Beam training techniques in WIFI band

Abstract

Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communication are described. A first wireless device (e.g., a station (STA), an access point (AP)) can transmit an initiation frame to a second wireless device during a service period using a transmit beam based on a first beam training procedure performed between the devices prior to the service period. The first wireless device can perform a second beam training procedure during a previous service period based on an absence of a response frame from the second wireless device, based on an indication within the response frame received from the second wireless device, or based on an identification of a change in a wireless channel relative to a previous beam training interval or a previous service period. The first wireless device can then communicate one or more messages with the second wireless device using one or more beams based on the second beam training procedure.

Description

[0001] Cross-references

[0002] This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. patent application No. 17 / 942,006, filed by PATIL et al. on September 9, 2022, entitled "BEAM TRAINING TECHNIQUES IN WIFI FREQUENCY BANDS," which has been assigned to the assignee of this application and is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The following relates to wireless communications, including beam training 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 may be multiple access systems that can support communication with multiple users by sharing available system resources (e.g., time, frequency, and power). A wireless network (e.g., a WLAN, such as a Wi-Fi (i.e., an Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11) network) may include an 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 to communicate with other devices coupled to an 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 DL and a UL. A DL (or forward link) may refer to a communication link from an AP to a station, and a UL (or reverse link) may refer to a communication link from a station to an AP.

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

[0006] The described techniques relate to improved methods, systems, devices, or apparatuses that support beam training techniques in Wi-Fi bands. In general, aspects of the present disclosure relate to techniques for handshake signaling between wireless devices that enable the wireless devices to determine whether a Wi-Fi band (such as a 60 GHz link) requires a beam training procedure (or what level of beam training procedure is required). In particular, the wireless devices may perform a beam training procedure and then exchange message frames (e.g., initiation frames, response frames) at the beginning of a subsequent service period (SP) to indicate whether the respective devices may communicate using a previously selected beam, or whether the devices are expected to perform a new beam training procedure. In some cases, a station (STA), an access point (AP), or both may be able to explicitly trigger a beam training procedure within an SP via an initiation frame or a response frame at the beginning of the SP. Additionally or alternatively, the failure of one of the devices to successfully receive an initiation frame and / or a response frame may be used as an implicit indication that the device is to perform a new beam training procedure during the SP.

[0007] A method for wireless communication at a first wireless device is described. The method may include: sending an initiation frame to the second wireless device during the SP using a transmit beam based on a first beam training procedure performed between the first wireless device and the second wireless device prior to the SP; performing a second beam training procedure during the SP based on an absence of a response frame from the second wireless device, based on an indication within the response frame received from the second wireless device, or based on an identification of a change in a wireless channel relative to a previous beam training interval or a previous SP, the response frame being in response to the initiation frame; and communicating one or more messages with the second wireless device using one or more beams based on 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 executed by the processor to cause the apparatus to: send an initiation frame to the second wireless device during the SP using a transmit beam based on a first beam training procedure performed between the first wireless device and the second wireless device prior to the SP; perform a second beam training procedure during the SP based on the absence of a response frame from the second wireless device, based on an indication within the response frame received from the second wireless device, or based on an identification of a change in a wireless channel relative to a previous beam training interval or a previous SP, the response frame being in response to the initiation frame; and communicate one or more messages with the second wireless device using one or more beams based on 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 an initiation frame to the second wireless device during the SP using a transmit beam based on a first beam training procedure performed between the first wireless device and the second wireless device prior to the SP; means for performing a second beam training procedure during the SP based on an absence of a response frame from the second wireless device, based on an indication within the response frame received from the second wireless device, or based on an identification of a change in a wireless channel relative to a previous beam training interval or a previous SP, the response frame being in response to the initiation frame; and means for communicating one or more messages with the second wireless device using one or more beams based on 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 to perform the following operations: transmit an initiation frame to the second wireless device during the SP using a transmit beam based on a first beam training procedure performed between the first wireless device and the second wireless device prior to the SP; perform a second beam training procedure during the SP based on the absence of a response frame from the second wireless device, based on an indication within the response frame received from the second wireless device, or based on an identification of a change in a wireless channel relative to a previous beam training interval or a previous SP, the response frame being in response to the initiation frame; and communicate one or more messages with the second wireless device using one or more beams based on 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, components, or instructions for communicating control signaling indicating a set of multiple SPs associated with the first wireless device with the second wireless device, the set of multiple SPs including the SP, wherein the initiation frame may be sent based on the control signaling.

[0012] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the initiation frame includes an indication of whether the first wireless device may be requesting to perform the second beam training procedure with the second wireless device during the SP.

[0013] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, components, or instructions for performing one or more measurements on a signal received from the second wireless device via a receive beam based on the first beam training procedure, wherein the initiation frame may be sent based on whether the one or more measurements satisfy one or more thresholds.

[0014] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the initiation frame includes an indication that the first wireless device may be requesting execution of the second beam training procedure based on the one or more measurements failing to satisfy the one or more thresholds, and the initiation frame includes an indication that the first wireless device may be not requesting execution of the second beam training procedure based on the one or more measurements satisfying the one or more thresholds.

[0015] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the initiation frame includes a B SR associated with a service to be communicated from the first wireless device to the second wireless device, and the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media may include additional operations, features, components, or instructions for performing the following actions: using the one or more beams and based on the BSR, sending the service to the second wireless device.

[0016] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, components, or instructions for performing the following operations: based on the BSR, receiving a trigger frame for scheduling the service from the second wireless device, wherein the service can be sent based on the trigger frame.

[0017] Some examples of the methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, components, or instructions for receiving downlink traffic from the second wireless device along with the trigger frame.

[0018] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the one or more messages may be received from the second wireless device using a receive beam based on the second beam training procedure, and a last frame of the one or more messages indicates an end of the one or more messages, an end of the SP, or both.

[0019] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the first wireless device receives the one or more messages while in a first operating state associated with a first power consumption, and the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media may include additional operations, features, components, or instructions for performing the following actions: based on the one or more messages indicating the end of the one or more messages, the end of the SP, or both, transitioning to a second operating state associated with a second power consumption that may be less than the first power consumption.

[0020] Some examples of the methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, components, or instructions for communicating one or more additional messages with the second wireless device during the second SP using the one or more beams based on the second beam training procedure.

[0021] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the one or more messages include an indication of the second SP used for communication between the first wireless device and the second wireless device, and the one or more additional messages may be communicated based on the indication of the second SP.

[0022] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the initiation frame includes the indication that the first wireless device may be requesting to perform the second beam training procedure with the second wireless device, and the method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media may include additional operations, features, components, or instructions for performing the following actions: based on the initiation frame, receiving the response frame from the second wireless device, wherein the response frame includes a confirmation of the second beam training procedure, wherein the second beam training procedure may be performed based on the confirmation.

[0023] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the initiation frame includes the indication that the first wireless device may be requesting to perform the second beam training procedure with the second wireless device, and the method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media may include additional operations, features, components, or instructions for performing the following actions: based on the initiation frame, identifying the absence of the response frame from the second wireless device; and based on the absence of the response frame, monitoring the signal from the second wireless device as part of the second beam training procedure.

[0024] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, components, or instructions for performing the following operations: receiving, via the response frame, an indication that the second wireless device may be requesting to perform the second beam training procedure with the first wireless device, wherein the second beam training procedure may be performed based on receiving the response frame.

[0025] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, components, or instructions for performing the following operations: based on sending the initiation frame, identifying that the number of failed frame exchanges between the first wireless device and the second wireless device meets a threshold number, wherein the second beam training procedure can be performed based on the identification.

[0026] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, components, or instructions for performing the following operations: based on the initiation frame being sent, receiving the response frame; and based on the response frame, sending a confirmation frame to the second wireless device, wherein the second beam training procedure can be performed based on the confirmation frame.

[0027] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the initiation frame includes a quality of service null frame, the quality of service null frame includes a control field, the control field includes a BSR, the indication as to whether the first wireless device may be requesting to perform the second beam training procedure, or both.

[0028] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the first wireless device includes a station (STA), a first multi-link device, or both, the second wireless device includes an access point (AP), a second multi-link device, or both, the first wireless device includes the AP, and the second wireless device includes the STA.

[0029] A method for wireless communication at a first wireless device is described. The method may include: monitoring an initiation frame from a second wireless device during an SP, wherein the initiation frame is monitored using a receive beam based on a first beam training procedure performed between the first wireless device and the second wireless device prior to the SP; performing a second beam training procedure during the SP based on absence of the initiation frame, based on the initiation frame being received and including an indication that the second wireless device is requesting to perform a second beam training procedure with the first wireless device, or based on an identification of a change in a wireless channel during a previous beam training interval or a previous SP; and communicating one or more messages with the second wireless device using one or more beams based on the second beam training procedure.

[0030] 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 executed by the processor to cause the apparatus to: monitor an initiation frame from a second wireless device during an SP, wherein the initiation frame is monitored using a receive beam based on a first beam training procedure performed between the first wireless device and the second wireless device before the SP; perform a second beam training procedure during the SP based on the absence of the initiation frame, based on the initiation frame being received and including an indication that the second wireless device is requesting to perform a second beam training procedure with the first wireless device, or based on an identification of a change in a wireless channel during a previous beam training interval or a previous SP; and communicate one or more messages with the second wireless device using one or more beams based on the second beam training procedure.

[0031] Another apparatus for wireless communication at a first wireless device is described. The apparatus may include: a component for monitoring an initiation frame from a second wireless device during an SP, wherein the initiation frame is monitored using a receive beam based on a first beam training procedure performed between the first wireless device and the second wireless device prior to the SP; a component for performing a second beam training procedure during the SP based on the absence of the initiation frame, based on the initiation frame being received and including an indication that the second wireless device is requesting to perform a second beam training procedure with the first wireless device, or based on an identification of a change in a wireless channel during a previous beam training interval or a previous SP; and a component for communicating one or more messages with the second wireless device using one or more beams based on the second beam training procedure.

[0032] 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 to: monitor an initiation frame from a second wireless device during an SP, wherein the initiation frame is monitored using a receive beam based on a first beam training procedure performed between the first wireless device and the second wireless device prior to the SP; perform a second beam training procedure during the SP based on the absence of the initiation frame, based on the initiation frame being received and including an indication that the second wireless device is requesting to perform a second beam training procedure with the first wireless device, or based on an identification of a change in a wireless channel during a previous beam training interval or a previous SP; and communicate one or more messages with the second wireless device using one or more beams based on the second beam training procedure.

[0033] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, components, or instructions for performing the following operations: receiving the initiation frame; and based on the initiation frame, sending a response frame to the second wireless device, wherein the second beam training procedure can be performed based on the response frame being sent.

[0034] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, components, or instructions for performing the following operations: based on the initiation frame being monitored, identifying the absence of the initiation frame from the second wireless device, wherein the second beam training procedure can be performed based on the absence of the initiation frame.

[0035] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, components, or instructions for communicating control signaling with the second wireless device indicating a set of multiple SPs associated with the first wireless device, the set of multiple SPs including the SP, wherein the initiation frame can be monitored based on the control signaling.

[0036] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the initiation frame includes an indication of whether the second wireless device may be requesting to perform the second beam training procedure with the first wireless device during the SP.

[0037] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, components, or instructions for performing the following operations: receiving, via the initiation frame and based on the monitoring, a B SR associated with a service to be communicated from the second wireless device to the first wireless device; and receiving the service from the second wireless device using the one or more beams and based on the B SR.

[0038] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, components, or instructions for performing the following operations: based on the BSR, sending a trigger frame to the second wireless device to schedule the service, wherein the service can be received based on the trigger frame.

[0039] Some examples of the methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may further include operations, features, components, or instructions for sending downlink traffic from the second wireless device along with the trigger frame.

[0040] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, a last frame of the one or more messages indicates an end of the one or more messages, an end of the SP, or both.

[0041] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the one or more messages include an indication of a second SP for communication between the first wireless device and the second wireless device, and the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media may include additional operations, features, components, or instructions for performing the following actions: communicating one or more additional messages with the second wireless device during the second SP using the one or more beams based on the second beam training procedure.

[0042] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, components, or instructions for performing the following operations: receiving, via the initiation frame and based on the monitoring, the indication that the second wireless device may be requesting to perform the second beam training procedure with the second wireless device; and based on the initiation frame, sending a response frame to the second wireless device, wherein the response frame includes a confirmation of the second beam training procedure, wherein the second beam training procedure may be performed based on the confirmation.

[0043] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, components, or instructions for performing the following operations: based at least in part on receiving the initiation frame, sending a response frame, wherein the response frame includes an indication that the first wireless device may be requesting to perform the second beam training procedure with the second wireless device, wherein the second beam training procedure may be performed based on the response frame being sent.

[0044] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, components, or instructions for performing the following operations: based on the monitoring, identifying that a number of failed frame exchanges between the first wireless device and the second wireless device meets a threshold number, wherein the second beam training procedure can be performed based on the identification.

[0045] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, components, or instructions for performing the following operations: based on the initiation frame being received, sending a response frame; and based on sending the response frame, receiving a confirmation frame from the second wireless device, wherein the second beam training procedure can be performed based on the confirmation frame.

[0046] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the initiation frame includes a quality of service null frame, the quality of service null frame includes a control field, the control field includes a buffer status report, the indication as to whether the first wireless device may be requesting to perform the second beam training procedure, or both.

[0047] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the first wireless device includes a STA, a first multi-link device, or both, the second wireless device includes an AP, a second multi-link device, or both, the first wireless device includes the AP, and the second wireless device includes the STA.

[0048] A method for wireless communication at a first wireless device is described. The method may include: monitoring a signal from a second wireless device during a beacon transmission interval (BTI), the signal associated with a first beam training procedure between the first wireless device and the second wireless device; performing a second beam training procedure during a SP in response to the signal being monitored or the absence of the signal associated with the first beam training procedure; and communicating one or more messages with the second wireless device using one or more beams based on the second beam training procedure.

[0049] 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 are executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: monitor a signal from a second wireless device during a BTI, the signal being associated with a first beam training procedure between the first wireless device and the second wireless device; perform a second beam training procedure during a SP in response to the signal being monitored or the absence of the signal associated with the first beam training procedure; and communicate one or more messages with the second wireless device using one or more beams based on the second beam training procedure.

[0050] Another apparatus for wireless communication at a first wireless device is described. The apparatus may include: means for monitoring a signal from a second wireless device during a BTI, the signal associated with a first beam training procedure between the first wireless device and the second wireless device; means for performing a second beam training procedure during a SP in response to the signal being monitored or the absence of the signal associated with the first beam training procedure; and means for communicating one or more messages with the second wireless device using one or more beams based on the second beam training procedure.

[0051] 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 to: monitor a signal from a second wireless device during a BTI, the signal associated with a first beam training procedure between the first wireless device and the second wireless device; perform a second beam training procedure during a SP in response to the signal being monitored or the absence of the signal associated with the first beam training procedure; and communicate one or more messages with the second wireless device using one or more beams based on the second beam training procedure.

[0052] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the monitoring may include operations, features, components, or instructions for monitoring beacon frames in a beamforming mode.

[0053] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, components, or instructions for performing the following operations: based on the signal being monitored, receiving a beacon frame from the second wireless device, the beacon frame being associated with the first beam training procedure; and based on the beam training procedure including an initial beam training procedure between the first wireless device and the second wireless device, suppressing the sending of an initiation frame within the SP, wherein the second beam training procedure can be performed based on the suppression of the sending of the initiation frame.

[0054] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, components, or instructions for performing the following operations: identifying the absence of an initiation frame communicated between the first wireless device and the second wireless device within the SP, wherein the second beam training procedure can be performed based on the absence of the initiation frame. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0055] Figure 1 An example of a wireless local area network (WLAN) supporting a beam training technique in a Wi-Fi band according to aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0056] Figure 2 An example of a wireless communication system supporting a beam training technique in a Wi-Fi band according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0057] Figures 3 to 7 An example of a beam training procedure supporting a beam training technique in a Wi-Fi band according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0058] Figure 8 and Fig. 9 An example of a flow chart for supporting beam training techniques in Wi-Fi bands according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0059] Fig.10 An example of a beam training procedure supporting a beam training technique in a Wi-Fi band according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0060] Fig.11 An example of a process flow for supporting beam training techniques in Wi-Fi bands according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0061] Fig.12 An example of a process flow for supporting beam training techniques in Wi-Fi bands according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0062] Fig.13 and Fig.14A block diagram of a device supporting beam training technology in a Wi-Fi band according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0063] Fig.15 A block diagram of a communication manager supporting beam training techniques in Wi-Fi bands according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0064] Fig.16 A diagram of a system including a device supporting beam training techniques in a Wi-Fi band is shown in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

[0065] Fig.17 and Fig.18 A block diagram of a device supporting beam training technology in a Wi-Fi band according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0066] Fig.19 A block diagram of a communication manager supporting beam training techniques in Wi-Fi bands according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0067] Fig. 20 A diagram of a system including a device supporting beam training techniques in a Wi-Fi band is shown in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

[0068] Figure 21 to Figure 23 A flow chart illustrating a method of supporting beam training techniques in a Wi-Fi band according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0069] In some deployments, wireless devices, such as 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 non-AP MLDs 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 "sub-7" GHz bands). In some systems, AP MLDs and non-AP MLDs 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.

[0070] Communication via such other radio frequency links may present several challenges that may hinder 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 45 GHz and 60 GHz bands) may be relatively more sensitive to propagation losses than sub-7 bands. Therefore, beam refinement procedures may be utilized in sub-7 bands and in 60 GHz bands to identify beams within the respective bands that exhibit sufficient performance and are less sensitive to propagation losses. However, beam training procedures may not always be required for different bands (such as the 60 GHz band). Therefore, when sufficient performance is not required, execution of beam training procedures may result in waste of communication resources, increased power consumption, and communication delays within the band.

[0071] Thus, aspects of the present disclosure relate to techniques that enable wireless devices (e.g., AP MLDs, non-AP MLDs) to perform beam training procedures within a service period (SP) for communication between respective devices. The wireless devices may perform beam training procedures to identify a transmit beam, a receive beam, or both for communication in a beamforming mode, which may include receiving or transmitting signals via beams using beamforming. For example, a first wireless device (e.g., AP, STA) may send an initiation frame within an SP using a transmit (Tx) beam determined based on a previous beam training procedure. In some cases, the first wireless device may determine whether to perform a second beam training procedure within the SP based on a response message received from a second wireless device, based on the absence of a response message, based on a channel condition between the first wireless device and the second wireless device, or any combination thereof. Subsequently, the first wireless device and the second wireless device may communicate messages (e.g., Tx messages, Rx messages) to each other within the SP using one or more beams determined based on the second beam training procedure. Thus, the wireless devices may perform beam training procedures within the SP to achieve more efficient and reliable wireless communication between respective devices.

[0072] Certain implementations of the subject matter described in this disclosure may be implemented to achieve one or more of the following potential advantages. For example, by exchanging initiation frames and / or response frames within an SP, a wireless device (e.g., an AP MLD, a non-AP MLD) may be able to determine whether it is desired for the wireless device to perform a new beam training procedure within the SP. Thus, the techniques described herein may enable wireless devices to perform beam training procedures within the SP to achieve more efficient and reliable wireless communication between respective devices.

[0073] Aspects of the disclosure are first described in the context of a wireless communication system. Additional aspects of the disclosure are described in the context of example beam training procedures, example flow charts, and example process flows. Aspects of the disclosure are further illustrated by and described with reference to apparatus diagrams, system diagrams, and flow charts related to beam training techniques in Wi-Fi bands.

[0074] Figure 1 A wireless local area network (WLAN) 100 (also referred to as a Wi-Fi network) configured according to various aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. The WLAN 100 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, computer monitors, etc.), printers, etc. The AP 105 and associated stations 115 may represent a BSS or 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 WLAN 100. An extended network station (not shown) associated with the WLAN 100 may be connected to a wired or wireless distribution system that may allow multiple APs 105 to be connected in an ESS.

[0075] Although not in Figure 1 100, but a STA 115 may be located at 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 STAs 115 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 an ESS. In some cases, the coverage area 110 of an AP 105 may be divided into sectors (also not shown). The WLAN 100 may include APs 105 of different types (e.g., urban areas, home networks, etc.) with different and overlapping coverage areas 110. Two STAs 115 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 setup (TDLS) links, and other group connections. The STA 115 and the AP 105 may communicate according to WLAN radio and baseband protocols for the physical layer and the MAC layer 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, etc. In other specific implementations, peer-to-peer connections or ad hoc networks may be implemented within the WLAN 100.

[0076] In some cases, a STA 115 (or AP 105) may be detected by the central AP 105, but not by other STAs 115 in the coverage area 110 of the central AP 105. For example, one STA 115 may be located at one end of the coverage area 110 of the central AP 105, while another STA 115 may be located at the other end. Therefore, the two STAs 115 may communicate with the AP 105, but may not receive each other's transmissions. This may cause transmission conflicts between the two STAs 115 in a contention-based environment (e.g., CSMA / CA) because the STAs 115 may not suppress transmissions over each other. STAs 115 whose transmissions cannot be identified but are within the same coverage area 110 may be referred to as hidden nodes. CSMA / CA may be supplemented by the exchange of RTS packets sent by the transmitting STA 115 (or AP 105) and CTS packets sent by the receiving STA 115 (or AP 105). This can alert other devices within range of the transmitter and receiver that they are not transmitting for the duration of the primary transmission. RTS / CTS can therefore help mitigate the hidden node problem.

[0077] In some implementations, the WLAN 100 may support MLO, according to which two or more devices may communicate via two or more wireless links, such as two or more radio frequency links. MLO may refer to or may be applicable to pre-association or post-association operations. In such implementations, the WLAN 100 may include one or more MLDs capable of communicating (such as transmitting or receiving) via multiple links. In some aspects, one or more STAs 115 may be associated with or attached to a first MLD, such as a non-AP MLD 130, and one or more APs 105 may be associated with or attached to a second MLD, such as an AP MLD 135. One or more STAs 115 or APs 105 attached to an MLD may be associated with multiple functions of the MLD.

[0078] 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 the corresponding STA 115 (performed by the corresponding STA in an example where the MLD is a non-AP MLD 130, so that each STA 115 affiliated with the non-AP MLD 130 is a non-AP STA 115) or by the corresponding AP 105 (performed by the corresponding AP in an example where the MLD is an AP MLD 135, so that each STA 115 affiliated with the AP MLD 135 is an AP 105 or serves as an AP 105). Therefore, the non-AP MLD 130 may communicate (such as transmit or receive) via a first radio frequency link using the first STA 115, and may communicate (such as transmit or receive) via a second radio frequency link using the second STA 115. Similarly, the AP MLD 135 may communicate (such as transmit or receive) via a first radio frequency link using the first AP 105, and may communicate (such as transmit or receive) via a second radio frequency link using the 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 .

[0079] 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 (which may be generally 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 (such as transmit or receive via these links) 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 access constraints (such as access constraints associated with service types), or without applying techniques associated with mitigating propagation path losses (such as 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 specific 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.

[0080] In some aspects, the WLAN 100 may support techniques that enable wireless devices (e.g., AP MLD 135, non-AP MLD 130) to perform a beam training procedure within an SP for communication between respective devices. For example, a first wireless device (e.g., AP MLD 135, non-AP MLD 130) may send an initiation frame within the SP using a Tx beam determined based on a previous beam training procedure. The initiation frame may indicate whether the first wireless device is requesting to perform a second beam training procedure within the SP. In some cases, the first wireless device may determine whether to perform the second beam training procedure within the SP based on a response message received from the second wireless device, based on the absence of a response message, based on a channel condition between the first wireless device and the second wireless device, or any combination thereof. Subsequently, the first wireless device and the second wireless device may communicate messages (e.g., Tx messages, Rx messages) to each other within the SP using one or more beams determined based on the second beam training procedure.

[0081] In some implementations, the relative quality of communications performed on the 60 GHz link can be used to determine whether a beam training procedure should be performed, or how accurately (and therefore how power intensively) the beam training procedure should be performed. In other cases, information determined from other links (such as sub-7 GHz links) can be used to facilitate beam training procedures on the 60 GHz link. For example, positioning information and / or beam information determined using a sub-7 link can be used to determine whether a beam training procedure should be performed on the 60 GHz link (or what level of accuracy the beam training procedure should be performed on the 60 GHz link).

[0082] In some aspects, a first radio frequency link (such as 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 or any set of two or more radio frequency links at or below 7 GHz. Furthermore, as described herein, a second radio frequency link may refer to any radio frequency link associated with access constraints or difficulties. Thus, the specific 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 messaging may be sent via the radio frequency band or link (in terms of reachability distance).

[0083] In addition, the devices of WLAN 100 may support various possible configurations associated with operation at one or more radio frequencies, such as possible configurations for 45 GHz or 60 GHz operation. For example, depending on the radio configuration, a device (such as AP 105, STA 115, non-AP MLD 130, or AP MLD 135) may operate according to the following: a single-link single-radio (SLSR) configuration in which a single radio device operates using one radio frequency (e.g., a 60 GHz link), a multi-link single-radio (MLSR) configuration in which a device operates using one radio frequency band at a time (but may operate using both sub-7 GHz and 45 GHz or 60 GHz), or a multi-link multi-radio (MLMR) configuration in which a device operates on more than one band at the same time (where at least one radio operates using a sub-7 GHz band). Depending on the specific implementation described herein, the MLD may support either the MLSR or MLMR configuration. Thus, the described techniques may be applicable to devices that may communicate via multiple links simultaneously or to devices that may communicate via different links at different times.

[0084] Furthermore, although described herein as a non-AP MLD 130, the non-AP MLD 130 may function as a soft AP device (which may be referred to as a soft AP device). In such examples where the non-AP MLD 130 functions 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 (such as sending or receiving the same or similar signaling). If operating as a soft AP device (which may be a device that operates using a battery or otherwise limited power source (or in a power saving mode)), the non-AP MLD 130 may use the same set of radio frequency chains as used to operate as a non-AP MLD 130 for soft AP device operation. Furthermore, although referred to herein as a soft AP device, such a device may be any client device (such as any battery-powered client device) that functions as an AP MLD 135.

[0085] Figure 2 An example of a wireless communication system 200 supporting beam training techniques in a Wi-Fi band according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. Aspects of the wireless communication system 200 may implement aspects of the WLAN 100 or be implemented by these aspects. For example, the wireless communication system 200 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 illustrated by Figure 1 Illustrated and referenced Figure 1 described.

[0086] In some implementations, the non-AP MLD 130 and the AP MLD 135 can communicate via the 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 (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 (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 (e.g., the sub-7 link) can support communications performed via the second radio frequency link (e.g., the non-sub-7 link). In other words, the first radio frequency link can act as an anchor link or a stable link for facilitating communications performed via the second radio frequency link.

[0087] Furthermore, in some aspects, the 60 GHz link may be part of an MLO setup involving a below-7 link. In other words, an AP operating on 60 GHz may be attached to an AP MLD 135 having at least one other AP operating on a below-7 link. In some implementations, aspects of the disclosure relate 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 disclosure relate to utilizing an MLO framework to facilitate operation on non-below-7 links, such as 45 GHz or 60 GHz links.

[0088] In some wireless communication systems, wireless communication within the 60 MHz frequency band may be performed within a repeated beacon interval (BI). Each BI may be divided into three parts: (1) a beacon transmission interval (BTI) (e.g., BTI 215), (2) a dedicated SP (D-SP) (e.g., D-SP 230), and an opportunistic SP (O-SP). During the BTI 215, the AP 105, the AP MLD 135, or a personal basic service set control point (PCP) may transmit a plurality of 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 communicating with the AP 105, the AP MLD 135, or the PCP.

[0089] Some radio frequency bands, such as the 45 GHz or 60 GHz bands, may provide a large amount of communication resources, such as a large amount of spectrum, that may be used by communication devices, such as Wi-Fi devices. Operations on relatively high radio frequency bands, such as the 45 GHz or 60 GHz bands, may present several challenges at the device level or the system level, which may result in a lack of widespread adoption of the 45 GHz or 60 GHz bands for data communications.

[0090] 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-beamformed transmissions) will not travel very far. Therefore, wireless devices may be required to perform directional transmissions to utilize beamforming antenna gain to form narrow beams toward intended peer devices. In other words, wireless devices communicating in non-sub-7 bands may be required to focus transmissions and receptions into narrow beams so that these transmissions reach intended receivers.

[0091] A beam training procedure may be performed to identify a narrow beam for performing beamforming communications in a beamforming mode. During the beam training procedure, 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 procedures (e.g., beam training procedures defined by 802.11ad / ay) may include two steps or phases: (1) a sector-level scanning (SLS) phase (e.g., a sector-level training procedure), and (2) a beam refinement phase (BRP) (e.g., a beam refinement procedure).

[0092] 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 procedure. In particular, future generations of Wi-Fi may adopt different words or phrases to refer to corresponding steps of the beam training procedure. Furthermore, future generations of Wi-Fi may include additional or alternative steps / phases of the beam training procedure. However, aspects of the present disclosure that enable wireless devices to skip beam training procedures or perform less intensive beam training procedures may be implemented for both current beam training frameworks, as well as future beam training frameworks with additional and / or alternative steps / phases.

[0093] During the SLS phase of the beam training procedure, each device may take turns transmitting frames on each of its sectors while the other device listens in a quasi-omni state. The SLS phase may help establish an initial coarse-grained antenna sector configuration that may be further refined during a subsequent BRP phase. For example, during the SLS phase, the APMLD 135 may perform a sector scan of (short) beacon frames during the BTI 215, such as Figure 2As shown. In particular, during the SLS phase, the AP-MLD 135 may scan across sectors / beams 220 while the non-AP MLD 130 uses a beam 225 (e.g., a quasi-omni beam 2250, such as a wide beam 225) to listen to determine the general direction of the AP-MLD 135, and identify the wide beam 225 that can be used to communicate with the AP-MLD 135 (e.g., identify the sector corresponding to the AM-MLD 135). In other words, during SLS, the AP-MLD 135 may send short frames on each sector (e.g., each beam 220) in turn, while the non-AP MLD 130 on the other side listens in a quasi-omni or omni mode to help establish the general direction where the peer wireless device is located, and uses the received beacons / frames to evaluate whether additional beam training is needed.

[0094] In comparison, during the BRP (e.g., beam refinement procedure) of the beam training procedure, the respective devices may exchange frames to fine-tune the beams determined during the SLS. Thus, the BRP phase may be run after the SLS phase, or may be run without SLS when only small adjustments to the beam are required. In some cases, the BRP may be combined with a data frame (e.g., a training sequence follows the data). For example, during the BRP phase, the wireless device scans across narrow beams (e.g., beams narrower than the wide beams 225 used in SLS) within the sector / wide beam 225 found during the SLS phase, and identifies the narrow beam within the identified sector / wide beam 225 that will be used to communicate 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 be run independently of the SLS (e.g., in the absence of the SLS) to establish a narrow beam toward the peer device.

[0095] In this regard, depending on the degree of misalignment between the beams at the AP-MLD 135 and the non-AP MLD 130, the device may be configured to perform a full beam training procedure including SLS and BRP, or may be configured to perform a truncated or simplified beam training procedure including only BRP (e.g., without SLS).

[0096] In some cases, the AP-MLD 135 and the non-AP MLD 130 may negotiate with each other to determine the configuration of one or more D-SPs 230 that can be used for communication between the respective devices. In some cases, the D-SPs 230 may be configured for communication between the respective devices so that the D-SPs 230 do not overlap with each other in the time domain. In addition, in the case where the AP-MLD 135 is communicatively coupled to multiple clients (e.g., multiple non-AP MLDs 130, multiple STAs), each respective non-AP MLD 130 may be configured with a separate set of D-SPs 230 (e.g., each set of D-SPs 230 is dedicated to a single non-AP MLD 130). In addition, in some cases, if the D-SPs 230 are insufficient to perform all buffered traffic to be exchanged between the respective devices, the AP-MLD 130 may activate or assign one or more O-SPs to the client (within the BI) to perform additional communication (e.g., to empty a buffer unit to be processed).

[0097] As mentioned previously herein, communication via some radio frequency links may present several challenges, which may hinder the adoption of such other radio frequency links (which in turn may limit the achievable throughput or diversity of the system). For example, non-below-7 bands (such as 45 GHz and 60 GHz bands) may be relatively more sensitive to propagation losses than below-7 bands. Therefore, beam refinement procedures may be utilized in below-7 bands and in 60 GHz bands to identify beams that exhibit sufficient performance within the respective bands and are less sensitive to propagation losses. However, for different bands (such as the 60 GHz band), beam training procedures may not always be required. Therefore, when sufficient performance is not required, the execution of beam training procedures may result in waste of communication resources, increased power consumption, and communication delays within the band. However, for different bands (such as the 60 GHz band), beam training procedures may not always be required. Therefore, when sufficient performance is not required, the execution of beam training procedures may result in waste of communication resources, increased power consumption, and communication delays within the band.

[0098] Thus, aspects of the present disclosure are directed to techniques that enable wireless devices (eg, AP MLD 135, non-AP MLD 130) to perform beam training procedures within an SP (eg, D-SP 230) for communication between respective devices.

[0099] For example, Figure 2As shown, the AP MLD 135 may transmit a short (beacon) frame in each of its sectors (e.g., using each beam 220 to transmit a beacon frame) during a dedicated BTI 215 period. The beacon frames transmitted during the BTI 215 may include any short frame that carries an identifier associated with the AP MLD 135 (e.g., a BSSID associated with the AP MLD 135) and an identifier associated with the corresponding sector / beam 220 used to transmit the corresponding beacon frame (e.g., a transmit sector ID). During the BTI 215, the non-AP MLD 130 monitors or listens for beacon frames in a quasi-omni mode (e.g., using a wide beam 225) to determine whether additional beam training is needed / desired. In some cases, the non-AP MLD 130 may listen / monitor during the BTI 215 using a wide beam 225 toward the most recently used sector associated with the AP MLD 135.

[0100] If a beacon frame having a received signal strength indicator (RSSI), reference signal received power (RSRP), or other measurement above a certain threshold is received at the non-AP MLD 130 during the BTI 215, then additional beam training may not be needed or desired (e.g., the beams at the respective devices are sufficiently pointed / oriented toward each other to perform sufficiently high-quality communications). In contrast, if a beacon frame having an RSRP or other measurement below a threshold is received at the non-AP MLD 130 during the BTI 215, then this may suggest that the beam 225 at the non-AP MLD 130 is pointing in the general direction of the AP MLD 130, but may require some refinement (e.g., through further refinement of the BRP). Additionally, if the non-AP MLD 130 does not receive any beacon frames during BTI 215 (e.g., thereby identifying an absence of signaling associated with the first beam training procedure performed during BTI 225), this may indicate that the beam 225 at the non-AP MLD 130 is focused in the wrong direction (e.g., not in the overall direction of the AP MLD 130), which may indicate that full beam training (e.g., SLS+BRP) is needed or desired.

[0101] As used herein, "satisfying a threshold" may refer to a value being greater than a threshold, greater than or equal to a threshold, less than a threshold, less than or equal to a threshold, equal to a threshold, not equal to a threshold, etc., depending on the context.

[0102] Performing sectorized beaconing during the BTI 215 may achieve several benefits. For example, while duplicating (beacon) frames in each sector may result in signaling overhead, AP MLD 135 side sector scanning may be performed "for free" by performing sectorized beaconing, meaning that in some cases, it may not be desirable for the AP MLD 135 to perform subsequent sectorized beaconing after the BTI 215. Thus, the overhead of beaconing is amortized across multiple clients / non-AP MLDs 130. In other words, the AP MLD 135 may be able to perform a single sectorized beaconing for multiple clients during the BTI 215, and may not be expected to repeat the scanning for each respective client. In other words, multiple clients may be able to utilize the information collected during the BTI 215 to make training decisions (e.g., during a subsequent SP such as the D-SP 230).

[0103] In the case of a new connection between the AP MLD 135 and the non-AP MLD 130, the respective devices may not know the sectors (e.g., beams 220, 225) to use. Therefore, in such cases, the non-AP MLD 130 may listen / monitor in a quasi-omni mode (e.g., using a wide beam) during the BTI 215.

[0104] According to some aspects of the present disclosure, the techniques described herein may enable a wireless device (e.g., an AP MLD 135, a non-AP MLD 130) to perform a beam training procedure within (e.g., at the beginning of) a D-SP 230, an O-SP, or both. In such cases, the information collected during the BTI 215 may be useful during subsequent beam training procedures within the D-SP 230 and / or the O-SP.

[0105] Continue to refer Figure 2At the beginning of each D-SP 230 (and / or O-SP), the non-AP MLD 130 may be configured to send an initiation frame 235 that provides a buffer status report (BSR) and an indication of whether the non-AP MLD 130 desires to perform refined training during the D-SP 230 (e.g., an indication of whether a full beam training procedure or a truncated / shortened beam training procedure is to be performed). The initiation frame 235 sent by the non-AP MLD 130 may include a Quality of Service (QoS) null frame with a control field carrying the BSR and a "BRP required" indication. If the initiation frame 235 is properly received by the AP MLD 135, the AP MLD 135 may be configured to send a response frame 240 within a short interframe space (SIFS) of the D-SP 230. In some cases, the response frame 240 may additionally or alternatively indicate whether the AP MLD 135 desires to perform a beam training procedure during the D-SP 230. The response frame 240 from the APMLD 135 may include an ACK frame or a blockAck frame having a field (eg, a bit) for indicating whether the AP MLD 135 is requesting a BRP during the D-SP 230 (and / or a subsequent SP).

[0106] In this regard, at the beginning of each D-SP 230, the AP MLD 135, the non-AP MLD 130, or both may be able to explicitly request / trigger a beam training procedure within the D-SP 230 (e.g., via the initiation frame 235 and / or the response frame 240). Furthermore, the absence of a request / trigger for a beam training procedure may serve as an implicit indication that the corresponding device is not requesting a beam training procedure during the D-SP 230.

[0107] Based on the content of the initiation frame 235 and the response frame 240 (and / or the failure to receive either frame by the respective device), the AP MLD 135 and the non-AP MLD 130 may or may not perform a beam training procedure during the time interval 245 of the D-SP 230. Specifically, if the conditions for performing beam training are met, the AP MLD 135 may initiate a beam training procedure (e.g., BRP) by sending an appropriate training frame within a SIFS after the response frame 240. For example, if the initiation frame 235, the response frame 240, or both include an indication of a request / trigger for performing a beam training procedure, the device may be configured to perform a beam training procedure (e.g., SLS+BRP, or only BRP) during the time interval 245 (e.g., if BRP=true is requested in the initiation frame 235 and / or the response frame 240, then perform beam training).

[0108] As another example, in the event that either the initiation frame 235 and / or the response frame 240 are not successfully received by the respective device, this may be used as an implicit indication that the device is expected to perform a beam training procedure during the D-SP 230. For example, if the initiation frame 235 from the non-AP MLD 130 is not successfully received by the AP MLD 130 at the beginning of the D-SP 230 (or other SP) after a short timeout duration, the AP MLD 130 may enter the SLS initiator mode after a certain period of time (e.g., after {duration of the initiation frame-timeout duration>SIFS+<duration of the response>+SIFS} time). In other words, if the AP MLD 130 does not successfully receive the initiation frame 235, the AP MLD 135 may be expected to perform a beam training procedure with SLS and BRP during the time interval 245.

[0109] Similarly, if the non-AP MLD 130 does not successfully receive the response frame 240 from the AP MLD 135 during the SIFS after sending the initiation frame 235, the non-AP MLD 130 may enter the SLS responder mode after a certain period of time (e.g., after {<duration of response>+SIFS} time). In other words, if the non-AP MLD 130 does not successfully receive the response frame 240, the non-AP MLD 130 may expect to perform a beam training procedure with SLS and BRP during the time interval 245. If the response frame 240 is lost or otherwise not successfully received, the non-AP MLD 130 may enter the SLS responder mode, while the AP MLD 135 may continue to operate in a different mode (such as BRP, TF, DL). However, the AP MLD 135 may not receive a frame in response to the response frame 240 or other communications, and may therefore fall back to the SLS initiator mode during the time interval 245 to perform a beam training procedure (eg, SLS+BRP).

[0110] In the event that the devices exhibit beam alignment after the BTI 215 (e.g., the devices have determined aligned beams 220-a and 255), the respective devices may be configured to communicate with each other using the determined beams 220-a, 255 during the frame exchange 250 period of the D-SP 230. Similarly, in the event that the devices perform a beam training procedure during the time interval 245, the devices may be configured to identify the beams 220-a, 255 to be used for communication during the frame exchange 250.

[0111] In some aspects, if the BSR in the initiation frame 235 is non-zero (meaning that the non-AP MLD 130 has traffic to communicate), the AP MLD 135 may send a trigger frame to trigger data / traffic (e.g., uplink data) from the non-AP MLD 130. In some cases, if the AP MLD 135 has pending buffers to communicate to the non-AP MLD 130, the trigger frame may be aggregated with downlink traffic sent by the AP MLD 135. Similarly, if the AP MLD 135 has pending buffers (e.g., traffic, data) to communicate to the non-AP MLD 130, the AP MLD 135 may initiate a downlink message during the frame exchange 250 to communicate the buffers.

[0112] In some aspects, the AP MLD 135 may indicate the last frame of a message to be communicated during the frame exchange 250, the last symbol or frame of the D-SP 230, or both. By indicating the last frame of traffic to be communicated and / or the last frame / symbol of the D-SP 230, the non-AP MLD 130 may be able to enter a lower power operating state (e.g., a sleep state) for the remainder of the D-SP 230 to reduce power consumption. For example, the last frame of a downlink message sent by the AP MLD 130 during the frame exchange 250 may indicate the end of the D-SP 230 (e.g., indicating MORE=0 or EOSP=1). As another example, the AP MLD 135 may send a QoS null frame indicating the last frame of traffic and / or the end of the D-SP (e.g., a QoS null frame indicating MORE=0 or EOSP=1).

[0113] In some specific implementations, Figure 2The illustrated and described techniques may enable wireless devices to perform beam training within the D-SP 230 in situations where the non-AP MLD 130 is a new client to the AP MLD 130 (in these situations, these devices may not have previously performed a beam training procedure). For example, upon establishing a new connection with the non-AP MLD 130, the APMLD 135 may transmit a beacon in each sector during the BTI 215, where the non-AP MLD 130 monitors in an SLS responder mode (e.g., quasi-omni state) to identify the best Tx sector at the AP MLD 135. In this example, the non-AP MLD 130 may refrain from transmitting the initiation frame 235 at the beginning of the D-SP 230, thereby causing the initiation frame to time out. Similarly, the AP MLD 135 may not receive the initiation frame 235, and may therefore refrain from transmitting the response frame 240. In this example, the AP MLD 135 and the non-AP MLD 130 may perform a full beam training procedure (eg, SLS+BRP) SIFS after the expected response frame 240 in order to determine the beams 220-a, 225 to be used during the frame exchange 250 (and / or subsequent SPs).

[0114] In some implementations, a client device (e.g., non-AP MLD 130) may configure itself to operate in (quasi) omni mode to receive beacon frames during a BTI 215. In such a case, the non-AP MLD 130 may be configured to identify a transmit sector ID associated with an AP MLD 135, where the non-AP MLD 130 is able to receive beacon frames. In (quasi) omni mode, it is possible for the non-AP MLD 130 to receive more than one beacon frame during a BTI 215. Furthermore, the non-AP MLD 130 may be configured to compare the RSSI associated with the received beacon frame with the RSSI (or other measurement) associated with the beacon frame received during the previous BTI 215. In this regard, the non-AP MLD 130 may be able to identify changes in channel conditions from one BTI 215 to another to determine whether new beam training is desired or required. In other words, the non-AP MLD 130 (e.g., STA) may be able to determine whether beam training (e.g., SLS+BRP or BRP) is needed by comparing the RSSI and sector ID associated with the beam frames received during each BTI 215. For example, if the beacon frame received in the previous BTI 215 has a higher RSSI in a different transmission sector than the beacon frame received in the current BTI 215, the non-AP MLD 130 may determine that a new beam training procedure should be performed.

[0115] In some implementations, the non-AP MLD 130, the AP MLD 135, or both may declare, indicate, and / or negotiate a retry count associated with the execution of a beam training procedure. In the context of the present disclosure, the retry count may include the number / quantity of initiation / response frame exchanges that a device will perform before falling back to training (e.g., before executing a new beam training procedure). For example, if the retry count is set to two, the corresponding device may be configured to execute a new beam training procedure after two failed initiation / response frame exchanges. The time calculation for the backoff may be updated to account for the declared / indicated / negotiated retry count. In a scenario where the non-AP MLD 130 (e.g., STA) is unable to send an initiation frame due to channel conditions (such as OBSS), the non-AP MLD 130 may not transmit an initiation frame until the last retry attempt.

[0116] refer to Figures 3 to 7 Different example behaviors of the corresponding devices are further shown and described.

[0117] Unless otherwise specified herein, Figures 3 to 7 An example is illustrated in which the non-AP MLD 130 (e.g., STA) sends an initiation frame and receives a response frame from the AP MLD 135 (e.g., AP), but this is not a limitation of the present disclosure. In particular, in some cases, the signaling illustrated in the initiation / response frame exchange may be reversed, where the AP-MLD 135 sends an initiation frame at the beginning of each D-SP / O-SP, and the non-AP MLD 130 sends a response frame (e.g., CTS) in response to the initiation frame.

[0118] In addition, in some cases, the corresponding devices may exchange a third frame (e.g., an ACK frame) to confirm that the corresponding device has successfully received the response frame (e.g., successfully received the CTS). In the case where the response frame is lost or otherwise not successfully received, it may be beneficial to use the ACK frame. In such cases, if the ACK frame is not successfully received by the corresponding device (e.g., AP or STA), the STA (and / or AP) may be configured to enter the SLS training SIFS after the expected time of the ACK frame. In addition, if any frame (e.g., initiation frame, response frame) is lost or otherwise not successfully received, both devices may be configured to enter the SLS training SIFS+Δ time after the expected CTS. For example, in the case where the AP does not receive a confirmation / ACK frame in response to a response frame, the AP may enter the SLS initiator mode.

[0119] Figure 3An example of a beam training procedure 300 supporting beam training techniques in a Wi-Fi band according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. Aspects of the beam training procedure 300 may implement or be implemented by aspects of the WLAN 100, the wireless communication system 200, or both. For example, the beam training procedure 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 illustrated by Figure 1 Illustrated and referenced Figure 1 described.

[0120] As previously mentioned in this article Figure 2 As mentioned, the AP MLD 130 may transmit a beacon frame in each sector during the BTI 315 (e.g., using the beam 320). In this example, the non-AP MLD 130 may monitor or listen for beacon frames during the BTI 315, and receive a beacon frame having an RSRP or other measurement that satisfies (e.g., is greater than) a threshold using the beam 325. In this regard, the respective device may determine that the beams 320-a and 325 are sufficiently well aligned during the BTI 315. Therefore, it may not be desirable for the respective device to perform a beam training procedure during the D-SP 330. In this regard, the non-AP MLD 130 may transmit an initiation frame 335 toward the start of the D-SP 330, wherein the initiation frame 335 indicates that the non-AP MLD 130 is not requesting or triggering a beam training procedure (e.g., requiring BRP=0) during the D-SP 330. Similarly, the AP MLD 135 may send a response frame 340 in response to the initiation frame 335 , wherein the response frame also indicates that the AP MLD 135 is not requesting or triggering a beam training procedure during the D-SP 330 (eg, requiring BRP=0).

[0121] Thus, the respective devices may refrain from performing beam training procedures during D-SP 330 and may communicate messages to each other during frame exchange 350 using beams 320-a, 325 determined during BTI 315. In some cases, where the AP-MLD 135 and / or non-AP MLD 130 have additional data to be transmitted that will not be communicated during frame exchange 350 and / or D-SP 330, the respective devices may activate or trigger an additional SP (e.g., O-SP) to continue communications. For example, Figure 3 As shown, AP MLD 135 may transmit frame 360 ​​that activates, triggers, or otherwise indicates that an O-SP may be used to perform additional communications between respective devices.

[0122] Figure 4An example of a beam training procedure 400 supporting beam training techniques in a Wi-Fi band according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. Aspects of the beam training procedure 400 may implement or be implemented by aspects of the WLAN 100, the wireless communication system 200, the beam training procedure 300, or any combination thereof. For example, the beam training procedure 400 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 illustrated by Figure 1 Illustrated and referenced Figure 1 described.

[0123] As previously mentioned in this article Figure 2 As mentioned, the AP MLD 130 may transmit beacon frames in each sector during the BTI 415 (e.g., using beam 420). In this example, the non-AP MLD 130 may listen for beacon frames during the BTI 415, and receive beacon frames having RSRP or other measurements that fail to meet (e.g., are less than) a threshold using beam 425. In this regard, the non-AP MLD 130 may determine that the beam 425 is (slightly) misaligned with the AP MLD 130 during the BTI 415, and may therefore determine that a beam training procedure may be performed during the D-SP 430.

[0124] Thus, the non-AP MLD 130 may send an initiation frame 435 during the D-SP 430, wherein the initiation frame 435 indicates that the non-AP MLD 130 is requesting or triggering a beam training procedure (e.g., requiring BRP=1) during the D-SP 430. The AP MLD 135 may receive the initiation frame 435 and send a response frame 440 in response to the initiation frame 435, wherein the response frame 440 confirms the request / trigger for the beam training procedure during the D-SP 430. In this example, the respective devices may perform a beam training procedure (e.g., BRP) and / or exchange data during the time intervals 460 and 455, respectively. In other words, the BRP may be performed independently (e.g., QoS Null+Training) or performed together with data (e.g., QoS Data+Training). By performing the BRP during the time interval 460 , the respective devices may be configured to identify sufficiently aligned beams 420 - a , 464 , and may subsequently perform communications with each other using the beams 420 - a , 465 during the frame exchange 450 .

[0125] Figure 5An example of a beam training procedure 500 supporting beam training techniques in a Wi-Fi band according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. Aspects of the beam training procedure 500 may implement or be implemented by aspects of the WLAN 100, the wireless communication system 200, the beam training procedure 300, 400, or any combination thereof. For example, the beam training procedure 500 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 illustrated by Figure 1 Illustrated and referenced Figure 1 described.

[0126] As previously mentioned in this article Figure 2 As mentioned, the AP MLD 135 may transmit a beacon frame in each sector during the BTI 515 (e.g., using beam 520). In this example, the non-AP MLD 130 may listen for beacon frames during the BTI 515 and receive a beacon frame having an RSRP or other measurement that satisfies (e.g., is greater than) a threshold using beam 525. In this regard, the non-AP MLD 130 may determine that beam 525 is aligned with the AP MLD 135. Therefore, it may not be expected that the corresponding device performs a beam training procedure during the D-SP 530. In this regard, the non-AP MLD 130 may transmit an initiation frame 535-a toward the beginning of the D-SP 530, wherein the initiation frame 535-a indicates that the non-AP MLD 130 is not requesting or triggering a beam training procedure (e.g., requiring BRP=0) during the D-SP 530. Similarly, the AP MLD 135 may send a response frame 540 - a in response to the initiation frame 535 - a , where the response frame also indicates that the AP MLD 135 is not requesting or triggering a beam training procedure during the D-SP 530 (eg, requiring BRP=0).

[0127] However, in some cases, such as due to the mobility of the non-AP MLD 130, the relative orientation of the non-AP MLD 130 and the AP MLD 135 may change within the beacon interval, resulting in beam misalignment at the respective devices. In such cases, the initiation frame / response frame sequence at the beginning of each SP may enable the devices to adapt to the latest channel conditions. In addition, the non-AP MLD 130, the AP MLD 135, or both may be able to detect the misalignment based on performing frame exchanges during the previous SP and trigger new beam training (e.g., based on RSSI, error rate, retry count, MCS, machine learning, etc.).

[0128] For example, during the process of D-SP 530, AP MLD 135, non-AP MLD 130, or both may detect (e.g., based on RSSI, error rate, etc.) a misalignment between beams 520-a and 525. In this example, AP MLD 135, non-AP MLD 130, or both may send a frame 555-a indicating or triggering a new beam training procedure and / or activating O-SP 560. In this example, an initiation frame 535-b, a response frame 540-b, or both within O-SP 560 may indicate that the corresponding device is requesting to perform a new beam training procedure (e.g., requiring BRP=1) during O-SP 560. Subsequently, the device may perform a beam training procedure (e.g., BRP only) during time interval 565 to determine one or more new beams (e.g., beams 520-b, 570) to be used to perform communications during frame exchange 550-b.

[0129] In some cases, where the AP-MLD 135 and / or non-AP MLD 130 have additional data to be transmitted that will not be communicated during the frame exchange 550-b and / or O-SP 560, the respective devices may activate or trigger an additional SP (e.g., O-SP) to continue communications. Figure 5 As shown, AP MLD 135 may transmit frame 555 - b that activates, triggers, or otherwise indicates that an O-SP may be used to perform additional communications between respective devices.

[0130] Figure 6 An example of a beam training procedure 600 supporting beam training techniques in a Wi-Fi band according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. Aspects of the beam training procedure 600 may implement or be implemented by aspects of the WLAN 100, the wireless communication system 200, the beam training procedure 300, 400, 500, or any combination thereof. For example, the beam training procedure 600 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 illustrated by Figure 1 Illustrated and referenced Figure 1 described.

[0131] As previously mentioned in this article Figure 2As mentioned, the AP MLD 135 may transmit a beacon frame in each sector during the BTI 615 (e.g., using beam 620). In this example, the non-AP MLD 130 may listen for beacon frames during the BTI 615 and receive a beacon frame having an RSRP or other measurement that satisfies (e.g., is greater than) a threshold using beam 625. In this regard, the non-AP MLD 130 may determine that beam 525 is aligned with the AP MLD 135. Therefore, it may not be expected that the corresponding device performs a beam training procedure during the D-SP 630. In this regard, the non-AP MLD 130 may transmit an initiation frame 635-a toward the beginning of the D-SP 630, wherein the initiation frame 635-a indicates that the non-AP MLD 130 is not requesting or triggering a beam training procedure during the D-SP 630 (e.g., requiring BRP=0). Similarly, the AP MLD 135 may send a response frame 640 - a in response to the initiation frame 635 - a , where the response frame also indicates that the AP MLD 135 is not requesting or triggering a beam training procedure during the D-SP 630 (eg, requiring BRP=0).

[0132] Similar to Figure 5 In the example shown and described, the relative orientations of the non-AP MLD 130 and the AP MLD 135 may change within a beacon interval, resulting in beam misalignment at the respective devices. For example, in the procedures of the D-SP 630, the AP MLD 135, the non-AP MLD 130, or both may detect (e.g., based on RSSI, error rate, etc.) the misalignment between the beams 620-a and 625. Figure 5 Compared to the misalignment illustrated in the example, which may be considered as a slight or minute misalignment, Figure 6 The misalignment illustrated in may be considered a significant misalignment that may significantly impact the quality of wireless communication between devices.

[0133] In this example, the AP MLD 135, the non-AP MLD 130, or both may send a frame 655-a indicating or triggering a new beam training procedure and / or activating the O-SP 660. In this example, the non-AP MLD 130 may send an initiation frame 635-b indicating that the non-AP MLD 130 is requesting to perform a new beam training procedure (e.g., requiring BRP=1) during the O-SP 660. However, due to the significant misalignment between the beams, the initiation frame 635-b may not be successfully received by the AP MLD 135. Therefore, the AP MLD 135 may not send a response frame 640-b, and the non-AP MLD 130 may not receive any response frame 640-b. Thus, due to the failed initiation / response frame exchange, the corresponding device may enter a full beam training procedure (e.g., SLS+BRP) during time interval 665 and after the expected response frame 640-b in order to determine one or more new beams (e.g., beams 620-b, 670) to be used to perform communications during frame exchange 650-b.

[0134] In some cases, where the AP-MLD 135 and / or non-AP MLD 130 have additional data to be transmitted that will not be communicated during the frame exchange 650-b and / or O-SP 560, the respective devices may activate or trigger an additional SP (e.g., O-SP) to continue communication. Figure 6 As shown, the AP MLD 135 may transmit a frame 655-b that activates, triggers, or otherwise indicates that the O-SP may be used to perform additional communications between the respective devices.

[0135] Figure 7 An example of a beam training procedure 700 supporting beam training techniques in a Wi-Fi band according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. Aspects of the beam training procedure 700 may implement or be implemented by aspects of the WLAN 100, the wireless communication system 200, the beam training procedure 300, 400, 500, 600, or any combination thereof. For example, the beam training procedure 700 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 illustrated by Figure 1 Illustrated and referenced Figure 1 described.

[0136] As previously mentioned in this article Figure 2As mentioned, the AP MLD 135 may transmit beacon frames in each sector during the BTI 715 (e.g., using beam 720). In this example, the non-AP MLD 130 may listen for beacon frames during the BTI 715, and receive beacon frames having RSRP or other measurements that fail to meet (e.g., are less than) a threshold using beam 725. In this regard, the non-AP MLD 130 may identify a significant misalignment between the direction of the beam 725 and the AP MLD 135 (e.g., identifying a lack of signaling associated with a first beam training procedure performed during the BTI 715). For example, the non-AP MLD 130 may be beamformed when listening for beacon frames from the AP MLD 135, and may not detect any beacon frames using beam 725 (thereby indicating a significant misalignment).

[0137] In this example, both devices may refrain from sending initiation frames 735 and response frames 740 during the D-SP 730 in order to trigger the beam training procedure during the D-SP 730. Additionally or alternatively, the non-AP MLD 130 may send an initiation frame to trigger beam training, but the initiation frame 735 may not be received by the AP MLD 135 due to significant misalignment (thereby triggering an initiation frame timeout), in which case the AP MLD 135 may not send a response frame 740. Therefore, the devices may perform a full beam training procedure (e.g., SLS+BRP) during the time interval 755 in order to identify the beams 720-a, 745 to be used for communication during the frame exchange 750.

[0138] Figure 8 An example of a flowchart 800 for supporting beam training techniques in Wi-Fi bands according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. Aspects of flowchart 800 may implement or be implemented by aspects of WLAN 100, wireless communication system 200, beam training procedures 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, or any combination thereof.

[0139] For example, flowchart 800 illustrates logic that may be executed by AP MLD 135 in determining whether and when to perform a beam training procedure with non-AP MLD 130, as described by Figure 1 Illustrated and referenced Figure 1 described.

[0140] At 805, the AP determines whether the AP is communicating within a BTI or an SP. If the AP is communicating within a BTI, the flowchart 800 proceeds to 815. At 815, the AP may send a short (e.g., beacon) frame in each sector and return to 805. If the AP is communicating within an SP at 805, the flowchart 800 proceeds to 810. At 810, the AP determines whether the AP is communicating with a new client. If the AP is communicating with a new client, the flowchart 800 proceeds to 820. At 820, the AP switches to SLS initiator mode and the flowchart 800 proceeds to 845. At 845, the AP may start full beam training (SLS+BRP) SIFS after the expected time for the response frame to be transmitted and proceed to 865.

[0141] If at 810 the AP is not communicating with a new client, the flowchart 800 proceeds to 825. At 825, the AP beamforms to the last known sector for the client and proceeds to 830. At 830, the AP determines whether the AP has received an initiation frame. If the AP has not received an initiation frame, the flowchart 800 proceeds to 840. At 840, the AP determines whether the <Initiation-Frame-Timeout> has expired. If the <Initiation-Frame-Timeout> has not expired, the flowchart 800 returns to 830. If the <Initiation-Frame-Timeout> has expired, the flowchart 800 proceeds to 820 and may proceed as described above.

[0142] If, at 830, the AP has received an initiation frame, the flowchart 800 proceeds to 835. At 835, the AP maintains beamforming toward the client and proceeds to 850. At 850, the AP transmits a response frame SIFS after receiving the initiation frame that may indicate whether a BRP is required, and proceeds to 855. At 855, the AP determines (e.g., based on an indication in the initiation frame or the response frame) whether a BRP is required. If a BRP is required, the flowchart 800 proceeds to 860. At 860, the AP performs a BRP to refine the beam toward the client and proceeds to 865. In addition, if a BRP is not required at 855, the flowchart 800 proceeds to 865. At 865, the AP determines whether the initiation frame indicates that the BSR is non-zero. If the BSR is indicated as non-zero, the flowchart 800 proceeds to 870. At 870, the AP transmits a TF to trigger an UL from the client. TF may be aggregated with DL (e.g., if there is a DL BU), and the process flow proceeds to 875. If the BSR is not indicated as non-zero, the flowchart 800 proceeds to 875. At 875, the AP determines whether all DL and UL are completed before the end of the SP. If all DL and UL are completed, the flowchart 800 proceeds to 880. At 880, the AP transmits EOSP=1 in the last DL frame (e.g., QoS Null if there is no pending DL), and the process flow returns to 805. If all DL and UL are not completed, the flowchart 800 proceeds to 885. At 885, the AP transmits information of the O-SP and / or the next D-SP to continue, and the flowchart 800 returns to 805.

[0143] Fig. 9 An example of a flowchart 900 for supporting beam training techniques in Wi-Fi bands according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. Aspects of flowchart 900 may implement or be implemented by aspects of WLAN 100, wireless communication system 200, beam training procedures 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, or any combination thereof.

[0144] For example, flowchart 900 illustrates logic that may be executed by non-AP MLD 130 in determining whether and when to perform a beam training procedure with AP MLD 135, as described by Figure 1 Illustrated and referenced Figure 1 described.

[0145] At 905, the client determines whether the client is communicating within a BTI or an SP. If the client is communicating within a BTI, the flowchart 900 proceeds to 910. At 910, the client determines whether the client is communicating with a new AP. If the AP is new, the flowchart 900 proceeds to 915. At 915, the client monitors (e.g., beacon) frames in responder SLS mode (e.g., quasi-omni) and proceeds to 950. At 950, the client enters SLS responder mode (e.g., quasi-omni) and proceeds to 955. At 955, the client starts full beam training (SLS+BRP) SIFS after the expected time for the response frame to be received and proceeds to 960.

[0146] At 960, the client determines whether a response frame is received SIFS after sending the initiation frame. If no response is received after sending the initiation frame, the flowchart 900 returns to 950. If no response is received after sending the initiation frame, the flowchart 900 proceeds to 965. At 965, the client performs a frame exchange with the AP while being beamformed and proceeds to 970.

[0147] If at 910 the AP is not new, the flowchart 900 proceeds to 920. At 920, the client beamforms to the last known sector for the AP and listens for (e.g., beacon) frames from the AP. The flowchart 900 proceeds to 925. Further, if at 905 the client determines that the client is communicating in the SP, the flowchart 900 proceeds to 925. At 925, the client determines how good the received (e.g., beacon) frames are. The client may determine that a frame above a threshold, below a threshold, or no frame was received. If no frame was received, the flowchart 900 proceeds to 950 and may follow the process as described above. If a frame below a threshold was received, the flowchart 900 proceeds to 930. At 930, the client indicates in an initiation frame that a BRP is needed and proceeds to 935. Further, if a frame above a threshold was received, the flowchart 900 proceeds to 935.

[0148] At 935, the client indicates a pending BU in an initiation frame and proceeds to 940. At 940, the client beamforms to the last known sector for the AP and proceeds to 945. At 945, the client sends an initiation frame and proceeds to 970. At 970, the client may go to the PS until the next SP or BTI after EOSP=1 is received from the AP, and the flowchart 900 returns to 905.

[0149] Fig.10An example of a beam training procedure 1000 supporting beam training techniques in a Wi-Fi band according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. Aspects of flowchart 900 may implement or be implemented by aspects of WLAN 100, wireless communication system 200, beam training procedure 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, flowchart 800, 900, or any combination thereof.

[0150] For example, the beam training procedure 1000 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 by Figure 1 Illustrated and referenced Figure 1 described.

[0151] For example, STA 115 and AP 105 or non-AP MLD 130 and AP MLD 135 (which may be respectively Figure 1 to Figure 2 Illustrated or referenced Figure 1 to Figure 2 The described examples of STA 115 and AP 105 or non-AP MLD 130 and AP MLD 135) may perform beam training procedure 1000 to measure signal strengths associated with one or more beam pairs and select a beam pair associated with a suitable or maximum signal strength.

[0152] In some implementations, the beam training procedure 1000 can be a beacon frame based beam training procedure according to which a communication device can perform beam training via one or more sectorized beacons. Fig.10 The beam training procedure 1000 illustrated in FIG. 1 may include a BI 1005 divided into three parts: (1) BTI 1010 , (2) D-SP 1015 , and (3) O-SP 1020 .

[0153] For example, the BI 1005 may include a BTI 1010 during which the AP 105 may send sectorized beacons in different beamforming directions during different beam training resources 1025 (these beam training resources may generally refer to any one or more of beam training resources 1025-a, beam training resources 1025-b, beam training resources 1025-c, and beam training resources 1025-d). In other words, the AP 105 may perform a sector scan (e.g., SLS) of a short beacon frame during the BTI 1010. The beacon frame may include a short frame that the STA may use as a reference for evaluating whether beam training is needed.

[0154] For example, Fig.10As shown, beam training resource 1025-a may be associated with directional beam 1030-a (the directional beam may be represented as s1), and AP 105 may accordingly use directional beam 1030-a to send sectorized beacon frames during beam training resource 1025-a. Similarly, beam training resource 1025-b may be associated with directional beam 1030-b (the directional beam may be represented as s2), beam training resource 1025-c may be associated with directional beam 1030-c (the directional beam may be represented as s3), and beam training resource 1025-d may be associated with directional beam 1030-d (the directional beam may be represented as s k ). Thus, the AP 105 may scan across a set of directional beams 1030 (which may generally be any one or more of directional beams 1030-a, directional beams 1030-b, directional beams 1030-c, or directional beams 1030-d) during the BTI 1010. The STA 115 may measure the various directional beams 1030 used by the AP 105 and identify suitable beam pairs that the AP 105 and STA 115 may use to exchange data. Thus, the AP 105 and STA 115 may communicate data during the SP for data frame exchange using the suitable beam pairs.

[0155] For example, STA 115 and AP 105 may communicate during one or more of D-SP 1015-a, D-SP 1015-b, and D-SP 1015-c using a suitable beam pair. Additionally or alternatively, STA 115 and AP 105 may perform beam training during any one or more of D-SP 1015-a, D-SP 1015-b, and D-SP 1015-c. As illustrated by beam training procedure 1000, during D-SP 1015-c, AP 105 may use directional beam 1030-d and STA 115 may use directional beam 1035. The STA 115 and the AP 105 may also communicate during one or more open SPs (O-SPs) 1020 (these open SPs (O-SPs) may generally refer to any one or more of O-SP 1020-a and O-SP 1020-b).

[0156] According to implementations described herein, 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 perform the beam training procedure 1000 using the 60 GHz link in a scenario where the non-AP MLD 130 and the AP MLD 135 support 60 GHz link beacon frames. 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 APMLD 135 may transmit one or more sectorized beacon frames to the non-AP MLD 130 using the 60 GHz link based on the satisfaction of a condition associated with 60 GHz link beacon frame transmission.

[0157] Fig.10 The beam training procedure 1000 illustrated in FIG. 1 may be used to illustrate a beam training procedure performed between wireless devices after a new association, or after one of the wireless devices has recovered after a long idle period. In particular, different steps of a beam training procedure (e.g., a sector-level training procedure (SLS), a BRP, or both) may be described in detail in FIG. Fig.10 1005 are executed during different parts of the BI 1005 illustrated in FIG.

[0158] For example, according to a first implementation, a STA (e.g., non-AP MLD 130) may monitor several BTIs 1010 in a quasi-omni mode to determine the overall location of the AP MLD 135, and may perform responder-side SLS and BRP during associated D-SPs 1015. In this regard, the AP MLD 130 may transmit signals as part of an SLS during a BTI 1010, and the non-AP MLD 130 may transmit signals as part of an SLS during a D-SP 1015, wherein a BRP is performed during the D-SP 1015. In other words, the non-AP MLD 130 may receive signals using a wide beam within one or more BTIs 1010 as part of a sector-level training procedure, and may transmit signals during one or more D-SPs 1015 as part of a sector-level training procedure. One disadvantage of this implementation is that the beam training procedure 1000 may occur in several BTIs 1010, which may result in longer beam training. However, this delay is acceptable for use cases that do not require frames to be exchanged on 60 GHz immediately after association.

[0159] 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 1015. In this implementation, a portion of the D-SP 1015 (after association or after returning from idle state) may be used for beam training.

[0160] Fig.11 An example of a process flow 1100 for supporting beam training techniques in a Wi-Fi band according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. Aspects of the process flow 1100 may implement or be implemented by aspects of the WLAN 100, the wireless communication system 200, the beam training procedures 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, the flowcharts 800, 900, the beam training procedures 1000, or any combination thereof. For example, the process flow 1100 illustrates handshake signaling between the non-AP MLD 1105 and the AP MLD 1110, which may be used to determine whether it is desired to perform a beam training procedure during an SP configured for communication between respective devices (or what type / extent of beam training procedures are desired to perform during the SP), such as with respect to Figures 1 to 10 Shown and described.

[0161] The process flow 1100 may include a non-AP MLD 1105 and an AP MLD 1110, which may be a non-AP MLD 130, an AP MLD 135, a STA, and a reference Figures 1 to 10 Examples of other wireless devices described. For example, Fig.11 The non-AP MLD 1105 and the AP MLD 1110 illustrated in FIG. 1 may include examples of the non-AP MLD 130 and the AP MLD 135, respectively. Figure 2 exemplified in .

[0162] In some examples, the operations illustrated in process flow 1100 may 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 may be implemented in which some of the steps are performed in an order different from the order described or not performed at all. In some cases, the steps may include additional features not mentioned below, or other steps may be added.

[0163] At 1115, non-AP MLD 1105 may receive control signaling from AP MLD 1110, wherein the control signaling indicates a set of SPs (e.g., D-SPs) associated with the first wireless device. In other words, AP MLD 1110 may configure non-AP MLD 1105 with a set of D-SPs that may be used for communication between respective devices.

[0164] At 1120, the non-AP MLD 1105 and the AP MLD 1110 may perform a first beam training procedure with each other. As previously described herein, the respective devices may perform a beam training procedure with each other during a BTI in order to identify beams (e.g., Tx / Rx beams) to be used for communication with each other, such as Figure 2 As shown and described. The first beam training procedure may include SLS and BRP, or only BRP. In some cases, the device may perform the first beam training procedure at 1120 based on communicating control signaling at 1115.

[0165] At 1125, the non-AP MLD 1105, the AP MLD 1110, or both may perform measurements on signals received from another respective device. In particular, the device may perform measurements on signals received using a beam (e.g., an Rx beam) selected based on a first beam training procedure. In some aspects, the performed measurements may be used by the respective device to determine whether the device should perform a new beam training procedure to update the beams to be used for communication with each other. Thus, the device may perform measurements at 1125 based on communicating control signaling at 1115, performing the first beam training procedure at 1120, or both.

[0166] At 1130, the non-AP MLD 1105 or the AP MLD 1110 may send an initiation frame within the SP (e.g., D-SP). In some aspects, the non-AP MLD 1105 or the AP MLD 1110 may send the initiation frame using the Tx beam selected based on the first beam training procedure at 1120 (and another corresponding device may receive the response frame using the Rx beam selected based on the first beam training procedure). Thus, the non-AP MLD 1105 or the AP MLD 1110 may send the initiation frame at 1130 based on communicating control signaling at 1115, performing the first beam training procedure at 1120, performing measurements at 1125, or any combination thereof.

[0167] In some aspects, the initiation frame may include an indication of whether the non-AP MLD 1105 or the AP MLD 1110 is requesting to perform a second beam training procedure during the SP. In some cases, the initiation frame may indicate the level, type, or extent of beam training (e.g., indicating whether the device is requesting to perform a BRP or an SLS+BRP). For example, in the event that the non-AP MLD 1105 sends the initiation frame, the non-AP MLD 1105 may use the initiation frame to request or trigger the second beam training procedure during the SP. For example, in the event that the measurement performed at 1125 fails to meet a threshold, the non-AP MLD 1105 may request to perform a new beam training procedure during the SP via the initiation frame. Conversely, in the event that the measurement performed at 1125 meets the threshold, the initiation frame may indicate that the non-AP MLD 1105 is not requesting to perform a new beam training procedure during the SP. In some cases, the absence of an explicit request for a beam training procedure may serve as an indication that the corresponding device is not requesting a new beam training procedure.

[0168] In some implementations, the initiation frame may include a QoS null frame that includes a control field. In such cases, the control field may include a buffer status report, an indication of whether the corresponding device is requesting to perform a second beam training procedure, or both. For example, in the case where the non-AP MLD 1110 sends the initiation frame, the initiation frame may include a buffer status report associated with the traffic to be communicated from the non-AP MLD 1105 to the AP MLD 1110.

[0169] At 1135, the non-AP MLD 1105 or the AP MLD 1110 may send a response frame within the SP (e.g., D-SP), wherein the response frame is sent based on (e.g., in response to) the initiation frame at 1130. For example, in the case where the non-AP MLD 1110 sends an initiation frame at 1130, the AP MLD 1110 may send the response frame based on receiving the initiation frame. Conversely, in the case where the AP MLD 1105 sends an initiation frame at 1130, the non-AP MLD 1105 may send the response frame based on receiving the initiation frame.

[0170] As mentioned previously herein with respect to the initiation frame, the non-AP MLD 1105 or the AP MLD 1110 may send a response frame using a Tx beam selected based on the first beam training procedure at 1120 (and another respective device may receive a response frame using an Rx beam selected based on the first beam training procedure). Thus, the non-AP MLD 1105 or the AP MLD 1110 may send an initiation frame at 1130 based on communicating control signaling at 1115, performing the first beam training procedure at 1120, performing measurements at 1125, receiving an initiation frame at 1130, or any combination thereof.

[0171] In addition, as described with respect to the initiation frame, the response frame may include an indication of whether the non-AP MLD 1105 or the AP MLD 1110 is requesting to perform the second beam training procedure during the SP. In some cases, the response frame may indicate the level, type, or extent of beam training (e.g., indicating whether the device is requesting to perform a BRP or an SLS+BRP). For example, in the case where the AP MLD 1105 sends the response frame, the non-AP MLD 1105 may use the initiation frame to request or trigger the second beam training procedure during the SP. In this regard, unless otherwise specified, any description associated with the initiation frame at 1130 may apply to the response frame at 1135. In addition, in the case where the initiation frame indicates a request to perform the second beam training procedure, the response frame may include an acknowledgment of the request for the second beam training procedure. In addition, the response frame may include a request for the second beam training procedure even in the case where the initiation frame does not include such a request.

[0172] At 1140, the non-AP MLD 1105 or the AP MLD 1110 may send an ACK frame within the SP (e.g., D-SP), wherein the ACK frame is sent based on (e.g., in response to) the response frame at 1130. For example, in the case where the non-AP MLD 1105 receives the response frame at 1135, the non-AP MLD 1105 may send the ACK frame based on receiving the response frame. Conversely, in the case where the AP MLD 1105 receives the response frame at 1135, the AP MLD 1110 may send the ACK frame based on receiving the response frame.

[0173] At 1145, the non-AP MLD 1105 and the AP MLD 1110 may perform a second beam training procedure with each other during an SP (e.g., D-SP). The devices may be configured to perform the second beam training procedure to update or select a new Tx / Rx beam to be used for communication between the respective devices. As previously mentioned herein, the second beam training procedure may include a BRP or an SLS+BRP. The devices may be configured to perform the second beam training procedure during an SP at 1145 based on communicating control signaling at 1115, performing the first beam training procedure at 1120, performing measurements at 1125, communicating an initiation frame at 1130, communicating a response frame at 1135, communicating an ACK frame at 1140, or any combination thereof.

[0174] For example, if the initiation frame, the response frame, or both include an indication that the respective device is requesting to perform a second beam training procedure, the device may be configured to perform the second beam training procedure. Additionally or alternatively, if the device determines (e.g., based on the measurement at 1125) that the wireless channel conditions between the respective devices have changed relative to a previous BTI or SP, the device may be configured to perform the second beam training procedure.

[0175] Additionally or alternatively, if an initiation frame, a response frame, an ACK frame, or any combination thereof is not successfully received by another corresponding device, the device may be configured to perform a second beam training procedure. In other words, if any of the initiation frame and / or the response frame is lost or otherwise not successfully received, the device may fall back or default to a beam training mode (e.g., an SLS initiator mode) to perform a second beam training procedure during the SP. In this regard, the device may automatically begin sending beacon frames (or monitoring beacon frames) as part of the second beam training procedure based on identifying the absence of an initiation frame or a response frame (and / or an ACK frame). In some aspects, the device may signal or negotiate a retry count and may be configured to perform a second beam training procedure if the number of failed frame exchanges (e.g., failed initiation / response frame exchanges) meets a threshold number associated with the retry count.

[0176] At 1150, the non-AP MLD 1105 may receive a trigger frame from the AP MLD 1110, wherein the trigger frame schedules traffic (e.g., uplink traffic) from the non-AP MLD 1105 to the AP MLD 1110. For example, in the event that the non-AP MLD 1105 sends an initiation frame including a buffer status report, the AP MLD 1105 may send a trigger frame that schedules traffic associated with the buffer status report. In some aspects, the trigger frame may be sent from the AP MLD 1110 to the non-AP MLD 1105 along with downlink traffic. The AP MLD 1110 may send the trigger frame at 1150 based on communicating control signaling at 1115, performing a first beam training procedure at 1120, performing measurements at 1125, communicating an initiation frame at 1130, communicating a response frame at 1135, communicating an ACK frame at 1140, performing a second beam training procedure at 1145, or any combination thereof.

[0177] At 1155, the non-AP MLD 1105 and the AP MLD 1110 may communicate (e.g., send, receive) one or more messages using one or more beams (e.g., Tx / Rx beams) selected based on the second beam training procedure at 1145. In addition, the devices may communicate messages to each other at 1155 based on communicating control signaling at 1115, performing the first beam training procedure at 1120, performing measurements at 1125, communicating an initiation frame at 1130, communicating a response frame at 1135, communicating an ACK frame at 1140, performing the second beam training procedure at 1145, communicating a trigger frame at 1150, or any combination thereof.

[0178] In some implementations, the messages communicated between the respective devices may indicate the end of the traffic / communication to be exchanged between the devices, the end of the SP, or both. For example, the non-AP MLD 1105 may receive one or more messages from the AP MLD 1110, wherein the last frame of the one or more messages indicates the end of the one or more messages, the end of the SP, or both.

[0179] Additionally or alternatively, one or more messages (e.g., frames) may indicate or activate additional SPs (e.g., O-SPs) for communication between devices. For example, in the event that either device has additional services that will not be able to be communicated during an SP (e.g., D-SP), the AP MLD 1110 may send a message indicating or activating an additional O-SP that will be used to communicate the additional services between the devices.

[0180] At 1160, the non-AP MLD 1110 may transition to an operating state associated with lower power consumption (e.g., a sleep state). In particular, the non-AP MLD 1105 may transition to a lower power operating state based on the end of the SP, based on the message at 1155 indicating the end of the SP and / or the end of the traffic to be communicated between the devices, or both.

[0181] Fig.12An example of a process flow 1200 for supporting beam training techniques in a Wi-Fi band in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. Aspects of the process flow 1200 may implement or be implemented by aspects of the WLAN 100, the wireless communication system 200, the beam training procedures 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, the flowcharts 800, 900, the beam training procedures 1000, the process flow 1100, or any combination thereof. For example, the process flow 1200 illustrates handshake signaling between the non-AP MLD 1205 and the APMLD 1210, which may be used to determine whether it is desired to perform a beam training procedure (or what type / extent of beam training procedure is desired to perform during the SP configured for communication between the respective devices), such as with respect to FIG. Figures 1 to 11 Shown and described.

[0182] The process flow 1200 may include a non-AP MLD 1205 and an AP MLD 1210, which may be a non-AP MLD 130, an AP MLD 135, a STA, and a reference Figures 1 to 11 Examples of other wireless devices described. For example, Fig.12 The non-AP MLD 1205 and the AP MLD 1210 illustrated in FIG. 1 may include examples of the non-AP MLD 130 and the AP MLD 135, respectively. Figure 2 exemplified in .

[0183] In some examples, the operations illustrated in process flow 1200 may 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 may be implemented in which some of the steps are performed in an order different from the order described or not performed at all. In some cases, the steps may include additional features not mentioned below, or other steps may be added.

[0184] At 1215, non-AP MLD 1205 may monitor beacon frames sent by AP MLD 1210. For example, Figures 2 to 7 As shown, the non-AP MLD 1205 may monitor beacon frames during the BTI. In some aspects, the non-AP MLD 1205 may monitor beacon frames as part of a beam training procedure attempted between respective devices. The non-AP MLD 1205 may be configured to monitor beacon frames in beamforming or non-beamforming mode (e.g., quasi-omni mode).

[0185] For example, in the case where the devices have previously performed a beam training procedure with each other, the non-AP MLD 1205 may monitor the beacon frame in the beamforming mode using the Rx beam selected based on the previously performed beam training procedure. In contrast, in the case where the devices have not previously performed a beam training procedure (such as a new association between the respective devices), the non-AP MLD 1205 may monitor the beacon frame while operating in the quasi-omni mode.

[0186] In some aspects, the non-AP MLD 1205 may detect significant misalignment between beams at the respective devices based on monitoring at 1215 (eg, Figure 7 Additionally or alternatively, the non-AP MLD 1205 may not receive or detect any beacon frames from the AP MLD 1210 based on monitoring (e.g. Figure 2 In such cases, the device may be configured to automatically determine that the device is to perform a beam training procedure in a subsequent SP. Therefore, process flow 1200 may proceed to 1220.

[0187] At 1220, the non-AP MLD 1205 and the AP MLD 1210 may perform a beam training procedure with each other during an SP (e.g., D-SP). The devices may be configured to perform a beam training procedure to initially select a beam to be used for communication (in the case of a new association with each other), update or select a new Tx / Rx beam to be used for communication, or both. As previously mentioned herein, the second beam training procedure may include a BRP or an SLS+BRP.

[0188] and Fig.11 1200 (in which the devices exchange initiation frames and response frames with each other at the beginning of the SP), the devices may perform the beam training procedure at 1220 in process flow 1200 without performing the initiation / response frame exchange. In particular, the devices may refrain from sending the initiation / response frames (and proceed directly to the beam training procedure) based on the devices not having performed the previous beam training procedure with each other, based on detecting a significant misalignment between the beams at 1215, or both.

[0189] The device may be configured to perform a second beam training procedure during SP at 1145 based on communicating control signaling at 1115, performing a first beam training procedure at 1120, performing measurements at 1125, communicating an initiation frame at 1130, communicating a response frame at 1135, communicating an ACK frame at 1140, or any combination thereof.

[0190] At 1225, the non-AP MLD 1205 may receive a trigger frame from the AP MLD 1210, wherein the trigger frame schedules traffic (e.g., uplink traffic) from the non-AP MLD 1205 to the AP MLD 1210. In some aspects, the trigger frame may be sent along with the downlink traffic from the AP MLD 1210 to the non-AP MLD 1205. The AP MLD 1210 may send the trigger frame at 1225 after performing a beam training procedure at 1220.

[0191] At 1230, the non-AP MLD 1205 and the AP MLD 1210 may communicate (e.g., send, receive) one or more messages using one or more beams (e.g., Tx / Rx beams) selected based on the beam training procedure at 1220. In addition, the devices may communicate messages to each other at 1230 based on communicating the trigger frame at 1225.

[0192] In some implementations, the messages communicated between the respective devices may indicate the end of the traffic / communication to be exchanged between the devices, the end of the SP, or both. For example, the non-AP MLD 1205 may receive one or more messages from the AP MLD 1210, wherein the last frame of the one or more messages indicates the end of the one or more messages, the end of the SP, or both. Additionally or alternatively, the one or more messages (e.g., frames) may indicate or activate an additional SP (e.g., O-SP) for communication between the devices. For example, in the event that either device has additional traffic that will not be able to be communicated during the SP (e.g., D-SP), the AP MLD 1210 may send a message indicating or activating an additional O-SP to be used to communicate the additional traffic between the devices.

[0193] At 1235, the non-AP MLD 1210 may transition to an operating state associated with lower power consumption (e.g., a sleep state). In particular, the non-AP MLD 1205 may transition to a lower power operating state based on the end of the SP, based on the message at 1230 indicating the end of the SP and / or the end of the traffic to be communicated between the devices, or both.

[0194] Fig.13 A block diagram 1300 of a device 1305 supporting beam training techniques in a Wi-Fi band according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The device 1305 may be an example of aspects of a STA, an AP, or both as described herein. The device 1305 may include a receiver 1310, a transmitter 1315, and a communication manager 1320. The device 1305 may also include a processor. Each of these components may communicate with each other (e.g., via one or more buses).

[0195] The receiver 1310 may provide 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 beam training techniques in Wi-Fi bands). The information may be communicated to other components of the device 1305. The receiver 1310 may utilize a single antenna or a collection of multiple antennas.

[0196] Transmitter 1315 may provide means for transmitting signals generated by other components of device 1305. For example, transmitter 1315 may transmit information associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, information channels related to beam training techniques in Wi-Fi bands), such as packets, user data, control information, or any combination thereof. In some examples, transmitter 1315 may be co-located with receiver 1310 in a transceiver module. Transmitter 1315 may utilize a single antenna or a collection of multiple antennas.

[0197] The communication manager 1320, the receiver 1310, the transmitter 1315, or various combinations thereof, or various components thereof may be examples of means for performing various aspects of the beam training techniques in the Wi-Fi band as described herein. For example, the communication manager 1320, the receiver 1310, the transmitter 1315, or various combinations thereof, or components thereof may support methods for performing one or more of the functions described herein.

[0198] In some examples, the communication manager 1320, the receiver 1310, the transmitter 1315, or various combinations or components thereof may be implemented in hardware (e.g., in a communication management circuit). The hardware may include a processor, a DSP, a CPU, an ASIC, an FPGA or other programmable logic device, a microcontroller, discrete gate or transistor logic components, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof that is configured as or otherwise supports components for performing the functions described in the present disclosure. In some examples, a processor and a memory coupled to the processor may be configured to perform one or more of the functions described herein (e.g., by executing instructions stored in the memory by the processor).

[0199] Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the communication manager 1320, the receiver 1310, the transmitter 1315, or various combinations or components thereof may be implemented in code executed by a processor (e.g., as communication management software or firmware). If implemented in code executed by a processor, the functionality of the communication manager 1320, the receiver 1310, the transmitter 1315, or various combinations or components thereof may be performed by a general purpose processor (e.g., configured as or otherwise supporting components for performing the functions described in the present disclosure), a DSP, a CPU, an ASIC, an FPGA, a microcontroller, or any combination of these or other programmable logic devices.

[0200] In some examples, communication manager 1320 may be configured to perform various operations (e.g., receive, obtain, monitor, output, send) using or otherwise cooperating with receiver 1310, transmitter 1315, or both. For example, communication manager 1320 may receive information from receiver 1310, transmit information to transmitter 1315, or be integrated in conjunction with receiver 1310, transmitter 1315, or both to obtain information, output information, or perform various other operations as described herein.

[0201] The communication manager 1320 may support wireless communication at the first wireless device according to examples as disclosed herein. For example, the communication manager 1320 may be configured to or otherwise support components for sending an initiation frame to the second wireless device during the SP using a transmit beam based on a first beam training procedure performed between the first wireless device and the second wireless device prior to the SP. The communication manager 1320 may be configured to or otherwise support components for performing a second beam training procedure during the SP based on the absence of a response frame from the second wireless device, based on an indication within a response frame received from the second wireless device, or based on an identification of a change in the wireless channel relative to a previous beam training interval or a previous SP, the response frame being in response to the initiation frame. The communication manager 1320 may be configured to or otherwise support components for communicating one or more messages with the second wireless device using one or more beams based on the second beam training procedure.

[0202] Additionally or alternatively, the communication manager 1320 may support wireless communications at the first wireless device according to examples as disclosed herein. For example, the communication manager 1320 may be configured to or otherwise support components for monitoring a signal from the second wireless device during a BTI, the signal being associated with a first beam training procedure between the first wireless device and the second wireless device. The communication manager 1320 may be configured to or otherwise support components for performing a second beam training procedure during a SP in response to the signal being monitored or the absence of the signal associated with the first beam training procedure. The communication manager 1320 may be configured to or otherwise support components for communicating one or more messages with the second wireless device using one or more beams based on the second beam training procedure.

[0203] By including or configuring the communication manager 1320 according to the examples as described herein, the device 1305 (e.g., a processor controlling the receiver 1310, the transmitter 1315, the communication manager 1320, or a combination thereof or otherwise coupled thereto) may support techniques that enable wireless devices (e.g., the AP MLD 135, the non-AP MLD 130) to perform beam training procedures within an SP for communication between respective devices. By exchanging initiation frames and / or response frames within an SP, the wireless device (e.g., the AP MLD, the non-AP MLD) may be able to determine whether it is desired for the wireless device to perform a new beam training procedure within the SP. Thus, the techniques described herein may enable wireless devices to perform beam training procedures within an SP to achieve more efficient and reliable wireless communication between respective devices.

[0204] Fig.14 A block diagram 1400 of a device 1405 supporting beam training techniques in a Wi-Fi band according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The device 1405 may be an example of aspects of the device 1305 or STA 115 as described herein. The device 1405 may include a receiver 1410, a transmitter 1415, and a communication manager 1420. The device 1405 may also include a processor. Each of these components may communicate with each other (e.g., via one or more buses).

[0205] Receiver 1410 may provide 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 beam training techniques in Wi-Fi bands). The information may be communicated to other components of device 1405. Receiver 1410 may utilize a single antenna or a collection of multiple antennas.

[0206] Transmitter 1415 may provide means for transmitting signals generated by other components of device 1405. For example, transmitter 1415 may transmit information associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, information channels related to beam training techniques in Wi-Fi bands), such as packets, user data, control information, or any combination thereof. In some examples, transmitter 1415 may be co-located with receiver 1410 in a transceiver module. Transmitter 1415 may utilize a single antenna or a collection of multiple antennas.

[0207] The device 1405 or its various components may be examples of components for performing various aspects of the beam training techniques in the Wi-Fi band as described herein. For example, the communication manager 1420 may include an initiation frame transmission manager 1425, a beam training procedure manager 1430, a message communication manager 1435, a monitoring manager 1440, or any combination thereof. The communication manager 1420 may be an example of various aspects of the communication manager 1320 as described herein. In some examples, the communication manager 1420 or its various components may be configured to use or otherwise cooperate with the receiver 1410, the transmitter 1415, or both to perform various operations (e.g., receive, obtain, monitor, output, send). For example, the communication manager 1420 may receive information from the receiver 1410, transmit information to the transmitter 1415, or be integrated with the receiver 1410, the transmitter 1415, or both to obtain information, output information, or perform various other operations as described herein.

[0208] The communication manager 1420 may support wireless communication at the first wireless device according to examples as disclosed herein. The initiation frame transmission manager 1425 may be configured to or otherwise support components for transmitting an initiation frame to the second wireless device during the SP using a transmission beam based on a first beam training procedure performed between the first wireless device and the second wireless device prior to the SP. The beam training procedure manager 1430 may be configured to or otherwise support components for performing a second beam training procedure during the SP based on the absence of a response frame from the second wireless device, based on an indication within a response frame received from the second wireless device, or based on an identification of a change in the wireless channel relative to a previous beam training interval or a previous SP, the response frame being in response to the initiation frame. The message communication manager 1435 may be configured to or otherwise support components for communicating one or more messages with the second wireless device using one or more beams based on the second beam training procedure.

[0209] Additionally or alternatively, the communication manager 1420 may support wireless communications at the first wireless device according to examples as disclosed herein. The monitoring manager 1440 may be configured to or otherwise support components for monitoring a signal from the second wireless device during a BTI, the signal being associated with a first beam training procedure between the first wireless device and the second wireless device. The beam training procedure manager 1430 may be configured to or otherwise support components for performing a second beam training procedure during a SP in response to the signal being monitored or the absence of the signal associated with the first beam training procedure. The message communication manager 1435 may be configured to or otherwise support components for communicating one or more messages with the second wireless device using one or more beams based on the second beam training procedure.

[0210] Fig.15 A block diagram 1500 of a communication manager 1520 supporting beam training techniques in a Wi-Fi band according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The communication manager 1520 may be an example of aspects of the communication manager 1320, the communication manager 1420, or both as described herein. The communication manager 1520 or its various components may be examples of components for performing various aspects of beam training techniques in a Wi-Fi band as described herein. For example, the communication manager 1520 may include an initiation frame transmission manager 1525, a beam training procedure manager 1530, a message communication manager 1535, a monitoring manager 1540, a control signaling communication manager 1545, a measurement manager 1550, a response frame reception manager 1555, an ACK frame transmission manager 1560, a beacon frame reception manager 1565, a trigger frame reception manager 1570, an operation state manager 1575, or any combination thereof. Each of these components may communicate directly or indirectly with each other (e.g., via one or more buses).

[0211] The communication manager 1520 may support wireless communication at the first wireless device according to examples as disclosed herein. The initiation frame transmission manager 1525 may be configured to or otherwise support components for transmitting an initiation frame to the second wireless device during the SP using a transmission beam based on a first beam training procedure performed between the first wireless device and the second wireless device prior to the SP. The beam training procedure manager 1530 may be configured to or otherwise support components for performing a second beam training procedure during the SP based on the absence of a response frame from the second wireless device, based on an indication within a response frame received from the second wireless device, or based on an identification of a change in the wireless channel relative to a previous beam training interval or a previous SP, the response frame being in response to the initiation frame. The message communication manager 1535 may be configured to or otherwise support components for communicating one or more messages with the second wireless device using one or more beams based on the second beam training procedure.

[0212] In some examples, the control signaling communication manager 1545 can be configured to or otherwise support components for communicating control signaling indicating a set of multiple SPs associated with the first wireless device with the second wireless device, the set of multiple SPs including the SP, wherein the initiation frame is sent based on the control signaling. In some examples, the initiation frame includes an indication of whether the first wireless device is requesting to perform a second beam training procedure with the second wireless device during the SP.

[0213] In some examples, measurement manager 1550 may be configured to or otherwise support components for performing one or more measurements on a signal received from a second wireless device via a receive beam based on a first beam training procedure, wherein an initiation frame is sent based on whether the one or more measurements satisfy one or more thresholds.

[0214] In some examples, the initiation frame includes an indication that the first wireless device is requesting to perform a second beam training procedure based on one or more measurements failing to satisfy one or more thresholds. In some examples, the initiation frame includes an indication that the first wireless device is not requesting to perform a second beam training procedure based on one or more measurements satisfying one or more thresholds.

[0215] In some examples, the initiation frame includes a buffer status report associated with traffic to be communicated from the first wireless device to the second wireless device, and the message communication manager 1535 may be configured to or otherwise support components for sending traffic to the second wireless device using one or more beams and based on the buffer status report.

[0216] In some examples, the trigger frame reception manager 1570 may be configured or otherwise support components for receiving a trigger frame for scheduling traffic from a second wireless device based on a buffer status report, wherein the traffic is sent based on the trigger frame.

[0217] In some examples, the message communication manager 1535 may be configured to or otherwise support components for receiving downlink traffic from the second wireless device along with the trigger frame. In some examples, one or more messages are received from the second wireless device using a receive beam based on a second beam training procedure. In some examples, the last frame of the one or more messages indicates the end of the one or more messages, the end of the SP, or both. In some examples, the first wireless device receives one or more messages while in a first operating state associated with a first power consumption, and the operating state manager 1575 may be configured to or otherwise support components for transitioning to a second operating state associated with a second power consumption less than the first power consumption based on the one or more messages indicating the end of the one or more messages, the end of the SP, or both.

[0218] In some examples, the message communication manager 1535 may be configured to or otherwise support components for communicating one or more additional messages with the second wireless device during the second SP using one or more beams based on the second beam training procedure. In some examples, the one or more messages include an indication of a second SP for communication between the first wireless device and the second wireless device. In some examples, the one or more additional messages are communicated based on the indication of the second SP.

[0219] In some examples, the initiation frame includes an indication that the first wireless device is requesting to perform a second beam training procedure with the second wireless device, and the response frame reception manager 1555 may be configured to or otherwise support components for receiving a response frame from the second wireless device based on the initiation frame, wherein the response frame includes an acknowledgment of the second beam training procedure, wherein the second beam training procedure is performed based on the acknowledgment.

[0220] In some examples, the initiation frame includes an indication that the first wireless device is requesting to perform a second beam training procedure with the second wireless device, and the response frame reception manager 1555 can be configured to or otherwise support components for identifying an absence of a response frame from the second wireless device based on the initiation frame. In some examples, the initiation frame includes an indication that the first wireless device is requesting to perform a second beam training procedure with the second wireless device, and the monitoring manager 1540 can be configured to or otherwise support components for monitoring a signal from the second wireless device as part of the second beam training procedure based on the absence of the response frame.

[0221] In some examples, the response frame reception manager 1555 may be configured to or otherwise support components for receiving an indication via a response frame that the second wireless device is requesting to perform a second beam training procedure with the first wireless device, wherein the second beam training procedure is performed based on receiving the response frame.

[0222] In some examples, the initiation frame sending manager 1525 may be configured to or otherwise support components for identifying, based on sending an initiation frame, that a number of failed frame exchanges between a first wireless device and a second wireless device meets a threshold number, wherein a second beam training procedure is performed based on the identification.

[0223] In some examples, the response frame reception manager 1555 may be configured or otherwise support components for receiving a response frame based on the initiation frame being sent. In some examples, the ACK frame transmission manager 1560 may be configured or otherwise support components for sending an ACK frame to the second wireless device based on the response frame, wherein the second beam training procedure is performed based on the ACK frame.

[0224] In some examples, the initiation frame includes a QoS null frame, the QoS null frame includes a control field, the control field includes a buffer status report, an indication of whether the first wireless device is requesting to perform a second beam training procedure, 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. In some examples, the first wireless device includes an AP. In some examples, the second wireless device includes a STA.

[0225] Additionally or alternatively, the communication manager 1520 may support wireless communications at the first wireless device according to examples as disclosed herein. The monitoring manager 1540 may be configured to or otherwise support components for monitoring a signal from a second wireless device during a BTI, the signal being associated with a first beam training procedure between the first wireless device and the second wireless device. In some examples, the beam training procedure manager 1530 may be configured to or otherwise support components for performing a second beam training procedure during a SP in response to the signal being monitored or the absence of a signal associated with the first beam training procedure. In some examples, the message communication manager 1535 may be configured to or otherwise support components for communicating one or more messages with the second wireless device using one or more beams based on the second beam training procedure.

[0226] In some examples, to support monitoring, monitoring manager 1540 may be configured or otherwise support components for monitoring beacon frames in a beamforming mode.

[0227] In some examples, the beacon frame reception manager 1565 may be configured or otherwise support components for receiving a beacon frame from a second wireless device based on the signal being monitored, the beacon frame being associated with a first beam training procedure. In some examples, the initiation frame transmission manager 1525 may be configured or otherwise support components for refraining from transmitting an initiation frame within an SP based on the beam training procedure including an initial beam training procedure between the first wireless device and the second wireless device, wherein the second beam training procedure is performed based on the initiation frame being refrained from transmitting.

[0228] In some examples, the initiation frame transmission manager 1525 may be configured or otherwise support components for identifying an absence of an initiation frame communicated between the first wireless device and the second wireless device within the SP, wherein the second beam training procedure is performed based on the absence of the initiation frame.

[0229] Fig.16 A diagram of a system 1600 including a device 1605 supporting beam training techniques in a Wi-Fi band according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The device 1605 may be an example of a device 1305, a device 1405, a STA, or an AP, or any combination thereof, as described herein, or include components thereof. The device 1605 may include components for two-way voice and data communications, including components for sending and receiving communications, such as a communication manager 1620, an I / O controller 1610, a transceiver 1615, an antenna 1625, a memory 1630, a code 1635, and a processor 1640. 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 1645).

[0230] I / O controller 1610 can manage input signals and output signals of device 1605. I / O controller 1610 can also manage peripheral devices that are not integrated into device 1605. In some cases, I / O controller 1610 can represent a physical connection or port to an external peripheral device. In some cases, I / O controller 1610 can utilize an operating system, such as or another known operating system. In some other cases, I / O controller 1610 may represent or interact with a modem, keyboard, mouse, touch screen, or similar device. In some cases, I / O controller 1610 may be implemented as part of a processor (such as processor 1640). In some cases, a user may interact with device 1605 via I / O controller 1610 or via hardware components controlled by I / O controller 1610.

[0231] In some cases, the device 1605 may include a single antenna 1625. However, in some other cases, the device 1605 may have more than one antenna 1625, which may be capable of concurrently transmitting or receiving multiple wireless transmissions. The transceiver 1615 may communicate bidirectionally via one or more antennas 1625, a wired or wireless link, as described herein. For example, the transceiver 1615 may represent a wireless transceiver and may communicate bidirectionally with another wireless transceiver. The transceiver 1615 may also include a modem for modulating packets and providing the modulated packets to one or more antennas 1625 for transmission, and for demodulating packets received from one or more antennas 1625. The transceiver 1615 or the transceiver 1615 and the one or more antennas 1625 may be examples of transmitters 1315, transmitters 1415, receivers 1310, receivers 1410, or any combination thereof or components thereof as described herein.

[0232] Memory 1630 may include RAM and ROM. Memory 1630 may store computer-readable, computer-executable code 1635 including instructions that, when executed by processor 1640, cause device 1605 to perform various functions described herein. In some cases, memory 1630 may include, among other things, a BIOS that may control basic hardware or software operations, such as interaction with peripheral components or devices.

[0233] Processor 1640 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, processor 1640 may be configured to operate a memory array using a memory controller. In some other cases, the memory controller may be integrated into processor 1640. Processor 1640 may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in a memory (e.g., memory 1630) to enable device 1605 to perform various functions (e.g., functions or tasks supporting beam training techniques in Wi-Fi bands). For example, device 1605 or a component of device 1605 may include processor 1640 and memory 1630 coupled to or coupled to processor 1640, and processor 1640 and memory 1630 are configured to perform various functions described herein.

[0234] The communication manager 1620 may support wireless communication at the first wireless device according to examples as disclosed herein. For example, the communication manager 1620 may be configured to or otherwise support a component for sending an initiation frame to the second wireless device during the SP using a transmit beam based on a first beam training procedure performed between the first wireless device and the second wireless device prior to the SP. The communication manager 1620 may be configured to or otherwise support a component for performing a second beam training procedure during the SP based on the absence of a response frame from the second wireless device, based on an indication within a response frame received from the second wireless device, or based on an identification of a change in the wireless channel relative to a previous beam training interval or a previous SP, the response frame being in response to the initiation frame. The communication manager 1620 may be configured to or otherwise support a component for communicating one or more messages with the second wireless device using one or more beams based on the second beam training procedure.

[0235] Additionally or alternatively, the communication manager 1620 may support wireless communications at the first wireless device according to examples as disclosed herein. For example, the communication manager 1620 may be configured to or otherwise support components for monitoring a signal from the second wireless device during a BTI, the signal being associated with a first beam training procedure between the first wireless device and the second wireless device. The communication manager 1620 may be configured to or otherwise support components for performing a second beam training procedure during a SP in response to the signal being monitored or the absence of the signal associated with the first beam training procedure. The communication manager 1620 may be configured to or otherwise support components for communicating one or more messages with the second wireless device using one or more beams based on the second beam training procedure.

[0236] By including or configuring the communication manager 1620 according to the examples as described herein, the device 1605 may support a technique that enables a wireless device (e.g., AP MLD 135, non-AP MLD 130) to perform a beam training procedure within an SP for communication between respective devices. By exchanging initiation frames and / or response frames within an SP, the wireless device (e.g., AP MLD, non-AP MLD) may be able to determine whether it is desired for the wireless device to perform a new beam training procedure within the SP. Thus, the techniques described herein may enable a wireless device to perform a beam training procedure within an SP to achieve more efficient and reliable wireless communication between respective devices.

[0237] Fig.17A block diagram 1700 of a device 1705 supporting beam training techniques in a Wi-Fi band according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The device 1705 may be an example of aspects of an AP, a STA, or both as described herein. The device 1705 may include a receiver 1710, a transmitter 1715, and a communication manager 1720. The device 1705 may also include a processor. Each of these components may communicate with each other (e.g., via one or more buses).

[0238] The receiver 1710 may provide 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 beam training techniques in Wi-Fi bands). The information may be communicated to other components of the device 1705. The receiver 1710 may utilize a single antenna or a collection of multiple antennas.

[0239] The transmitter 1715 may provide means for transmitting signals generated by the other components of the device 1705. The transmitter 1715 may utilize a single antenna or a collection of multiple antennas.

[0240] The communication manager 1720, the receiver 1710, the transmitter 1715, or various combinations thereof, or various components thereof may be examples of means for performing various aspects of the beam training techniques in the Wi-Fi band as described herein. For example, the communication manager 1720, the receiver 1710, the transmitter 1715, or various combinations thereof, or components thereof may support methods for performing one or more of the functions described herein.

[0241] In some examples, the communication manager 1720, the receiver 1710, the transmitter 1715, or various combinations or components thereof may be implemented in hardware (e.g., in a communication management circuit). The hardware may include a processor, a DSP, a CPU, an ASIC, an FPGA or other programmable logic device, a microcontroller, discrete gate or transistor logic components, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof that is configured as or otherwise supports components for performing the functions described in the present disclosure. In some examples, a processor and a memory coupled to the processor may be configured to perform one or more of the functions described herein (e.g., by executing instructions stored in the memory by the processor).

[0242] Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the communication manager 1720, the receiver 1710, the transmitter 1715, or various combinations or components thereof may be implemented in code executed by a processor (e.g., as communication management software or firmware). If implemented in code executed by a processor, the functionality of the communication manager 1720, the receiver 1710, the transmitter 1715, or various combinations or components thereof may be performed by a general purpose processor (e.g., configured as or otherwise supporting components for performing the functions described in the present disclosure), a DSP, a CPU, an ASIC, an FPGA, a microcontroller, or any combination of these or other programmable logic devices.

[0243] In some examples, communication manager 1720 may be configured to perform various operations (e.g., receive, obtain, monitor, output, send) using or otherwise cooperating with receiver 1710, transmitter 1715, or both. For example, communication manager 1720 may receive information from receiver 1710, transmit information to transmitter 1715, or be integrated in conjunction with receiver 1710, transmitter 1715, or both to obtain information, output information, or perform various other operations as described herein.

[0244] The communication manager 1720 may support wireless communication at the first wireless device according to examples as disclosed herein. For example, the communication manager 1720 may be configured to or otherwise support components for monitoring an initiation frame from a second wireless device during an SP, wherein the initiation frame is monitored using a receive beam based on a first beam training procedure performed between the first wireless device and the second wireless device prior to the SP. The communication manager 1720 may be configured to or otherwise support components for performing a second beam training procedure during an SP based on the absence of an initiation frame, based on an initiation frame being received and including an indication that the second wireless device is requesting to perform a second beam training procedure with the first wireless device, or based on an identification of a change in the wireless channel during a previous beam training interval or a previous SP. The communication manager 1720 may be configured to or otherwise support components for communicating one or more messages with the second wireless device using one or more beams based on the second beam training procedure.

[0245] By including or configuring the communication manager 1720 according to the examples as described herein, the device 1705 (e.g., a processor controlling the receiver 1710, the transmitter 1715, the communication manager 1720, or a combination thereof or otherwise coupled thereto) may support techniques that enable wireless devices (e.g., the AP MLD 135, the non-AP MLD 130) to perform beam training procedures within an SP for communication between respective devices. By exchanging initiation frames and / or response frames within an SP, the wireless device (e.g., the AP MLD, the non-AP MLD) may be able to determine whether it is desired for the wireless device to perform a new beam training procedure within the SP. Thus, the techniques described herein may enable wireless devices to perform beam training procedures within an SP to achieve more efficient and reliable wireless communication between respective devices.

[0246] Fig.18 A block diagram 1800 of a device 1805 supporting beam training techniques in a Wi-Fi band according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The device 1805 may be an example of aspects of the device 1705, AP, and / or STA as described herein. The device 1805 may include a receiver 1810, a transmitter 1815, and a communication manager 1820. The device 1805 may also include a processor. Each of these components may communicate with each other (e.g., via one or more buses).

[0247] Receiver 1810 may provide 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 beam training techniques in Wi-Fi bands). The information may be communicated to other components of device 1805. Receiver 1810 may utilize a single antenna or a collection of multiple antennas.

[0248] The transmitter 1815 may provide means for transmitting signals generated by the other components of the device 1805. The transmitter 1815 may utilize a single antenna or a collection of multiple antennas.

[0249] The device 1805 or its various components may be examples of components for performing various aspects of the beam training techniques in the Wi-Fi band as described herein. For example, the communication manager 1820 may include an initiation frame reception manager 1825, a beam training procedure manager 1830, a message communication manager 1835, or any combination thereof. The communication manager 1820 may be an example of various aspects of the communication manager 1720 as described herein. In some examples, the communication manager 1820 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 1810, the transmitter 1815, or both. For example, the communication manager 1820 may receive information from the receiver 1810, transmit information to the transmitter 1815, or be integrated in combination with the receiver 1810, the transmitter 1815, or both to obtain information, output information, or perform various other operations as described herein.

[0250] The communication manager 1820 may support wireless communication at the first wireless device according to examples as disclosed herein. The initiation frame reception manager 1825 may be configured to or otherwise support components for monitoring an initiation frame from a second wireless device during an SP, wherein the initiation frame is monitored using a receive beam based on a first beam training procedure performed between the first wireless device and the second wireless device prior to the SP. The beam training procedure manager 1830 may be configured to or otherwise support components for performing a second beam training procedure during an SP based on the absence of an initiation frame, based on an initiation frame being received and including an indication that the second wireless device is requesting to perform a second beam training procedure with the first wireless device, or based on an identification of a change in the wireless channel during a previous beam training interval or a previous SP. The message communication manager 1835 may be configured to or otherwise support components for communicating one or more messages with the second wireless device using one or more beams based on the second beam training procedure.

[0251] Fig.19A block diagram 1900 of a communication manager 1920 supporting beam training techniques in a Wi-Fi band according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The communication manager 1920 may be an example of aspects of the communication manager 1720, the communication manager 1820, or both as described herein. The communication manager 1920 or its various components may be examples of components for performing various aspects of beam training techniques in a Wi-Fi band as described herein. For example, the communication manager 1920 may include an initiation frame reception manager 1925, a beam training procedure manager 1930, a message communication manager 1935, a response frame transmission manager 1940, a control signaling communication manager 1945, an ACK frame reception manager 1950, a trigger frame transmission manager 1955, or any combination thereof. Each of these components may communicate with each other directly or indirectly (e.g., via one or more buses).

[0252] The communication manager 1920 may support wireless communication at the first wireless device according to examples as disclosed herein. The initiation frame reception manager 1925 may be configured to or otherwise support components for monitoring an initiation frame from a second wireless device during an SP, wherein the initiation frame is monitored using a receive beam based on a first beam training procedure performed between the first wireless device and the second wireless device prior to the SP. The beam training procedure manager 1930 may be configured to or otherwise support components for performing a second beam training procedure during an SP based on the absence of an initiation frame, based on an initiation frame being received and including an indication that the second wireless device is requesting to perform a second beam training procedure with the first wireless device, or based on an identification of a change in the wireless channel during a previous beam training interval or a previous SP. The message communication manager 1935 may be configured to or otherwise support components for communicating one or more messages with the second wireless device using one or more beams based on the second beam training procedure.

[0253] In some examples, the initiation frame reception manager 1925 may be configured or otherwise support components for receiving an initiation frame. In some examples, the response frame transmission manager 1940 may be configured or otherwise support components for transmitting a response frame to a second wireless device based on the initiation frame, wherein the second beam training procedure is performed based on the response frame being transmitted.

[0254] In some examples, the initiation frame reception manager 1925 may be configured or otherwise support components for identifying an absence of an initiation frame from a second wireless device based on the initiation frame being monitored, wherein the second beam training procedure is performed based on the absence of the initiation frame.

[0255] In some examples, the control signaling communication manager 1945 may be configured to or otherwise support components for communicating control signaling to a second wireless device indicating a set of multiple SPs associated with a first wireless device, the set of multiple SPs including the SP, wherein the initiation frame is monitored based on the control signaling.

[0256] In some examples, the initiation frame includes an indication of whether the second wireless device is requesting to perform a second beam training procedure with the first wireless device during the SP.

[0257] In some examples, the initiation frame reception manager 1925 may be configured or otherwise support components for receiving, via the initiation frame and based on monitoring, a buffer status report associated with traffic to be communicated from the second wireless device to the first wireless device. In some examples, the message communication manager 1935 may be configured or otherwise support components for receiving traffic from the second wireless device using one or more beams and based on the buffer status report.

[0258] In some examples, the trigger frame transmission manager 1955 may be configured or otherwise support components for transmitting a trigger frame scheduling traffic to a second wireless device based on a buffer status report, wherein the traffic is received based on the trigger frame.

[0259] In some examples, the messaging manager 1935 may be configured or otherwise support components for sending downlink traffic from the second wireless device along with the trigger frame.In some examples, the last frame of one or more messages indicates the end of one or more messages, the end of the SP, or both.

[0260] In some examples, one or more messages include an indication of a second SP for communication between the first wireless device and the second wireless device, and the message communication manager 1935 may be configured to or otherwise support components for communicating one or more additional messages with the second wireless device during the second SP using one or more beams based on a second beam training procedure.

[0261] In some examples, the initiation frame reception manager 1925 may be configured to or otherwise support components for receiving, via the initiation frame and based on the monitoring, an indication that the second wireless device is requesting to perform a second beam training procedure with the second wireless device. In some examples, the response frame transmission manager 1940 may be configured to or otherwise support components for transmitting a response frame to the second wireless device based on the initiation frame, wherein the response frame includes an acknowledgment of the second beam training procedure, wherein the second beam training procedure is performed based on the acknowledgment.

[0262] In some examples, the response frame sending manager 1940 may be configured to or otherwise support components for sending a response frame based at least in part on receiving an initiation frame, wherein the response frame includes an indication that the first wireless device is requesting to perform a second beam training procedure with the second wireless device, wherein the second beam training procedure is performed based on the response frame being sent.

[0263] In some examples, the initiating frame reception manager 1925 may be configured or otherwise support components for identifying, based on monitoring, that a number of failed frame exchanges between a first wireless device and a second wireless device meets a threshold number, wherein a second beam training procedure is performed based on the identification.

[0264] In some examples, the response frame transmission manager 1940 may be configured to or otherwise support components for transmitting a response frame based on receiving an initiation frame. In some examples, the ACK frame reception manager 1950 may be configured to or otherwise support components for receiving an ACK frame from a second wireless device based on transmitting the response frame, wherein the second beam training procedure is performed based on receiving the ACK frame.

[0265] In some examples, the initiation frame includes a QoS null frame, the QoS null frame includes a control field, the control field includes a buffer status report, an indication of whether the first wireless device is requesting to perform a second beam training procedure, 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. In some examples, the first wireless device includes an AP. In some examples, the second wireless device includes a STA.

[0266] Fig. 20 A diagram of a system 2000 including a device 2005 supporting beam training techniques in a Wi-Fi band according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The device 2005 may be an example of a device 1705, a device 1805, or an AP as described herein or include components thereof. The device 2005 may include components for two-way voice and data communications, including components for sending and receiving communications, such as a communication manager 2020, a network communication manager 2010, a transceiver 2015, an antenna 2025, a memory 2030, a code 2035, a processor 2040, and an inter-AP communication manager 2045. These components may be in electronic communication or otherwise coupled (e.g., operatively, communicatively, functionally, electronically, electrically) via one or more buses (e.g., bus 2050).

[0267] The network communication manager 2010 can manage communications with the core network (eg, via one or more wired backhaul links). For example, the network communication manager 2010 can manage the delivery of data communications for client devices such as one or more STAs 115.

[0268] In some cases, the device 2005 may include a single antenna 2025. However, in some other cases, the device 2005 may have more than one antenna 2025, which may be capable of concurrently sending or receiving multiple wireless transmissions. The transceiver 2015 may communicate bidirectionally via one or more antennas 2025, a wired or wireless link, as described herein. For example, the transceiver 2015 may represent a wireless transceiver and may communicate bidirectionally with another wireless transceiver. The transceiver 2015 may also include a modem for modulating packets and providing the modulated packets to one or more antennas 2025 for transmission, and for demodulating packets received from one or more antennas 2025. The transceiver 2015 or the transceiver 2015 and one or more antennas 2025 may be examples of transmitters 1715, transmitters 1815, receivers 1710, receivers 1810, or any combination thereof or components thereof as described herein.

[0269] Memory 2030 may include RAM and ROM. Memory 2030 may store computer-readable, computer-executable code 2035 including instructions that, when executed by processor 2040, cause device 2005 to perform various functions described herein. In some cases, memory 2030 may include, among other things, BIOS, which may control basic hardware or software operations, such as interaction with peripheral components or devices.

[0270] The processor 2040 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 2040 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 2040. The processor 2040 may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in a memory (e.g., memory 2030) to enable the device 2005 to perform various functions (e.g., functions or tasks supporting beam training techniques in Wi-Fi bands). For example, the device 2005 or a component of the device 2005 may include a processor 2040 and a memory 2030 coupled to or coupled to the processor 2040, and the processor 2040 and the memory 2030 are configured to perform the various functions described herein.

[0271] The inter-station communication manager 2045 may manage communications with other APs 105 and may include a controller or scheduler for controlling communications with STAs 115 in coordination with other APs 105. For example, the inter-station communication manager 2045 may coordinate scheduling of transmissions to the APs 105 for various interference mitigation techniques such as beamforming or joint transmission. In some examples, the inter-station communication manager 2045 may provide an X2 interface within an LTE / LTE-A wireless communication network technology to provide communications between APs 105.

[0272] The communication manager 2020 may support wireless communication at the first wireless device according to examples as disclosed herein. For example, the communication manager 2020 may be configured to or otherwise support components for monitoring an initiation frame from a second wireless device during an SP, wherein the initiation frame is monitored using a receive beam based on a first beam training procedure performed between the first wireless device and the second wireless device prior to the SP. The communication manager 2020 may be configured to or otherwise support components for performing a second beam training procedure during an SP based on the absence of an initiation frame, based on an initiation frame being received and including an indication that the second wireless device is requesting to perform a second beam training procedure with the first wireless device, or based on an identification of a change in the wireless channel during a previous beam training interval or a previous SP. The communication manager 2020 may be configured to or otherwise support components for communicating one or more messages with the second wireless device using one or more beams based on the second beam training procedure.

[0273] By including or configuring the communication manager 2020 according to the examples as described herein, the device 2005 may support a technique that enables a wireless device (e.g., AP MLD 135, non-AP MLD 130) to perform a beam training procedure within an SP for communication between respective devices. By exchanging initiation frames and / or response frames within an SP, a wireless device (e.g., AP MLD, non-AP MLD) may be able to determine whether it is desired for the wireless device to perform a new beam training procedure within the SP. Thus, the techniques described herein may enable a wireless device to perform a beam training procedure within an SP to achieve more efficient and reliable wireless communication between respective devices.

[0274] Fig.21 2100 is a flowchart illustrating a method 2100 for supporting beam training techniques in a Wi-Fi band according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of the method 2100 may be implemented by a STA or a component thereof as described herein. For example, the operations of the method 2100 may be implemented by a STA or a component thereof as described in reference to Figures 1 to 16The STA described herein performs. In some examples, the STA may execute an instruction set to control the functional elements of the STA to perform the described functions. Additionally or alternatively, the STA may use dedicated hardware to perform various aspects of the described functions.

[0275] At 2105, the method may include sending an initiation frame to the second wireless device during the SP using a transmit beam based on a first beam training procedure performed between the first wireless device and the second wireless device prior to the SP. The operations of 2105 may be performed according to examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 2105 may be performed as described in reference to Fig.15 The described initiation frame transmission manager 1525 performs.

[0276] At 2110, the method may include performing a second beam training procedure during the SP based on an absence of a response frame from the second wireless device, based on an indication within a response frame received from the second wireless device, or based on an identification of a change in the wireless channel relative to a previous beam training interval or a previous SP, the response frame being in response to the initiation frame. The operations of 2110 may be performed according to examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 2110 may be performed as described in reference to Fig.15 The beam training procedure manager 1530 described herein executes.

[0277] At 2115, the method may include communicating one or more messages with the second wireless device using one or more beams based on the second beam training procedure. The operations of 2115 may be performed according to examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 2115 may be performed as described in reference to Fig.15 The described messaging manager 1535 executes.

[0278] Fig. 22 A flowchart illustrating a method 2200 for supporting beam training techniques in a Wi-Fi band according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The operations of the method 2200 may be implemented by an AP or a component thereof as described herein. For example, the operations of the method 2200 may be implemented by an AP or a component thereof as described in reference to Figures 1 to 12 and Figures 17 to 20 The described AP performs. In some examples, the AP may execute instruction sets 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.

[0279] At 2205, the method may include monitoring an initiation frame from the second wireless device during the SP, wherein the initiation frame is monitored using a receive beam based on a first beam training procedure performed between the first wireless device and the second wireless device prior to the SP. The operations of 2205 may be performed according to examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 2205 may be performed as described in reference to Fig.19 The described initiating frame reception manager 1925 performs.

[0280] At 2210, the method may include performing a second beam training procedure during the SP based on the absence of an initiation frame, based on an initiation frame being received and including an indication that the second wireless device is requesting to perform a second beam training procedure with the first wireless device, or based on an identification of a change in the wireless channel during a previous beam training interval or a previous SP. The operations of 2210 may be performed according to examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 2210 may be performed as described in reference to Fig.19 The beam training procedure manager 1930 described herein executes.

[0281] At 2215, the method may include communicating one or more messages with the second wireless device using one or more beams based on the second beam training procedure. The operations of 2215 may be performed according to examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 2215 may be performed as described in reference to Fig.19 The described messaging manager 1935 executes.

[0282] Fig.23 2300 is a flowchart illustrating a method 2300 for supporting beam training techniques in a Wi-Fi band according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of the method 2300 may be implemented by a STA or a component thereof as described herein. For example, the operations of the method 2300 may be implemented by a STA or a component thereof as described in reference to Figures 1 to 16 The STA described herein performs. In some examples, the STA may execute an instruction set to control the functional elements of the STA to perform the described functions. Additionally or alternatively, the STA may use dedicated hardware to perform various aspects of the described functions.

[0283] At 2305, the method may include monitoring a signal from a second wireless device during the BTI, the signal being associated with a first beam training procedure between the first wireless device and the second wireless device. The operations of 2305 may be performed according to examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 2305 may be performed as described in reference to Fig.15 The monitoring manager 1540 described here performs.

[0284] At 2310, the method may include performing a second beam training procedure during the SP in response to the signal being monitored or the absence of the signal associated with the first beam training procedure. The operations of 2310 may be performed according to examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 2310 may be performed as described in reference to Fig.15 The beam training procedure manager 1530 described herein executes.

[0285] At 2315, the method may include communicating one or more messages with the second wireless device using one or more beams based on the second beam training procedure. The operations of 2315 may be performed according to examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 2315 may be performed as described in reference to Fig.15 The described messaging manager 1535 executes.

[0286] It should be noted that the methods described herein describe possible implementations, and that the various operations and steps may be rearranged or otherwise modified and other implementations are possible. In addition, aspects from two or more of the methods may be combined.

[0287] The following provides an overview of various aspects of the disclosure:

[0288] Aspect 1: A method for wireless communication at a first wireless device, comprising: sending an initiation frame to the second wireless device during the SP using a transmission beam based at least in part on a first beam training procedure performed between the first wireless device and the second wireless device prior to the SP; performing a second beam training procedure during the SP based at least in part on the absence of a response frame from the second wireless device, at least in part on an indication within the response frame received from the second wireless device, or at least in part on an identification of a change in a wireless channel relative to a previous beam training interval or a previous SP, the response frame being in response to the initiation frame; and communicating one or more messages with the second wireless device using one or more beams based at least in part on the second beam training procedure.

[0289] Aspect 2: The method according to aspect 1 also includes: communicating control signaling indicating multiple SPs associated with the first wireless device with the second wireless device, the multiple SPs including the SP, wherein the initiation frame is sent at least in part based on the control signaling.

[0290] Aspect 3: The method according to any one of aspects 1 to 2, wherein the initiation frame includes an indication as to whether the first wireless device is requesting to perform the second beam training procedure with the second wireless device during the SP.

[0291] Aspect 4: The method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 3 further includes: performing one or more measurements on a signal received from the second wireless device via a receive beam based at least in part on the first beam training procedure, wherein the initiation frame is sent at least in part based on whether the one or more measurements meet one or more thresholds.

[0292] Aspect 5: A method according to Aspect 4, wherein the initiation frame includes an indication that the first wireless device is requesting to perform the second beam training procedure based on the one or more measurements failing to meet the one or more thresholds, or the initiation frame includes an indication that the first wireless device is not requesting to perform the second beam training procedure based on the one or more measurements meeting the one or more thresholds.

[0293] Aspect 6: A method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 5, wherein the initiation frame includes a buffer status report (BSR) associated with a service to be communicated from the first wireless device to the second wireless device, and the method further includes: sending the service to the second wireless device using the one or more beams and at least partially based on the BSR.

[0294] Aspect 7: The method according to aspect 6 also includes: receiving a trigger frame for scheduling the service from the second wireless device at least partially based on the BSR, wherein the service is sent at least partially based on the trigger frame.

[0295] Aspect 8: The method according to aspect 7 further includes: receiving downlink traffic from the second wireless device together with the trigger frame.

[0296] Aspect 9: A method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 8, wherein the one or more messages are received from the second wireless device using a receiving beam based at least in part on the second beam training procedure, and the last frame of the one or more messages indicates the end of the one or more messages, the end of the SP, or both.

[0297] Aspect 10: A method according to Aspect 9, wherein the first wireless device receives the one or more messages while in a first operating state associated with a first power consumption, the method further comprising: transitioning to a second operating state associated with a second power consumption less than the first power consumption based at least in part on the one or more messages indicating the end of the one or more messages, the end of the SP, or both.

[0298] Aspect 11: The method according to any one of aspects 1 to 10, further comprising: communicating one or more additional messages with the second wireless device during a second SP using the one or more beams based at least in part on the second beam training procedure.

[0299] Aspect 12: The method according to aspect 11, wherein the one or more messages include an indication of the second SP used for communication between the first wireless device and the second wireless device, and the one or more additional messages are communicated at least in part based on the indication of the second SP.

[0300] Aspect 13: A method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 12, wherein the initiation frame includes the indication that the first wireless device is requesting to perform the second beam training procedure with the second wireless device, and the method further includes: receiving the response frame from the second wireless device based at least in part on the initiation frame, wherein the response frame includes a confirmation of the second beam training procedure, and wherein the second beam training procedure is performed at least in part based on the confirmation.

[0301] Aspect 14: A method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 13, wherein the initiation frame includes the indication that the first wireless device is requesting to perform the second beam training procedure with the second wireless device, and the method further includes: identifying the absence of the response frame from the second wireless device based at least in part on the initiation frame; and monitoring the signal from the second wireless device as part of the second beam training procedure based at least in part on the absence of the response frame.

[0302] Aspect 15: The method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 14 further includes: receiving, via the response frame, an indication that the second wireless device is requesting to perform the second beam training procedure with the first wireless device, wherein the second beam training procedure is performed at least in part based on receiving the response frame.

[0303] Aspect 16: The method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 15 further includes: at least in part based on sending the initiation frame, identifying that the number of failed frame exchanges between the first wireless device and the second wireless device meets a threshold number, wherein the second beam training procedure is performed at least in part based on the identification.

[0304] Aspect 17: The method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 16 further includes: receiving the response frame at least partially based on the initiation frame being sent; and sending a confirmation frame to the second wireless device at least partially based on the response frame, wherein the second beam training procedure is performed at least partially based on the confirmation frame.

[0305] Aspect 18: A method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 17, wherein the initiation frame includes a quality of service empty frame, the quality of service empty frame includes a control field, the control field includes a BSR, the indication of whether the first wireless device is requesting to perform the second beam training procedure, or both.

[0306] Aspect 19: A method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 18, wherein the first wireless device includes a STA, a first multi-link device, or both, and the second wireless device includes an AP, a second multi-link device, or both, or the first wireless device includes the AP and the second wireless device includes the STA.

[0307] Aspect 20: A method for wireless communication at a first wireless device, comprising: monitoring an initiation frame from a second wireless device during an SP, wherein the initiation frame is monitored using a receive beam based at least in part on a first beam training procedure performed between the first wireless device and the second wireless device prior to the SP; performing a second beam training procedure during the SP based at least in part on the absence of the initiation frame, at least in part on the initiation frame being received and including an indication that the second wireless device is requesting to perform a second beam training procedure with the first wireless device, or at least in part on an identification of a change in a wireless channel during a previous beam training interval or a previous SP; and communicating one or more messages with the second wireless device using one or more beams based at least in part on the second beam training procedure.

[0308] Aspect 21: The method according to Aspect 20 further includes: receiving the initiation frame; and sending a response frame to the second wireless device based at least in part on the initiation frame, wherein the second beam training procedure is performed based at least in part on the response frame being sent.

[0309] Aspect 22: The method according to any one of Aspects 20 to 21 further includes: identifying the absence of the initiation frame from the second wireless device based at least in part on monitoring the initiation frame, wherein the second beam training procedure is performed based at least in part on the absence of the initiation frame.

[0310] Aspect 23: The method according to any one of Aspects 20 to 22 also includes: communicating control signaling indicating multiple SPs associated with the first wireless device with the second wireless device, the multiple SPs including the SP, wherein the initiation frame is monitored at least in part based on the control signaling.

[0311] Aspect 24: The method according to any one of aspects 20 to 23, wherein the initiation frame includes an indication as to whether the second wireless device is requesting to perform the second beam training procedure with the first wireless device during the SP.

[0312] Aspect 25: The method according to any one of Aspects 20 to 24 further includes: receiving a BSR associated with a service to be communicated from the second wireless device to the first wireless device via the initiation frame and at least partially based on the monitoring; and receiving the service from the second wireless device using the one or more beams and at least partially based on the BSR.

[0313] Aspect 26: The method according to aspect 25 also includes: sending a trigger frame for scheduling the service to the second wireless device based at least in part on the BSR, wherein the service is received based at least in part on the trigger frame.

[0314] Aspect 27: The method according to aspect 26 further includes: sending downlink traffic from the second wireless device together with the trigger frame.

[0315] Aspect 28: The method according to any one of aspects 20 to 27, wherein the last frame of the one or more messages indicates the end of the one or more messages, the end of the SP, or both.

[0316] Aspect 29: A method according to any one of Aspects 20 to 28, wherein the one or more messages include an indication of a second SP used for communication between the first wireless device and the second wireless device, and the method further includes: using the one or more beams based at least in part on the second beam training procedure to communicate one or more additional messages with the second wireless device during the second SP.

[0317] Aspect 30: The method according to any one of Aspects 20 to 29 further includes: receiving, via the initiation frame and at least partially based on the monitoring, the indication that the second wireless device is requesting to perform the second beam training procedure with the second wireless device; and sending a response frame to the second wireless device based at least partially on the initiation frame, wherein the response frame includes a confirmation of the second beam training procedure, wherein the second beam training procedure is performed at least partially based on the confirmation.

[0318] Aspect 31: The method according to any one of Aspects 20 to 30 further includes: sending a response frame based at least in part on receiving the initiation frame, wherein the response frame includes an indication that the first wireless device is requesting to perform the second beam training procedure with the second wireless device, wherein the second beam training procedure is performed at least in part based on the response frame being sent.

[0319] Aspect 32: The method according to any one of Aspects 20 to 31 further includes: at least in part based on the monitoring, identifying that the number of failed frame exchanges between the first wireless device and the second wireless device meets a threshold number, wherein the second beam training procedure is performed at least in part based on the identification.

[0320] Aspect 33: The method according to any one of Aspects 20 to 32 further includes: sending a response frame based at least in part on the receipt of the initiation frame; and receiving a confirmation frame from the second wireless device based at least in part on sending the response frame, wherein the second beam training procedure is performed at least in part based on the confirmation frame.

[0321] Aspect 34: A method according to any one of Aspects 20 to 33, wherein the initiation frame includes a quality of service empty frame, the quality of service empty frame includes a control field, the control field includes a buffer status report, the indication of whether the first wireless device is requesting to perform the second beam training procedure, or both.

[0322] Aspect 35: A method according to any one of Aspects 20 to 34, wherein the first wireless device includes a STA, a first multi-link device, or both, and the second wireless device includes an AP, a second multi-link device, or both, or the first wireless device includes the AP and the second wireless device includes the STA.

[0323] Aspect 36: A method for wireless communication at a first wireless device, comprising: monitoring a signal from a second wireless device during a BTI, the signal being associated with a first beam training procedure between the first wireless device and the second wireless device; performing a second beam training procedure during an SP in response to the signal being monitored or the absence of the signal associated with the first beam training procedure; and communicating one or more messages with the second wireless device using one or more beams based at least in part on the second beam training procedure.

[0324] Aspect 37: The method according to aspect 36, wherein the monitoring includes: monitoring beacon frames in a beamforming mode.

[0325] Aspect 38: The method according to any one of Aspects 36 to 37 further includes: receiving a beacon frame from the second wireless device at least in part based on the signal being monitored, the beacon frame being associated with the first beam training procedure; and suppressing the sending of an initiation frame within the SP at least in part based on the beam training procedure including an initial beam training procedure between the first wireless device and the second wireless device, wherein the second beam training procedure is performed at least in part based on the suppression of sending the initiation frame.

[0326] Aspect 39: The method according to any one of Aspects 36 to 38 further includes: identifying the absence of an initiation frame communicated between the first wireless device and the second wireless device within the SP, wherein the second beam training procedure is performed at least in part based on the absence of the initiation frame.

[0327] Aspect 40: 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 a method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 19.

[0328] Aspect 41: An apparatus for wireless communication at a first wireless device, comprising at least one component for performing a method according to any one of aspects 1 to 19.

[0329] Aspect 42: 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 according to any one of aspects 1 to 19.

[0330] Aspect 43: 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 a method according to any one of Aspects 20 to 35.

[0331] Aspect 44: An apparatus for wireless communication at a first wireless device, comprising at least one component for performing a method according to any one of aspects 20 to 35.

[0332] Aspect 45: 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 according to any one of aspects 20 to 35.

[0333] Aspect 46: 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 a method according to any one of Aspects 36 to 39.

[0334] Aspect 47: An apparatus for wireless communication at a first wireless device, comprising at least one component for performing a method according to any one of aspects 36 to 39.

[0335] Aspect 48: 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 according to any one of aspects 36 to 39.

[0336] 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 often used interchangeably. Code division multiple access (CDMA) systems can implement radio technologies such as CDMA2000, Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (UTRA). CDMA2000 covers IS-2000, IS-95 and IS-856 standards. IS-2000 versions are commonly referred to as CDMA20001X, 1X, etc. IS-856 (TIA-856) is commonly referred to as CDMA2000 1xEV-DO, High Speed ​​Packet Data (HRPD), etc. UTRA includes Wideband CDMA (WCDMA) and other variants of CDMA. Time division multiple access (TDMA) systems 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 others.

[0337] One or more wireless communication systems described herein may support synchronous or asynchronous operation. For synchronous operation, each station may have similar frame timing, and transmissions from different stations may be approximately aligned in time. For asynchronous operation, each station may have different frame timing, and transmissions from different stations may not be aligned in time. The techniques described herein may be used for synchronous operation or asynchronous operation.

[0338] 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 WLAN 100 and 200 of the present invention may include one or more carriers, wherein each carrier may be a signal composed of multiple subcarriers (eg, waveform signals of different frequencies).

[0339] The descriptions set forth herein in conjunction with the accompanying drawings describe example 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," and does not mean "better than" or "better than other examples." The detailed description includes specific details to provide an understanding of the described techniques. However, these techniques can be practiced without these specific details. In some cases, in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the described examples, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form.

[0340] 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 to distinguish between the similar components. If only the first reference label is used in the specification, the description applies to any of the similar components having the same first reference label, regardless of the second reference label.

[0341] The information and signals described herein may be represented using any of a variety of different techniques and methods. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips mentioned throughout the specification may be represented by voltage, current, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, optical fields or optical particles, or any combination thereof.

[0342] The various illustrative blocks and modules described in conjunction with the disclosure herein may be implemented or executed using a general purpose processor, a DSP, an ASIC, an FPGA or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic components, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in an alternative, 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, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration).

[0343] 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, the functions may be stored as one or more instructions or codes on a computer-readable medium, or sent via a computer-readable medium. Other examples and specific implementations are within the scope of the present disclosure and the appended claims. For example, due to the nature of software, the functions described herein may be implemented using software executed by a processor, hardware, firmware, hard wiring, or a combination of any of these items. The features that implement the functions may also be physically located at different 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 the enumeration of items (e.g., enumeration of items with phrases such as "at least one of" or "one or more of") indicates inclusive enumeration, so that, for example, the enumeration of at least one of A, B, or C means A or B or C or AB or AC or BC or ABC (i.e., A and B and C). In addition, 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."

[0344] Computer-readable media include both non-transient computer storage media and communication media, including any medium that facilitates the transfer of computer programs from one place to another.Non-transient storage media can be any available medium that can be accessed by a general or special-purpose computer.By way of example and not limitation, non-transient computer-readable media may 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 devices, or any other non-transient medium that can be used to carry or store the desired program code means in the form of instructions or data structures and can be accessed by a general or special-purpose computer or a general or special-purpose processor.Moreover, any connection is appropriately referred to as computer-readable media.For example, if the software is sent from a website, a server or other remote source using a coaxial cable, a fiber optic cable, a twisted pair, a digital subscriber line (DSL) or a wireless technology such as infrared, radio and microwaves, the coaxial cable, the fiber optic cable, the twisted pair, the digital subscriber line (DSL) or a wireless technology such as infrared, radio and microwaves are included in the definition of the medium. As used herein, disk and disc include CD, laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk and Blu-ray disc, where disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with lasers. Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0345] The description herein is provided to enable those skilled in the art to implement 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 conforms to the broadest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. An apparatus for wireless communication at a first wireless device, the apparatus comprising: processor; a memory coupled to the processor; and instructions stored in the memory and executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: transmitting an initiation frame to a second wireless device during a service period using a transmit beam based at least in part on a first beam training procedure performed between the first wireless device and the second wireless device prior to a service period; performing a second beam training procedure during the service period based at least in part on an absence of a response frame from the second wireless device, based at least in part on an indication within the response frame received from the second wireless device, or based at least in part on an identification of a change in a wireless channel relative to a previous beam training interval or a previous service period; as well as One or more messages are communicated with the second wireless device using one or more beams based at least in part on the second beam training procedure.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: Control signaling is communicated with the second wireless device indicating a plurality of service periods associated with the first wireless device, the plurality of service periods including the service period, wherein the initiation frame is sent based at least in part on the control signaling. 3 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the initiation frame comprises an indication of whether the first wireless device is requesting to perform the second beam training procedure with the second wireless device during the service period.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: One or more measurements are performed on signals received from the second wireless device via a receive beam based at least in part on the first beam training procedure, wherein the initiation frame is sent based at least in part on whether the one or more measurements satisfy one or more thresholds.

5. An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the initiation frame includes an indication that the first wireless device is requesting to perform the second beam training procedure based on the one or more measurements failing to meet the one or more thresholds, or wherein the initiation frame includes an indication that the first wireless device is not requesting to perform the second beam training procedure based on the one or more measurements meeting the one or more thresholds.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the initiation frame comprises a buffer status report associated with traffic to be communicated from the first wireless device to the second wireless device, and the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: The traffic is transmitted to the second wireless device using the one or more beams and based at least in part on the buffer status report.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: Based at least in part on the buffer status report, a trigger frame is received from the second wireless device to schedule the traffic, wherein the traffic is sent based at least in part on the trigger frame.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: Downlink traffic is received from the second wireless device along with the trigger frame.

9. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The one or more messages are received from the second wireless device using a receive beam based at least in part on the second beam training procedure, wherein a last frame of the one or more messages indicates an end of the one or more messages, an end of the service period, or both.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the first wireless device receives the one or more messages while in a first operating state associated with a first power consumption, and the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: Based at least in part on the one or more messages indicating the end of the one or more messages, the end of the service period, or both, transitioning to a second operating state associated with a second power consumption less than the first power consumption.

11. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: One or more additional messages are communicated with the second wireless device during a second service period using the one or more beams based at least in part on the second beam training procedure.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the one or more messages include an indication of the second service period for communication between the first wireless device and the second wireless device, wherein the one or more additional messages are communicated based at least in part on the indication of the second service period.

13. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the initiation frame comprises the indication that the first wireless device is requesting to perform the second beam training procedure with the second wireless device, and the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: Based at least in part on the initiation frame, receiving the response frame from the second wireless device, wherein the response frame includes an acknowledgement of the second beam training procedure, wherein the second beam training procedure is performed based at least in part on the acknowledgement.

14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the initiation frame comprises the indication that the first wireless device is requesting to perform the second beam training procedure with the second wireless device, and the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: identifying the absence of the response frame from the second wireless device based at least in part on the initiation frame; and Based at least in part on the absence of the response frame, monitoring a signal from the second wireless device as part of the second beam training procedure.

15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: An indication is received via the response frame that the second wireless device is requesting execution of the second beam training procedure with the first wireless device, wherein the second beam training procedure is performed based at least in part on receiving the response frame.

16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: Based at least in part on sending the initiation frame, it is identified that a number of failed frame exchanges between the first wireless device and the second wireless device satisfies a threshold number, wherein the second beam training procedure is performed based at least in part on the identification.

17. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: Based at least in part on the initiation frame being sent, receiving the response frame; and Based at least in part on the response frame, an acknowledgment frame is sent to the second wireless device, wherein the second beam training procedure is performed based at least in part on the acknowledgment frame.

18. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the initiation frame comprises a quality of service null frame, the quality of service null frame comprising a control field, the control field comprising a buffer status report, the indication as to whether the first wireless device is requesting to perform the second beam training procedure, or both.

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

20. An apparatus for wireless communication at a first wireless device, the apparatus comprising: processor; a memory coupled to the processor; and instructions stored in the memory and executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: monitoring for an initiation frame from a second wireless device during a service period, wherein the initiation frame is monitored using a receive beam based at least in part on a first beam training procedure performed between the first wireless device and the second wireless device prior to the service period; performing a second beam training procedure during the service period based at least in part on an absence of the initiation frame, based at least in part on the initiation frame being received and including an indication that the second wireless device is requesting to perform a second beam training procedure with the first wireless device, or based at least in part on an identification of a change in a wireless channel during a previous beam training interval or a previous service period; as well as One or more messages are communicated with the second wireless device using one or more beams based at least in part on the second beam training procedure.

21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: receiving the initiation frame; and Based at least in part on the initiation frame, a response frame is sent to the second wireless device, wherein the second beam training procedure is performed based at least in part on the response frame being sent.

22. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: Based at least in part on the initiation frame being monitored, identifying an absence of the initiation frame from the second wireless device, wherein the second beam training procedure is performed based at least in part on the absence of the initiation frame.

23. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: Control signaling is communicated with the second wireless device indicating a plurality of service periods associated with the first wireless device, the plurality of service periods including the service period, wherein the initiation frame is monitored based at least in part on the control signaling.

24. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the initiation frame comprises an indication of whether the second wireless device is requesting to perform the second beam training procedure with the first wireless device during the service period.

25. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: receiving, via the initiation frame and based at least in part on the monitoring, a buffer status report associated with traffic to be communicated from the second wireless device to the first wireless device; and The traffic is received from the second wireless device using the one or more beams and based at least in part on the buffer status report.

26. An apparatus for wireless communication at a first wireless device, the apparatus comprising: processor; a memory coupled to the processor; and instructions stored in the memory and executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: monitoring, during a beacon transmission interval, for a signal from a second wireless device, the signal being associated with a first beam training procedure between the first wireless device and the second wireless device; performing a second beam training procedure during a service period in response to the signal being monitored or an absence of the signal associated with the first beam training procedure; as well as One or more messages are communicated with the second wireless device using one or more beams based at least in part on the second beam training procedure.

27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the instructions for monitoring are executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: Monitor beacon frames in beamforming mode.

28. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: receiving a beacon frame from the second wireless device based at least in part on the signals being monitored, the beacon frame being associated with the first beam training procedure; and Based at least in part on the first beam training procedure comprising an initial beam training procedure between the first wireless device and the second wireless device, refraining from sending an initiation frame during the service period, wherein the second beam training procedure is performed based at least in part on the initiation frame being refrained from sending.

29. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: An absence of an initiation frame communicated between the first wireless device and the second wireless device during the service period is identified, wherein the second beam training procedure is performed based at least in part on the absence of the initiation frame.

30. A method for wireless communication at a first wireless device, the method comprising: transmitting an initiation frame to a second wireless device during a service period using a transmit beam based at least in part on a first beam training procedure performed between the first wireless device and the second wireless device prior to a service period; performing a second beam training procedure during the service period based at least in part on an absence of a response frame from the second wireless device, based at least in part on an indication within the response frame received from the second wireless device, or based at least in part on an identification of a change in a wireless channel relative to a previous beam training interval or a previous service period; as well as One or more messages are communicated with the second wireless device using one or more beams based at least in part on the second beam training procedure.

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