indicates the selection between the first beam training procedure and the second beam training procedure based at least in part on the request.

29. The method of claim 16, further comprising: The signaling is transmitted based at least in part on a mobility state associated with the first wireless device, the second wireless device, or both.

30. The method according to claim 16, in, The first wireless device comprises an access point (AP), a first multi-link device, or both, and wherein the second wireless device comprises a station (STA), a second multi-link device, or both, or The first wireless device includes the STA, the first multi-link device, or both, and the second wireless device includes the AP, the second multi-link device, or both.

31. An apparatus for wireless communication at a first wireless device, comprising: means for communicating signaling with a second wireless device based at least in part on establishing a radio frequency link, the signaling indicating that the first wireless device and the second wireless device are to skip performance of a beam training procedure or indicating a selection between a first beam training procedure associated with the radio frequency link and a second beam training procedure associated with the radio frequency link; as well as and means for communicating one or more messages with the second wireless device via the radio frequency link using a beam, the beam being based at least in part on whether the signaling indicates to the first wireless device and the second wireless device to skip performance of the beam training procedure or to indicate the selection between the first beam training procedure and the second beam training procedure.

32. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication at a first wireless device, the code comprising instructions executable by a processor to: transmitting signaling with a second wireless device based at least in part on establishing a radio frequency link, the signaling indicating to the first wireless device and the second wireless device to skip performance of a beam training procedure or indicating a selection between a first beam training procedure associated with the radio frequency link and a second beam training procedure associated with the radio frequency link; and One or more messages are transmitted with the second wireless device via the radio frequency link using a beam, the beam being at least partially based on whether the signaling indicates to the first wireless device and the second wireless device to skip performance of the beam training procedure or to indicate the selection between the first beam training procedure and the second beam training procedure.

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