Channel detection method and communication device

Abstract

Provided are a channel detection method and device, the method comprising: a first access point (AP) sending a declaration frame, the declaration frame being used for indicating at least one second AP and at least one STA to participate in a channel detection process; and the first AP sequentially sends a channel detection polling frame to each of the at least one second AP, wherein the channel detection polling frame is used for triggering the at least one second AP to send a channel detection frame. Therefore, the robustness of channel detection is effectively improved, and the resource utilization rate is improved.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the original Chinese application with application number “201910533150.1” filed on June 19, 2019, wherein the original Chinese application is incorporated by reference into this divisional application. Technical Field

[0002] The embodiments of the present application relate to the field of communications, and in particular to a channel detection method and a communication device. Background Art

[0003] With the development of wireless networks and the increasing popularity of wireless local area network (WLAN) technology, the deployment of WLAN devices has become increasingly dense. As wireless access points (APs) are easy to deploy, the frequency of AP applications is increasing. However, as the density of AP deployment increases, it also brings about the problem of inter-cell interference. How to reduce inter-cell interference and improve user service quality through collaboration between APs has become an urgent problem to be solved.

[0004] The premise of collaboration between APs is to establish a collaborative relationship based on the channel detection results. In the prior art, the channel detection of APs can refer to the channel detection process of 802.11ac, such as Figure 1 As shown. Specifically, the AP first sends a Null Data Packet Announcement (NDPA) frame to notify the station (STA) that needs to perform channel detection and the parameters of related channel detection, and then broadcasts the NDP frame after a short inter-frame space (SIFS), wherein the NDP frame does not carry the data field. The STA can perform channel estimation on the AP based on the received NDP and generate a beamforming report (BFR), wherein the BFR includes but is not limited to: channel state information (CSI) or channel quality indication (CQI). Subsequently, the AP sends a beamforming report poll (BF Report Poll, BFRP) to the STA to request a channel state frame that has not been fed back or has fed back an error from a certain STA.

[0005] In the prior art, a VHT (Very High Throughput) NDPA frame is used to identify the NDPA frame in the 802.11ac standard. The frame format is as follows: Figure 2As shown. The Sounding Dialog Token field is used to index the sequence number of the channel sounding. The NDPA frame also includes a STA information field, which includes feedback instruction information of multiple STAs. The STA information field may also include an STA association identifier (Association Identifier, AID), a feedback type (Feedback Type) and a number of columns (Nc) field. These three fields are used to indicate the associated STA, whether the feedback mode is single-user or multi-user feedback, and the number of columns of feedback. In addition, the STA information field may also include a frame control (Frame Control, FC) field, wherein the FC field includes type information (Type) and subtype information (Subtype) for identifying the type of the NDPA frame. The receiving address field (Receiving Address, RA) and the transmitting address field (Transmitting Address, TA) are used to identify the receiving end and the transmitting end of the MAC frame.

[0006] In 802.11ax, a multi-user uplink transmission mechanism is introduced to further improve the efficiency of channel detection. That is, the AP can instruct multiple STAs to upload beamforming reports at the same time.

[0007] Specifically, in 802.11ax, the NDPA frame is a High Efficient (HE) NDPA frame, which uses the type and subtype of the FC field of the VHT NDPA frame and uses the reserved bits in the Sounding Dialog Token field to distinguish whether the frame is a VHT NDPA frame or a HE NDPA frame. In addition, the length of the STA information field in the HE NDPA frame is extended to 4 bytes, and partial bandwidth information (Partial BW Info) is introduced to indicate that the STA feeds back the channel status information of part of the bandwidth. The frame structure is as follows: Figure 3 shown.

[0008] However, in 802.11ac and 802.11ax, the channel detection scheme is a single AP and multiple STAs. Therefore, how to implement channel detection between multiple APs has become an urgent problem to be solved. Summary of the invention

[0009] The present application provides a channel detection method and a communication device, which can implement a channel detection process of multiple APs.

[0010] In order to achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solutions:

[0011] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a channel detection method, which includes: a first AP sends a declaration frame, the declaration frame is used to indicate at least one second AP and at least one station STA to participate in channel detection; then, the first AP sends a channel detection polling frame to each second AP in at least one second AP in turn, and the channel detection polling frame is used to trigger at least one second AP to send a channel detection frame.

[0012] In the second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a channel detection method, which may include: a second access point AP receives a declaration frame sent by a first AP, the declaration frame is used to indicate that the second AP and at least one STA participate in the channel detection process; the second AP receives a channel detection polling frame sent by the first AP, the channel detection polling frame is used to trigger the second AP to send a channel detection frame; the second AP sends a channel detection frame.

[0013] Through the above method, the first AP can trigger the designated second AP to send the channel detection frame by sending the channel detection polling frame. Therefore, when a second AP fails to send the channel detection frame, the other second APs can continue to send the channel detection frame through the indication of the channel detection polling frame, thereby avoiding the problem of poor robustness caused by the channel detection frame terminal and improving resource utilization.

[0014] In a possible implementation of the first or second aspect, the declaration frame and the channel detection polling frame are empty data packet declaration NDPA frames; wherein the channel detection polling frame includes control frame type information, which is used to indicate that the channel detection polling frame is a type frame used to trigger at least one second AP to send a channel detection frame.

[0015] Through the above manner, the multiplexing of NDPA is realized, and the channel detection polling frame can also adopt the structure of the NDPA frame to realize the function of the channel detection polling frame.

[0016] In a possible implementation manner of the first or second aspect, the declaration frame includes first indication information, which is used to indicate whether the first AP sends a channel detection frame.

[0017] Through the above method, it is achieved that during the channel detection process, the first AP or the main AP may not send a channel detection frame. The first AP can inform other APs and STAs through a declaration frame that it will not send a channel detection frame during the channel detection process.

[0018] In a possible implementation manner of the first or second aspect, the declaration frame includes at least one AP information field, the length of one AP information field is an integer multiple of 4 bytes, the 28th bit of every 4 bytes in the AP information field is set to 1, and the at least one AP information field corresponds to each second AP in the at least one second AP, and each AP information field includes identification information of the corresponding second AP. Through the above manner, VHT STA misreading is avoided.

[0019] In a possible implementation of the first or second aspect, the identification information of the second AP is an identifier of the second AP, or an identifier of a STA in a device where the second AP is located; wherein the identifier of the second AP is determined by pre-negotiation between the first AP and the second AP. Through the above-mentioned method, the first AP can instruct the corresponding second AP to participate in collaborative transmission through a declaration frame containing the identification information of the second AP, and the identification information carried in the declaration frame can be one of the above.

[0020] In a possible implementation of the first or second aspect, the first 11 bits of every 4 bytes in the AP information field are set to a special value, which is used to indicate that the AP information field carries the media access control MAC address information of the second AP, and the identification information of the second AP is the MAC address of the second AP. In this way, misreading of the HE STA is avoided.

[0021] In a possible implementation of the first or second aspect, the AP information field also includes one or more of the following: a sending order indication, a training sequence number indication; a sending order indication, used to indicate the order in which the second AP corresponding to the AP information field sends channel detection frames; a training sequence number indication, used to indicate the number of training sequences included in the channel detection frame sent by the second AP corresponding to the AP information field. Through the above manner, it is achieved that the first AP can also indicate the order in which the second AP sends channel detection frames through a declaration frame. In addition, the information contained in the channel detection frame sent by the second AP can also be indicated through a declaration frame.

[0022] In a possible implementation manner of the first or second aspect, the declaration frame further includes a common information field, and the length of the common information field is an integer multiple of 4 bytes; wherein the first 11 bits of every 4 bytes in the common information field are set to a special value, and the 28th bit of every 4 bytes in the common information field is set to 1. Through the above manner, VHT STA misreading is avoided.

[0023] In a possible implementation of the first or second aspect, the common information field includes: second indication information, used to indicate the number of at least one second AP, or used to indicate the total number of at least one second AP and the first AP. Through the above method, the first AP can inform the STA of the number of APs that need to be detected during the channel detection process through a declaration frame, so that the STA can make a pre-estimate of the duration of the channel detection.

[0024] In a possible implementation of the first or second aspect, the declaration frame or the channel detection polling frame includes resource indication information for indicating at least one second AP to send a channel detection frame on a specified channel resource. Through the above method, the simultaneous transmission of channel detection frames of multiple APs is achieved, thereby further improving the channel detection efficiency.

[0025] In the third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device applied to a first AP side, which may include: a sending module, which can be used to send a declaration frame, the declaration frame is used to indicate that at least one second AP and at least one STA participate in the channel detection process; and the sending module is also used to send a channel detection polling frame to each second AP in at least one second AP in turn, and the channel detection polling frame is used to trigger at least one second AP to send a channel detection frame.

[0026] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device applied to the second AP side, which may include: a receiving module and a sending module, wherein the receiving module can be used to receive a declaration frame sent by the first AP, and the declaration frame is used to indicate that the second AP and at least one STA participate in the channel detection process; and the receiving module can also be used to receive a channel detection polling frame sent by the first AP, and the channel detection polling frame is used to trigger the second AP to send a channel detection frame; and the sending module can be used to send a channel detection frame.

[0027] In a possible implementation of the third or fourth aspect, the declaration frame and the channel detection polling frame are empty data packet declaration NDPA frames; wherein the channel detection polling frame includes control frame type information, which is used to indicate that the channel detection polling frame is a type frame used to trigger at least one second AP to send a channel detection frame.

[0028] In a possible implementation manner of the third or fourth aspect, the declaration frame includes first indication information, which is used to indicate whether the first AP sends a channel detection frame.

[0029] In a possible implementation of the third or fourth aspect, the declaration frame includes at least one AP information field, the length of an AP information field is an integer multiple of 4 bytes, the 28th bit of every 4 bytes in the AP information field is set to 1, and at least one AP information field corresponds one-to-one to each second AP in at least one second AP, and each AP information field includes identification information of the corresponding second AP.

[0030] In a possible implementation manner of the third or fourth aspect, the identification information of the second AP is an identifier of the second AP, or an identifier of a STA in a device where the second AP is located; wherein the identifier of the second AP is determined in advance by negotiation between the first AP and the second AP.

[0031] In a possible implementation of the third or fourth aspect, the first 11 bits of every 4 bytes in the AP information field are set to a special value, used to indicate that the AP information field carries the media access control MAC address information of the second AP, and the identification information of the second AP is the MAC address of the second AP.

[0032] In a possible implementation of the third or fourth aspect, the AP information field also includes one or more of the following: a sending order indication, a training sequence quantity indication; a sending order indication, used to indicate the order in which the second AP corresponding to the AP information field sends channel detection frames; a training sequence quantity indication, used to indicate the number of training sequences included in the channel detection frames sent by the second AP corresponding to the AP information field.

[0033] In a possible implementation of the third or fourth aspect, the declaration frame also includes a public information field, the length of the public information field is an integer multiple of 4 bytes; wherein the first 11 bits of every 4 bytes in the public information field are set to special values, and the 28th bit of every 4 bytes in the public information field is set to 1.

[0034] In a possible implementation manner of the third or fourth aspect, the common information field includes: second indication information, used to indicate the number of at least one second AP, or used to indicate the total number of at least one second AP and the first AP.

[0035] In a possible implementation manner of the third or fourth aspect, the declaration frame or the channel detection polling frame includes resource indication information, which is used to instruct at least one second AP to send a channel detection frame on a designated channel resource.

[0036] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device on a first access point side, which may be a first access point device or a chip in the first access point. The device has the function of implementing the first access point in the first aspect. The function may be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more units corresponding to the above functions.

[0037] In a possible implementation, when the device is a first access point, the first access point includes: a processor and a transceiver, wherein the processor is configured to support the first access point AP to perform corresponding functions in the above aspects. The transceiver is used to support communication between the first access point AP and the second access point AP, and to send information or instructions involved in the above method to the second access point. Optionally, the first access point may also include a memory, which is used to couple with the processor and store program instructions and data necessary for the first access point.

[0038] In a possible implementation, the device includes: a processor, a baseband circuit, a radio frequency circuit and an antenna. The processor is used to control the functions of each circuit part, and the baseband circuit is used to generate various signaling and messages, such as declaration frames and channel detection polling frames, which are sent to the second access point AP via the antenna after analog conversion, filtering, amplification and up-conversion by the radio frequency circuit. Optionally, the device may also include a memory, which stores program instructions and data necessary for the first access point.

[0039] In one possible implementation, the device may include a processor and a modem. The processor may be used for instructions or an operating system to implement control of the functions of the first access point. The modem may encapsulate, encode, decode, modulate, demodulate, and equalize data according to a protocol to generate signaling information, such as declaration frames, channel detection polling frames, etc., to support the first access point AP to perform the corresponding functions in the above-mentioned first aspect.

[0040] In a possible implementation, when the device is a chip in the first access point, the chip includes: a processing module and a transceiver module. The processing module may be, for example, a processor. For example, the processor is used to generate various messages and signaling, and encapsulate various messages according to the protocol, and then encode, modulate, amplify, and other processes. The processor may also be used to demodulate, decode, and obtain signaling and messages after decapsulation. The transceiver module may be, for example, an input / output interface, a pin, or a circuit on the chip. The processing module may execute computer execution instructions stored in a storage unit to support the first access point AP to perform corresponding functions in the above aspects. Optionally, the storage unit may be a storage unit in the chip, such as a register, a cache, etc. The storage unit may also be a storage unit located outside the chip in the first access point, such as a read-only memory (ROM) or other types of static storage devices that can store static information and instructions, a random access memory (RAM), etc.

[0041] In a possible implementation, the device includes a processor, the processor is coupled to a memory, and reads instructions in the memory and executes the method involving the first access point AP in the first aspect according to the instructions. The memory may be located inside the processor or outside the processor.

[0042] Among them, the processor mentioned in any of the above places can be a general-purpose central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits for controlling the execution of programs of the above-mentioned spatial multiplexing methods.

[0043] In a sixth aspect, the present application provides a communication device on the second access point side, which may be a second access point or a chip in a second device. The device has the function of implementing the second access point in the second aspect. The function may be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more units corresponding to the above functions.

[0044] In a possible implementation, when the device is a second access point, the second access point includes: a processor and a transceiver, wherein the processor is configured to support the second access point AP to perform corresponding functions in the above method. The transceiver is used to support communication between the second access point AP and the second access point AP or the station, and receive information or instructions involved in the above method sent by the first access point, such as a declaration frame, a channel detection polling frame, etc. Optionally, the second access point may also include a memory, which is used to couple with the processor and store necessary program instructions and data for the second access point.

[0045] In a possible implementation, the device includes: a processor, a baseband circuit, a radio frequency circuit and an antenna. The processor is used to control the functions of each circuit part, and the radio frequency circuit can perform digital conversion, filtering, amplification and down-conversion on the data packet sent by the first access point received via the antenna, and then decode it through the baseband circuit and decapsulate it according to the protocol to obtain signaling information. Optionally, the device also includes a memory, which stores program instructions and data necessary for the second access point.

[0046] In one possible implementation, the device includes a processor and a modem. The processor can be used for instructions or an operating system to implement control of the functions of the second access point. The modem can encapsulate, encode, decode, modulate, demodulate, and equalize data according to the protocol to generate a channel detection frame, or parse a declaration frame, a channel detection polling frame, etc. to support the second access point AP to perform the corresponding functions in the above-mentioned second aspect.

[0047] In a possible implementation, when the device is a chip in the second access point, the chip includes: a processing module and a transceiver module, the processing module may be, for example, a processor, and the processor may be used to filter, demodulate, power amplify, decode, and other processing on a data packet carrying signaling or data information received via the transceiver module (for example, a data packet containing a scheduling request message), and the transceiver module may be, for example, an input / output interface, a pin, or a circuit on the chip. The processing module may execute computer-executable instructions stored in a storage unit to support the second access point AP to perform the corresponding functions of the fourth aspect. Optionally, the storage unit may be a storage unit in the chip, such as a register, a cache, and the like, and the storage unit may also be a storage unit located outside the chip in the second access point, such as a read-only memory (ROM) or other types of static storage devices that can store static information and instructions, a random access memory (RAM), and the like.

[0048] In a possible implementation, the device includes a processor, the processor is coupled to a memory, and reads instructions in the memory and executes the method described in the second aspect according to the instructions. The memory may be located inside the processor or outside the processor.

[0049] Among them, the processor mentioned in any of the above places can be a general-purpose central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits for controlling the execution of programs of the above-mentioned spatial multiplexing methods.

[0050] In a seventh aspect, the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, wherein the computer-readable storage medium stores instructions, and the instructions can be executed by one or more processors on a processing circuit. When the instructions are executed on a computer, the computer executes the method in any one of the first aspect or the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0051] In an eighth aspect, a computer program product comprising instructions is provided, which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute a method in any one of the first or second aspects above or any possible implementation thereof.

[0052] In a ninth aspect, the present application provides a chip system, which includes a processor for supporting a data sending device to implement the functions involved in the above aspects, such as generating or processing the data and / or information involved in the above aspects. In a possible design, the chip system also includes a memory, which is used to store program instructions and data necessary for the data sending device. The chip system can be composed of a chip, or it can include a chip and other discrete devices.

[0053] In a tenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a wireless communication system, which includes the first access point involved in the above aspects and at least one second access point. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0054] Figure 1 is one of the schematic diagrams of a channel detection process shown as an example;

[0055] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary structure of a VHT NDPA frame;

[0056] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary structure of a HE NDPA frame;

[0057] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of an application scenario provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0058] Figure 5 This is one of the flow charts of a channel detection method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0059] Figure 6 This is one of the structural diagrams of an NDPA frame provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0060] Figure 7 This is one of the structural diagrams of an NDPA frame provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0061] Figure 8 This is one of the structural diagrams of an NDPA frame provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0062] Fig. 9 This is one of the structural diagrams of an NDPA frame provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0063] Fig.10 This is one of the structural diagrams of an NDPA frame provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0064] Fig.11 This is one of the structural diagrams of an NDPA frame provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0065] Fig.12 This is one of the structural diagrams of an NDPA frame provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0066] Fig.13 This is one of the structural diagrams of an NDP polling frame provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0067] Fig.14 This is one of the structural diagrams of an NDP polling frame provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0068] Fig.15 This is one of the flow charts of a channel detection method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0069] Fig.16 This is one of the structural diagrams of an NDPA frame provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0070] Fig.17 This is one of the flow charts of a channel detection method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0071] Fig.18 It is one of the structural schematic diagrams of a device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0072] Fig.19It is one of the schematic block diagrams of a device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0073] Fig. 20 It is one of the structural schematic diagrams of a device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0074] Fig.21 It is one of the schematic block diagrams of a device provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0075] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application.

[0076] The term "and / or" in this article is merely a description of the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone.

[0077] The terms "first" and "second" in the description and claims of the embodiments of the present application are used to distinguish different objects rather than to describe a specific order of objects. For example, a first target object and a second target object are used to distinguish different target objects rather than to describe a specific order of target objects.

[0078] In the embodiments of the present application, words such as "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations or descriptions. Any embodiment or design described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of the present application should not be interpreted as being more preferred or more advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Specifically, the use of words such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present related concepts in a specific way.

[0079] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise specified, the meaning of "multiple" refers to two or more than two. For example, multiple processing units refer to two or more processing units; multiple systems refer to two or more systems.

[0080] Before describing the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, the application scenario of the embodiment of the present application is first described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Figure 4, which is a schematic diagram of an application scenario provided in an embodiment of the present application. The application scenario includes AP1, AP2, AP3, and also includes: STA1, STA2. In the specific implementation process of the embodiment of the present application, STA is a communication device with wireless transceiver function. For example, it can communicate with other network elements based on the 802.11 protocol. STA can also be called user terminal, user device, access device, subscriber station, subscriber unit, mobile station, user agent, user equipment or other names, such as computers, smart phones, tablet computers and other devices; AP is a communication device with wireless transceiver function that can provide services for STA. For example, it can communicate with other network elements based on the 802.11 protocol, such as access points, routers, switches, micro base stations or small base stations in WLAN communication systems. It should be noted that in actual applications, the number of APs is two or more, and the number of STAs can be one or more. Figure 4 The number of STAs and APs in the application scenario shown is only an illustrative example and is not limited in this application.

[0081] Combined with the above Figure 4 The following is a schematic diagram of an application scenario, and the specific implementation scheme of the present application is introduced below. In the following scenario, AP1 is used as the first AP in the embodiment of the present application, and AP2 and AP3 are used as the second AP in the embodiment of the present application. It should be noted that in the embodiment of the present application, the first AP can be Figure 4 The second AP can be any AP in Figure 4 Any AP except the first AP.

[0082] Specifically, in the present application, the scenario in which the first AP instructs the corresponding second AP to send a channel detection frame by sending a channel detection polling frame is recorded as scenario 1. The scenario in which the first AP instructs two or more second APs to send channel detection frames at the same time by sending a channel detection polling frame is recorded as scenario 2. The scenario in which the first AP instructs the second AP to send a channel detection frame by sending a declaration frame is recorded as scenario 3.

[0083] Scene 1

[0084] Combination Figure 4 ,like Figure 5 FIG. 1 is a flow chart of a channel detection method in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 5 middle:

[0085] Step 101: A first AP sends a declaration frame, where the declaration frame is used to instruct at least one second AP and at least one STA to participate in a channel detection process.

[0086] Specifically, in this application, for the convenience of description, AP1 is used as the first AP, that is, the main AP, and AP2 and / or AP3 are used as the second AP. AP1 generates a declaration frame and sends the declaration frame. The declaration frame includes identification information of at least one second AP and identification information of at least one STA. Correspondingly, the AP or STA that receives the declaration frame can determine whether to be scheduled to participate in the channel detection process based on the identification information.

[0087] Optionally, the announcement frame may be an NDPA frame. Further, the announcement frame may be a VHT NDPA frame, a HE NDPA frame, or an Extremely High Throughput Null Data Packet Announcement (EHT) NDPA frame (the structure of the frame will be described in the following embodiments).

[0088] Combination Figure 5 For example, AP1 sends a declaration frame (NDPA frame). The NDPA frame may include identification information of AP2 and AP3, as well as identification information of STA1 and STA2. AP2, AP3, STA1, and STA2 may determine to be scheduled to participate in the channel detection process based on the identification information.

[0089] Step 102: The first AP sends a channel detection polling frame to each second AP in at least one second AP in sequence, where the channel detection polling frame is used to trigger at least one second AP to send a channel detection frame.

[0090] Specifically, in the present application, the first AP may send a channel detection polling frame to the target second AP, and the channel detection polling frame is used to trigger the target second AP to send a channel detection frame. Optionally, the channel detection frame is a NullData Packet (NDP) frame, and the channel detection polling frame can be called an NDP polling (NDP poll) frame or an NDP trigger frame. Of course, there can be other names, which are not limited by the present application.

[0091] Optionally, the channel detection polling frame carries identification information of the target second AP (or may be referred to as the triggered second AP). In one example, the identification information of the second AP is the MAC address of the target second AP, which may be carried in the receiving address (RA) field of the channel detection polling frame. Accordingly, the AP that receives the channel detection polling frame may determine whether to send a channel detection frame based on the identification information. It should be noted that the target second AP may be any AP among at least one second AP.

[0092] Optionally, the NDP poll frame includes control frame type information, which is used to indicate the frame type of the NDP poll frame, that is, the frame is an NDP poll frame.

[0093] Step 103: The triggered second AP sends a channel detection frame.

[0094] Specifically, an AP that successfully matches its own identification information with the identification information included in the NDP polling frame is determined as a triggered AP. Then, the triggered AP sends a channel detection frame (NDP frame).

[0095] Reference Figure 5 For example, AP1 sends an NDP polling frame to AP2, which contains the identification information of AP2. After AP2 recognizes that the NDP polling frame contains its own identification information, it sends an NDP frame. AP1 sends an NDP polling frame to AP3, which contains the identification information of AP3. After AP3 recognizes that the NDP polling frame contains its own identification information, it sends an NDP frame. Optionally, each AP sends an NDP frame by broadcasting.

[0096] Optionally, in the present application, when the first AP sends an NDP polling frame, it may send the NDP polling frame to each second AP in sequence according to a predetermined order. For example, an AP list may be stored in AP1, and AP1 may send NDP polling frames to the APs in the list one by one according to the order of the list. Optionally, the predetermined order may be set according to actual needs, for example, the order in which the NDP polling frames are sent may be set according to the distance between the second AP and the first AP, etc., and this application does not limit this.

[0097] Optionally, after the first AP monitors the NDP frame triggered by the second AP, it sends an NDP polling frame to other second APs. For example, after AP1 monitors the NDP frame broadcast by AP2, it sends an NDP polling frame carrying the identification information of AP3 to trigger AP3 to send an NDP frame.

[0098] Optionally, if the first AP does not monitor the NDP frame of the triggered second AP within a predetermined time, the first AP may send an NDP polling frame to other second APs; or, the first AP may resend the NDP polling frame to the triggered second AP. Optionally, the predetermined time may be the Point Coordination Function Interframe Space (PIFS) or may be set according to actual needs, which is not limited in this application. Figure 4 For example, if AP1 sends an NDP polling frame to AP2, and if it does not hear the NDP frame broadcast by AP2 within a predetermined time, then AP1 may send an NDP polling frame to AP2 again, and may repeat it multiple times. Optionally, an upper limit of repetitions may be set, for example, if AP1 sends an NDP polling frame to AP2 three times and still does not hear the NDP frame of AP2, then AP1 sends an NDP polling frame to another second AP.

[0099] Optionally, the second AP may send an NDP frame after receiving the NDP polling frame after a predetermined time period. Optionally, the predetermined time period may be SIFS, or may be set according to actual needs, which is not limited in this application.

[0100] Step 104: At least one STA performs channel detection based on the NDP frame.

[0101] Optionally, at least one STA performs channel detection on the downlink channel of the second AP based on the NDP frame sent by the second AP and obtains CSI. Then, the feedback process is entered, and the STA feeds back CSI to the AP. The specific feedback process can refer to the existing technology and is not described in detail in this application.

[0102] Optionally, in the present application, the declaration frame may include first indication information for indicating whether the first AP sends an NDP frame. Optionally, the declaration frame also includes: second indication information for indicating the number of second APs participating in channel detection, or for indicating the total number of first APs and second APs participating in channel detection. Specifically, in the present application, if the first AP sends an NDP frame, optionally, the declaration frame may include first indication information, and at least one second AP and / or at least one STA may confirm that the first AP sends an NDP frame by reading the first indication information. Accordingly, in step 102, after the first AP sends the NDPA, it may send an NDP frame after a predetermined time interval. The predetermined time interval may be SIFS, which is not limited in the present application. Optionally, the declaration frame may also include second indication information, and at least one STA may estimate the duration of the channel detection process by the number of second APs that send NDP frames.

[0103] Optionally, in the present application, as described above, the declaration frame may be an EHT NDPA frame, the EHT NDPA frame may include a public information field, and the indication information may be carried in the public information field.

[0104] Optionally, the length of the public information field of the EHT NDPA frame can be an integer multiple of 4 bytes, for example, 4J bytes (bytes), where J is an integer greater than or equal to 1. In the present application, the first 11 bits of every 4 bytes in the public information field are set to special values. For example, if the bits included in the public information field are recorded as: B0~(B32*J-1), the bits B32(J-1) to B32(J-1)+10 of the public information field are set to special values. Through this setting, HE STA misreading is avoided. The reason is that for HE STA, the default length of each STA information field in the NDPA frame is 4 bytes, that is, when it reads the STA information field, it will first read the first 11 bits (bits) of the STA information field (hereinafter referred to as the Association Identifier (AID) field). If the information in the AID field does not match its own AID, it will continue to read the next STA information field. If the information in the AID field matches its own AID, the HE STA will obtain the information in the STA information field. In the present application, the first 11 bits of every 4 bytes of the public information field are set to special values. When the HE STA reads the NDPA frame, it can confirm that the field is not the AID field by reading the first 11 bits of every 4 bytes, and will not do any processing on these 4 bytes, thereby avoiding misreading. For example, Figure 6 The frame structure diagram of the EHT NDPA frame is shown in FIG. Figure 6 Optionally, the length of the public information field of the EHT NDPA frame is 4 bytes, that is, the above J value is 1. Optionally, B32(J-1) to B32(J-1)+10, that is, B0 to B10 of the public information field are set to special values. Therefore, when the VHT STA reads the first 11 bits of the public information field, it recognizes that the value of the first 11 bits is not within the AID value range (the AID value range is 1-2007). Then, the VHTSTA will consider that the domain is not an AID domain and will not perform any processing on the 4 bytes to which it belongs, thereby avoiding the occurrence of VHT STA misreading. Optionally, the special value can be a dummy identifier (Dummy ID), or any value can be selected within the range of [2007, 2047], which is not limited in this application.

[0105] Optionally, the value of the 28th bit in every 4 bytes of the public information field is set to 1. For example, if the bits included in the public information field are recorded as: B0~(B32*J-1), the bit B32(J-1)+27 of the public information field is set to 1. Through this setting, the VHT STA can avoid misreading. The reason is: for the VHT STA, the default length of each STA information field in the NDPA frame is 2 bytes. Therefore, the VHT STA may parse B32(J-1)+16 to B32(J-1)+27 in the public information field as the AID field (the reason is similar to that of the HE STA and is not repeated here). Optionally, the highest bit of B32(J-1)+16 to B32(J-1)+27 of the public information field, namely B32(J-1)+27 (or the disambiguation bit), can be set to 1 to prevent B32(J-1)+16 to B32(J-1)+27 from being the same as the AID of a VHT STA, thereby preventing the VHT STA from misreading. For example, still referring to Figure 6 , the length of the public information field is 4 bytes (J is 1), then the bit B27 of the public information field is set to 1, so as to avoid misreading by the VHT STA.

[0106] Optionally, the declaration frame includes identification information of at least one second AP, which is used to indicate that at least one second AP participates in channel detection. If the declaration frame is an EHT NDPA frame, the EHT NDPA frame may optionally include at least one AP information field, wherein each AP information field may include identification information of a second AP, which is used to indicate that the corresponding second AP participates in channel detection. Accordingly, the second AP that receives the EHT NDPA frame may determine whether to be scheduled to participate in channel detection by identifying the identification information in the AP information field. Optionally, the identification information of the AP included in the AP information field may include but is not limited to the following three types:

[0107] The first type: pre-negotiated identification information. In one example, the identification information may be assigned by the first AP to the second AP. In another example, the second AP may determine the identification information itself and then notify other APs.

[0108] The second type: the Media Access Control Address (MAC) address or part of the MAC address of the second AP.

[0109] The third type: identification information of the STA in the device to which the second AP belongs.

[0110] Each type of identification information is described below one by one. For the first type of identification information, the second AP can obtain the identification information by pre-negotiating with the first AP. The negotiation process may be: the first AP assigns identification information to the target second AP (the target second AP may be any AP in at least one second AP), and sends an indication frame to the second AP, and the indication frame carries the identification information assigned to the target second AP. It should be noted that if other second APs can receive the indication frame, the other second APs should avoid using the same value as the identification information when assigning AIDs to their associated STAs. Optionally, the indication frame may be a beacon frame. Optionally, the indication frame may also be sent to the target second AP after the first AP receives the identification information request frame sent by the target second AP. Optionally, the first AP may also assign an exclusive AID range to each second AP to ensure that the AIDs of the STAs associated with each second AP are different. For example: AP1 can allocate identification information to AP2 and allocate an AID range to AP2. Accordingly, after AP2 obtains its own identification information, it can select an AID for the STA associated with it from the AID range 1 allocated to it. Accordingly, AP3 can select an AID for the STA associated with it from the AID range 2 allocated to it, wherein AID range 1 and AID range 2 do not overlap, thereby achieving that the AIDs of the STA associated with AP2 and the STA associated with AP3 are different. Optionally, the second AP can carry request information in the identification information request frame sent to the first AP to request the size of its exclusive AID range. Accordingly, the first AP can allocate an AID range to the second AP based on the request information. Refer to Figure 7 , which shows an EHT NDPA frame including at least one AP information field, wherein each AP information field includes identification information of a second AP, and the identification information of the second AP is carried in the first 11 bits of the AP information field.

[0111] For the second type of identification information, optionally, the first 11 bits of each AP information field can be set to a special value to indicate that the identification information carried by the AP information field is a MAC address or a partial MAC address. Correspondingly, after the second AP that receives the NDPA frame reads that the first 11 bits of the AP information field are set to a special value, it can determine that the AP information field carries a MAC address or a partial MAC address. Optionally, the method for generating a partial MAC address can be: selecting a specified length (which can be set according to actual needs) from the MAC address as a partial MAC address. Optionally, the method for generating a partial MAC address can also be: performing a specified operation on the MAC address and obtaining the corresponding address information with a shorter length. For example: a 16-bit cyclic redundancy check (CRC) operation is performed on a MAC address with a length of 48 bits, so that the operation result is the partial MAC address corresponding to the 48-bit MAC address.

[0112] Optionally, in the present application, the length of the AP information field can be an integer multiple of 4 bytes, such as 4Kbytes, and the identification information it carries can be set to MAC address information or partial MAC address information according to the length of the AP information field.

[0113] Optional, for example: if K=1, that is, the length of the AP information field is 4 bytes, then the AP information field can only carry partial MAC address information (and the length is less than or equal to 16 bits). And, as mentioned above, the first 11 bits of the AP information field (i.e., B0~B10) can be set to a special value. Accordingly, the second AP determines that the AP information field carries a MAC address or a partial MAC address by reading the first 11 bits of the AP information field to identify the corresponding second AP. Subsequently, the second AP can determine whether to be scheduled to participate in channel detection based on whether the MAC address or partial MAC address matches its own MAC address. Refer to Figure 8 , which shows an EHT NDPA frame including at least one AP information field, wherein each AP information field is 4 bytes long and includes partial MAC address information.

[0114] Optionally, for example, if K=2, that is, the length of the AP information field is 8 bytes, then due to the length limitation, the AP information field can still only carry part of the MAC address information. In addition, the first 11 bits (i.e., B0 to B10) of the AP information field can be set to a special value. Fig. 9 , which shows an EHT NDPA frame including at least one AP information field, wherein each AP information field is 8 bytes long and includes partial MAC address information.

[0115] Optionally, for example, if K is greater than or equal to 3, that is, the length of the AP information field is 12 bytes or longer, then the AP information field can carry MAC address information or part of the MAC address information. In addition, the first 11 bits (i.e., B0 to B10) of the AP information field can be set to a special value. Fig.10 , which shows an EHT NDPA frame including at least one AP information field, each AP information field is 12 bytes long and includes MAC address information, wherein the MAC address information is divided into three parts, such as Fig.10 MAC address part1, MAC address part2, and MAC address part3, each part is 16 bits long.

[0116] For the third type of identification information, optionally, the identification information may be the AID of the STA in the device to which the second AP belongs. The STA is associated with the first AP. Optionally, the AID of the STA in the device to which the second AP belongs may be carried in the first 11 bits of the AP information field. Optionally, the AP information field also carries collocated AP information, which is used to indicate whether the NDPA frame is sent to the second AP or to the STA in the device to which the second AP belongs. Accordingly, when the second AP that receives the NDPA frame reads the AP information field carrying the AID of the STA in the device to which the second AP belongs and carries the collocated AP information, it determines that it is scheduled to participate in channel detection. Refer to Fig.11 , which shows an EHT NDPA frame including at least one AP information field, the first 11 bits of the AP information field carry the AID of the STA in the device to which the second AP belongs, and the AP information field also includes co-located AP information.

[0117] Optional, such as Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Fig. 9 , Fig.10 and Fig.11 As shown in the figure, the 28th bit in every 4 bytes in each AP information field is the disambiguation bit. For example, if the bits included in the AP information field are recorded as: B0~(B32*K-1), then B32(K-1)+27 is set to 1 to avoid VHT STA misreading (the specific reason can be referred to the public information field, which is not repeated here). For example: Figure 7 In the AP information field, the length is 4 bytes, including B0 to B31, and B27 is set to 1; Figure 8 In the AP information field, the length is 4 bytes, including B0 to B31, and B27 is set to 1; Fig. 9 In the AP information field, the length is 8 bytes, including B0 to B63, B27 and B59 are set to 1; Fig.10 In the AP information field, the length is 12 bytes, including B0 to B95, with B27, B59, and B91 set to 1; Fig.11 The length of the AP information field is 4 bytes, including B0 to B31, and B27 is set to 1. Optional, Figures 8 to 10 In the 4-byte MAC address, the first 11 bits set to a special value in each 4-byte MAC address can also be called a dummy identity.

[0118] Optionally, each AP information field may also include, but is not limited to, one or more of the following: a training sequence number indication, or a channel detection frame sending order indication and other information. The training sequence number indication is used to indicate the number of training sequences included in the channel detection frame sent by the second AP corresponding to the AP information field. Optionally, the training sequence may be a long training sequence (LTF). The channel detection frame sending order indication is used to indicate the order of the channel detection frames sent by the second AP corresponding to the AP information field.

[0119] It should be noted that the MAC address information, co-located AP information, number of training sequences, sending order indication and other information mentioned above can be located at any position of the AP information field except the AID field (the definition of this field has been given above) and the disambiguation bit, and this application does not limit it.

[0120] Optionally, in the present application, the EHT NDPA frame may also include at least one STA information field. Optionally, the STA information field carries the identification information of the STA, which is used to indicate that the STA participates in channel detection. Optionally, the length of the STA information field is an integer multiple of 4 bytes, for example, 4Lbytes, where L is an integer greater than or equal to 1. Among them, if L=1, when the length of the STA information field is 4 bytes, it complies with the definition in the 802.11ax standard. In 802.11ax, each bit of the STA information field is occupied. In the next generation standard, the STA information field can be extended to 8 bytes or longer, that is, L can be an integer greater than or equal to 2. Optionally, the first 11 bits of any 4 bytes after the second and the second 4 bytes in the STA information field are set to a special value, for example, bits B32(L-1) to B32(L-1)+10 in the STA information field are set to a special value, or the first 11 bits of any 4 bytes after the second and the second 4 bytes in the STA information field can be set to the same value as the AID field (i.e., the first 11 bits of the STA information field) to avoid misreading by HE STA. Optionally, the value of the 28th bit in each 4 bytes in the STA information field is set to 1, for example, B32(L-1)+27 in the STA information field is set to 1 to avoid misreading by VHT STA. For example, if Fig.12 As shown, the length of the STA information field is 8 bytes, of which the first 11 bits (AID field) are set to the STA identification information (such as AID), B27 (disambiguation bit) and B59 (disambiguation bit) are set to 1, and B32 to B42 are set to special values ​​or the same as the AID field. Optional, Fig.12 In the 4-byte byte format, the first 11 bits set to a special value in the second 4 bytes may also be referred to as a dummy identity.

[0121] Optionally, the STA information field can also be used to indicate at least one second AP that the STA needs to perform channel detection and feedback. That is to say, when the channel detection process includes multiple APs, the STA can only feedback the CSI of some second APs. Therefore, feedback indication information can be carried in the STA information field to indicate which APs' CSI the STA needs to feedback. Optionally, in the present application, the feedback indication information can be a bitmap in the STA information field, each bit in the bitmap corresponds to each second AP in a specific order, and the bit in the bitmap is set to 1, indicating that the STA needs to feedback the CSI of the second AP corresponding to the bit. Optionally, the feedback indication information can also be located in the AP identifier list field of the NDPA frame, or in a subsequent BFRP trigger frame (BFRP Trigger), which is not limited in the present application.

[0122] Optionally, the STA information field may also include an association identification field, partial bandwidth information (Patrial BW (Bandwidth) information), a feedback type and array (Feedback Type and Number group) field, a codebook size (Codebook size) and a number of columns (Nc (number of columns)) field (including the column number fields of AP1~APn) and other fields.

[0123] Optionally, in the present application, the number of second APs may be one, that is, the system may only include a first AP (AP1) and a second AP (AP2) and at least one STA. Correspondingly, in this embodiment, the NDPA frame may also carry sending object indication information to notify the STA whether the subsequent NDP is sent by the first AP or by another AP (i.e., the second AP). The indication information may be located in the public information field of the EHT NDPA frame, in the AP information field, or in the STA information field, which is not limited in the present application.

[0124] It should be noted that the lengths of the common information field, AP information field, and STA information field may be the same or different, that is, the values ​​of K, J, and L may be the same or different, and this application does not limit this.

[0125] Optionally, in the channel detection process in the present application, the NDPA frame may be sent by the first AP, and optionally, the NDPA frame may also be sent by the first AP and the second AP simultaneously. Wherein, if the AP and the second AP send the NDPA frame simultaneously, the first AP (for example: AP1) may send an NDPA trigger frame to the second AP (for example: AP2 and AP3) to trigger the second AP to broadcast the NDPA frame simultaneously with the first AP. Wherein, the information carried by the NDPA trigger frame includes but is not limited to the information carried by the first indication frame described in scenario one and scenario two, that is, AP1 may use the NDPA trigger frame to notify AP2 and AP3 of the timing of sending the NDPA, for example: after sending the NDPA trigger frame, there is a predetermined time interval, and the predetermined time interval may be SIFS, which is not limited in the present application. In addition, the NDPA trigger frame may also be used to indicate the content that the NDPA sent by AP2 and AP3 needs to carry, and accordingly, AP2 and AP3 may send NDPA frames carrying the same AP identification information, STA identification information and other information based on the indication of the NDPA trigger frame. In this embodiment, multiple APs may simultaneously send NDPAs carrying the same information (eg, AP identification information and / or STA identification information, etc.) to expand and enhance the coverage of the NDPA frame.

[0126] Optional, such as Figures 7 to 12 As shown in any figure, the EHT NDPA frame may also include, but is not limited to: a frame control field, a duration field, an RA field, a TA field, a Sounding Dialog Tolken field, a frame check sequence (FCS) field, etc. Optionally, the EHT NDPA frame may also include: a STA number field, an AP number field, an AP list field (not shown in the figure), etc., which are not limited in this application. In addition, the functions of the above fields and the information included can refer to the existing technology, and this application will not repeat them.

[0127] Optionally, in the present application, the frame structure of the NDP polling frame may be as follows: Fig.13 As shown, in Fig.13 In the NDP polling frame, the NDP polling frame may include but is not limited to: a Frame Control field, a Duration field, a RA field, a TA field, and a FCS field. As described above, the second AP may determine whether to be scheduled to participate in channel detection based on the MAC address carried in the RA field. Optionally, the control frame type information described above may be carried in the Frame Control field. Specifically, the Frame Control field includes a Type field and a Subtype field, wherein the Type information may be set to 1 to indicate that the type of the frame is a control frame, and the Sybtype field may be set to 6 to indicate that the control frame extension (control frame extension) field is effective, wherein the control frame extension field includes control frame indication information for indicating that the type of the NDP polling frame is a trigger type frame. Optionally, the control frame indication information may be carried in unused bits in the control frame extension field, such as: bits B0, B1, B11, etc. Optionally, the Subtype field may also be set to 2 or other digital bits not used in other existing standards, which is not limited in this application. As Fig.14 The following is a schematic diagram of the frame structure of the Frame Control field. Fig.14 In FIG. 1 , B8 to B11 represent control frame extension fields. Accordingly, the second AP that receives the NDP polling frame can determine whether it is triggered to send the NDP frame by reading information in the control frame extension field.

[0128] Optionally, in the present application, the NDP polling frame may also be an NDPA frame, that is, the NDP polling frame adopts the frame structure of the NDPA frame to realize the function of triggering the second AP to send the NPD frame. Among them, the Type and Subtype in the Frame Control field in the NDPA frame are used to indicate that the type of the frame is an NDPA frame. The RA field can be set to the address information (for example: MAC address information) of the second AP (for example: AP2). The TA field can be set to the address information (for example: MAC address information) of the first AP (ie, AP1). In this embodiment, if AP2 detects that the MAC address in the RA matches the local MAC address, and it is the second NDPA frame received, it can be determined that the frame type of the frame is an NDP polling frame. Optionally, when the NDP polling frame is an NDPA frame, its frame structure can be adopted Figures 7 to 12 This application does not limit the NDPA frame structure shown in any figure.

[0129] To summarize, in an embodiment of the present application, the first AP can trigger at least one second AP to send a channel detection frame through an NDP polling frame, thereby avoiding the problem of interruption of the channel detection process caused by any second AP failing to send a channel detection frame, thereby improving the robustness of the channel detection and effectively improving resource utilization (that is, compared to the situation in the prior art where the second indication information needs to be rebroadcasted from the first AP after an interruption, the present application does not require retransmission, but only needs to specify the AP that failed to broadcast to rebroadcast, or skip the AP that failed to broadcast and proceed to the next time, that is, the channel detection frame of other APs is sent, thereby effectively improving resource utilization).

[0130] Scene 2

[0131] Combination Figure 4 ,like Fig.15 FIG. 1 is a flow chart of a channel detection method in an embodiment of the present application. Fig.15 middle:

[0132] Step 201, AP1 sends a declaration frame.

[0133] AP1 sends a declaration frame, where the declaration frame may be an NDPA frame, to instruct AP2, AP3, STA1, and STA2 to participate in the channel detection process.

[0134] Optionally, AP1 sends an NDP frame so that STA1 and / or STA2 performs channel detection on the downlink channel of AP1.

[0135] The specific details of this step can be referred to step 101 and will not be repeated here.

[0136] Step 202: AP1 sends an NDP polling frame to AP2 and AP3.

[0137] Optionally, in this application, Fig.15 As shown, AP1 can send NDP polling frames to two or more second APs at the same time to trigger the triggered AP to send NDP frames.

[0138] For example: Optionally, AP1 stores an AP list, and the list may record the identification information of the APs (excluding AP1) participating in this channel detection process. AP1 may send NDP polling frames in pairs according to the order in the list. For example, the order in the list is AP2, AP3, AP4, AP5 (wherein AP4 and AP5 are not shown in the figure), then AP1 may send NDP polling frames to AP2 and AP3 according to the order in the list, and after monitoring the NDP broadcast by AP2 and AP3, send NDP polling frames to AP4 and AP5. Optionally, if AP1 does not receive an NDP frame broadcast by AP2 after a predetermined period of time, for example, AP1 may resend an NDP polling frame to AP2 (and may repeat it multiple times). Optionally, AP1 may directly send NDP polling frames to AP4 and AP5 after a predetermined period of time.

[0139] Optionally, in the present application, if AP1 sends an NDP polling frame to two or more APs at the same time, the NDP polling frame may carry resource information to instruct the second AP that receives the NDP polling frame to send an NDP frame at the same time and on a specified channel resource, so that the NDP frames sent by different second APs only occupy part of the subcarriers, and the subcarriers occupied by each AP do not overlap, so that the AP (the first AP and the second AP) and / or the STA can monitor the NDP frames sent by multiple APs at the same time. For example: In a possible implementation, if two APs (for example: AP2 and AP3) send NDP frames at the same time, AP2 may occupy odd subcarriers, that is, send NDP frames on odd subcarriers. AP3 may occupy even subcarriers, that is, send NDP frames on even subcarriers. In another possible implementation, assuming that there are a total of m subcarriers, and there are k second APs broadcasting NDP frames simultaneously, then the i-th (1≤i≤k) AP only occupies the i-th, i+k, i+2k, i+3k, ..., i+nk subcarriers, where i+nk is the largest integer less than or equal to m. In this embodiment, when broadcasting NDP, the second AP (e.g., AP2) needs to determine the subcarrier information it occupies, and the subcarrier information includes: an i value, which is used to indicate the starting position of the subcarrier occupied by the AP (or can be called the first subcarrier position information), and an interval k value between two adjacent subcarriers. Optionally, the i and k values ​​may be carried in an NDP polling frame or an NDPA frame. Optionally, the i value may be carried in the AP information field, and the k value may be carried in the public information field, such as Fig.16As shown. Optionally, the i value can be carried by the sending order indication mentioned in the aforementioned embodiment, that is, the sending order indication can be used to multiplex the indication i value, and there is a corresponding relationship between the sending order and the i value, for example, the sending order is equal to the i value. Optionally, the k value can be carried by the second indication information mentioned in the aforementioned embodiment, that is, there is a corresponding relationship between the total number of APs participating in the collaboration indicated by the second indication information and the k value, for example, the total number of APs participating in the collaboration is equal to the k value.

[0140] Other details are similar to step 102 and are not described here.

[0141] Step 203: The triggered second AP sends a channel detection frame.

[0142] Specifically, two or more second APs that receive the NDP poll frame may send the NDP frame at the same time and on the designated channel resources based on the resource information indicated by the NDP poll frame.

[0143] Step 203: At least one STA performs channel detection based on the NDP frame.

[0144] For specific details, please refer to step 103, which will not be repeated here.

[0145] Optionally, in the channel detection process in the present application, the declaration frame can be sent by the first AP, or by the first AP and the second AP. The specific details can be referred to Scenario 1 and will not be repeated here.

[0146] Scene 3

[0147] Combination Figure 4 ,like Fig.17 FIG. 1 is a flow chart of a channel detection method in an embodiment of the present application. Fig.17 middle:

[0148] Step 301: The first AP sends a declaration frame, which carries channel detection frame sending sequence information.

[0149] Specifically, in the present application, the first AP sends a declaration frame to indicate at least one second AP and at least one STA that need to participate in the current channel detection process, and also to indicate the order in which at least one second AP sends NDP frames. Optionally, the declaration frame may include NDP sending sequence information, and accordingly, the second AP can determine the order in which it sends NDP by reading the NDP sending sequence information.

[0150] Optionally, if the declaration frame is EHT NDPA, the NDP sending order information can be carried in the AP information field, for example: the AP information field includes the identification information of AP2 and the NDP sending order information of AP2. Correspondingly, after AP2 successfully matches its own identification information with the identification information of the AP information field, it continues to read the subsequent bits of the AP information field to obtain information such as the NDP sending order information. The specific frame structure of NDPA can refer to the structural diagram of any of the above-mentioned EHT NDPA frames, which will not be repeated here.

[0151] Optional, see Fig.17 For example, AP1 sends an NDPA frame, the NDPA frame includes at least one AP information field, and each AP information field carries identification information of the second AP and NDP sending sequence information corresponding to the second AP.

[0152] It should be noted that in this scenario, in addition to the function of indicating the NDP sending order, the NDPA frame can also realize various functions in scenario one and / or scenario two. For example, the NDPA frame can be used to indicate whether the first AP sends an NDP frame. Optionally, the NDPA frame can also carry identification information of the second AP and STA to indicate that the second AP and STA participate in functions such as channel detection. Other specific details can be referred to scenario one and scenario two, which will not be repeated here. It should be noted that the specific frame structure of NDPA can refer to the structural diagram of any of the above-mentioned EHT NDPA frames, which will not be repeated here.

[0153] Step 302: At least one second AP sends channel sounding frames in sequence based on the channel sounding frame sending sequence information.

[0154] Specifically, in the present application, after receiving the declaration frame (eg, NDPA frame), the second AP (eg, AP2 and AP3) reads the NDP sending sequence information carried therein, and sends the channel detection information in sequence according to the order indicated therein.

[0155] Reference Fig.17 For example, the NDP sending sequence information indicates the sending sequence: AP1, AP2, AP3. AP1 sends an NDP frame, and after AP2 hears the NDP frame sent by AP1 (or after a SIF interval), AP2 sends an NDP frame, and after AP3 hears the NDP frame of AP2, it sends its own NDP frame.

[0156] For other specific details, please refer to Scenario 1 and Scenario 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0157] Step 303: At least one STA performs channel detection based on the channel detection frame.

[0158] For other specific details, please refer to Scenario 1 and Scenario 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0159] The above mainly introduces the solution provided by the embodiment of the present invention from the perspective of the interaction between various network elements. It can be understood that in order to implement the above functions, the AP includes hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of various functions. Those skilled in the art should easily realize that, in combination with the units and algorithm steps of each example described in the embodiments disclosed in this document, the embodiments of the present invention can be implemented in the form of hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in hardware or in a computer software-driven hardware manner depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional and technical personnel can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered to exceed the scope of this application.

[0160] The embodiment of the present invention can divide the AP into functional modules according to the above method example. For example, each functional module can be divided according to each function, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The above integrated module can be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of software functional modules. It should be noted that the division of modules in the embodiment of the present invention is schematic and is only a logical function division. There may be other division methods in actual implementation.

[0161] In the case of dividing each functional module into corresponding functional modules, Fig.18 A possible structural diagram of the device 100 on the first access point side involved in the above embodiment is shown, such as Fig.18 As shown, the apparatus 100 may include: a sending module 11 and an acquiring module 12. The sending module 11 may be used to support the first access point to execute steps 101, 102, 201, 202, and 301 in the above embodiment, i.e., the steps of "sending a declaration frame and / or a channel detection polling frame".

[0162] In another example, Fig.19 A schematic block diagram of another communication device 200 on the first access point side of an embodiment of the present application is shown. The device 200 of the embodiment of the present application may be the first access point in the above method embodiment, and the device 200 may be used to perform part or all of the functions of the first access point in the above method embodiment. The device 200 may include: a processor 21, a baseband circuit 22, a radio frequency circuit 24 and an antenna 25. Optionally, the device 200 may also include a memory 22. The various components of the device 200 are coupled together through a bus 26, wherein the bus system 26 includes a power bus, a control bus and a status signal bus in addition to a data bus. However, for the sake of clarity, various buses are labeled as bus systems 26 in the figure.

[0163] The processor 21 may be used to implement control of the first access point, to execute the processing performed by the first access point in the above-mentioned embodiment, to execute the processing process involving the first access point in the above-mentioned method embodiment and / or other processes for the technology described in the present application, and may also run an operating system, be responsible for managing the bus, and execute programs or instructions stored in the memory.

[0164] The baseband circuit 23, the radio frequency circuit 24, and the antenna 25 can be used to support the transmission and reception of information between the first access point and the second access point or station involved in the above embodiment, so as to support wireless communication between the first access point and other nodes. In one example, the signaling (such as a declaration frame and / or a channel detection polling frame) generated by the baseband circuit 23 encoding and encapsulating according to the protocol is processed by the radio frequency circuit for analog conversion, filtering, amplification, and up-conversion, and then sent to the second access point via the antenna 25. It can be understood that the baseband circuit 23, the radio frequency circuit 24, and the antenna 25 can also be used to support the first access point to communicate with other network entities, for example, to support the first access point to communicate with network elements on the core network side.

[0165] The memory 22 may be used to store program codes and data of the first access point, and it is easy for those skilled in the art to understand that the memory 22 or any part thereof may be located outside the device 200. For example, the memory 22 may include a transmission line and / or a computer product separated from the wireless node, and these media may be accessed by the processor 21 through the bus interface 26. Alternatively, the memory 22 or any part thereof may be integrated into the processor 21, for example, it may be a cache and / or a general register.

[0166] Understandably, Fig.19 Only a simplified design of the first access point is shown. For example, in practical applications, the first access point may include any number of transmitters, receivers, processors, memories, etc., and all first access points that can implement the present invention are within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0167] like Fig. 20 FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a device 300 on the second access point side according to an embodiment of the present application. Fig. 20The device 300 shown may correspond to the device on the second access point side in the above method embodiment, and may have any function of the second access point in the method. Optionally, the device 300 in the embodiment of the present application may be a second access point or a chip in the second access point. The device 300 may include a receiving module 31 and a sending module 32. The receiving module 31 may be used to receive the signaling (e.g., declaration frame and / or channel detection polling frame) or data sent by the first AP in the step of the above method embodiment. The sending module 32 may be used to send the signaling (e.g., channel detection frame) in the above method embodiment.

[0168] It should be understood that the device 300 according to the embodiment of the present application may correspond to the second access point in each method of the aforementioned embodiment, and the above and other management operations and / or functions of each module in the device 300 are respectively for implementing the corresponding steps of the aforementioned methods. For the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.

[0169] In another example, Fig.21 A schematic block diagram of another communication device 400 on the second access point side of an embodiment of the present application is shown. The device 400 of the embodiment of the present application may be the second access point in the above method embodiment, and the device 400 may be used to perform part or all of the functions of the second access point in the above method embodiment. The device 400 may include: a processor 41, a baseband circuit 44, a radio frequency circuit 44 and an antenna 45. Optionally, the device 400 may also include a memory 42. The various components of the device 400 are coupled together through a bus 46, wherein the bus system 46 includes a power bus, a control bus and a status signal bus in addition to a data bus. However, for the sake of clarity, various buses are marked as bus systems 46 in the figure.

[0170] The processor 41 may be used to implement control over the second access point, to execute the processing performed by the second access point in the above-mentioned embodiment, to execute the processing process involving the second access point in the above-mentioned method embodiment and / or other processes for the technology described in the present application, and may also run an operating system, be responsible for managing the bus, and execute programs or instructions stored in the memory.

[0171] The baseband circuit 43, the radio frequency circuit 44 and the antenna 45 can be used to support the second access point and the first access point or the station involved in the above embodiment to send and receive information, so as to support the wireless communication between the second access point and other nodes. In one example, the signaling sent from the first access point is received via the antenna 44, and is filtered, amplified, down-converted and digitized by the radio frequency circuit 44, and then decoded by the baseband circuit 43, decapsulated data according to the protocol, and processed by the processor 41 to restore the service data and signaling information sent by the station; in another example, the channel detection frame sent by the second access point can be processed by the processor 41, encapsulated according to the protocol, encoded and other baseband processing by the baseband circuit 43, and further processed by the radio frequency circuit 44 to analog conversion, filtering, amplification and up-conversion, and then sent to the first access point AP via the antenna 44. It can be understood that the baseband circuit 43, the radio frequency circuit 44 and the antenna 44 can also be used to support the second access point to communicate with other network entities, for example, to support the second access point to communicate with network elements on the core network side.

[0172] The memory 42 may be used to store program codes and data for the second access point. Fig.21 The memory 42 is shown as being separated from the processor 41, however, it is readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the memory 42 or any portion thereof may be located outside the device 400. For example, the memory 42 may include a transmission line and / or a computer product separated from a wireless node, and these media may be accessed by the processor 41 through the bus interface 46. Alternatively, the memory 42 or any portion thereof may be integrated into the processor 41, for example, may be a cache and / or a general register.

[0173] Understandably, Fig.21 Only a simplified design of the second access point is shown. For example, in practical applications, the second access point may include any number of transmitters, receivers, processors, memories, etc., and all second access points that can implement the present invention are within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0174] The embodiment of the present application also provides a computer storage medium, in which instructions are stored, and the instructions can be executed by one or more processors on the processing circuit. When the instructions are run on a computer, the computer executes the methods described in the above aspects. Optionally, the computer storage medium is a non-volatile readable storage medium.

[0175] An embodiment of the present application also provides a chip system, which includes a processor for supporting a first access point or a second access point to implement the functions involved in the above embodiments, such as generating or processing data and / or information involved in the above methods.

[0176] In a possible design, the chip system may also include a memory, and the memory is used to store program instructions and data necessary for the first access point or the second access point. The chip system may be composed of a chip, or may include a chip and other discrete devices, and the processor is used to execute the program instructions so that the communication device equipped with the chip system implements the method and function of the AP involved in any of the above embodiments. Optionally, the memory may be located outside the processor as an external storage medium, or may be located inside the processor as an internal storage medium of the processor.

[0177] The embodiment of the present application also provides a processor, which is coupled to the memory and is used to execute the method and function involving the first AP in any of the above embodiments.

[0178] The embodiment of the present application also provides a processor, which is coupled to the memory and is used to execute the method and function involving the second AP in any of the above embodiments.

[0179] An embodiment of the present application also provides a chip, including a processing circuit and an input-output circuit, wherein the input-output circuit is used to input signaling or data to the processing circuit, and is also used to output signaling or data generated by the processing circuit, and the processing circuit is used to implement signaling or data processing, so that a communication device equipped with the chip can implement the methods and functions involving the first AP in any of the above embodiments.

[0180] An embodiment of the present application also provides a chip, including a processing circuit and an input-output circuit, wherein the input-output circuit is used to input signaling or data to the processing circuit, and is also used to output signaling or data generated by the processing circuit, and the processing circuit is used to implement signaling or data processing, so that a communication device equipped with the chip can implement the methods and functions involving the second AP in any of the above embodiments.

[0181] An embodiment of the present application also provides a computer program product including instructions, which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute the method and function involving the first AP in any of the above embodiments.

[0182] An embodiment of the present application also provides a computer program product including instructions, which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute the method and function involving the second AP in any of the above embodiments.

[0183] An embodiment of the present application further provides a wireless communication system, which includes the first access point and at least one second access point involved in the above embodiment.

[0184] The steps of the method or algorithm described in conjunction with the disclosed content of the embodiments of the present invention may be implemented in hardware or by executing software instructions by a processor. The software instructions may be composed of corresponding software modules, which may be stored in a random access memory (RAM), a flash memory, a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a register, a hard disk, a mobile hard disk, a CD-ROM or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to a processor so that the processor can read information from the storage medium and write information to the storage medium. Of course, the storage medium may also be a component of the processor. The processor and the storage medium may be located in an ASIC. In addition, the ASIC may be located in an AP. Of course, the processor and the storage medium may also be present in the AP as discrete components.

[0185] The embodiments of the present application are described above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, but the present application is not limited to the above-mentioned specific implementation methods. The above-mentioned specific implementation methods are merely illustrative and not restrictive. Under the guidance of the present application, ordinary technicians in this field can also make many forms without departing from the purpose of the present application and the scope of protection of the claims, all of which are within the protection of the present application.

Claims

1. A channel detection method, characterized in that: include: The first access point AP sends a declaration frame, where the declaration frame includes identification information of the second AP and identification information of at least one STA, where the declaration frame is used to instruct the second AP to send a channel detection frame, and to instruct the at least one STA to obtain corresponding channel state information based on the received channel detection frame; The first AP receives a channel detection frame from the second AP.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that After the first AP receives the channel detection frame from the second AP, the method further includes: The first AP sends a beamforming report polling BFRP to the at least one STA, where the BFRP is used to instruct the at least one STA to feed back the channel state information.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that The method further comprises: The first AP receives the channel state information sent by the at least one STA.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The channel state information is used to indicate the channel state of the second AP.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The declaration frame is a null data packet declaration NDPA frame.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that in, The declaration frame includes first indication information, which is used to indicate whether the first AP sends a channel detection frame.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The method further comprises: The first AP and the second AP send channel detection frames simultaneously.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that The channel state information is used to indicate the channel state of the first AP and the second AP.

9. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The identification information of the second AP is an identifier of the second AP.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that The identifier of the second AP is determined by pre-negotiation between the first AP and the second AP.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that The identifier of the second AP is allocated to the second AP by the first AP.

12. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The declaration frame includes an AP information field, and the AP information field includes a training sequence number indication, and the training sequence number indication is used to indicate the number of training sequences included in the channel sounding frame sent by the second AP.

13. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The declaration frame is used to instruct the second AP to send the channel detection frame on the specified channel resources.

14. A communication device applied to a first access point AP, characterized in that: include: a sending module, configured to send a declaration frame, wherein the declaration frame includes identification information of the second AP and identification information of at least one STA, wherein the declaration frame is used to instruct the second AP to send a channel detection frame, and is used to instruct the at least one STA to obtain corresponding channel state information based on the received channel detection frame; The receiving module is used to receive the channel detection frame from the second AP.

15. The communication device according to claim 14, characterized in that: The sending module is further used for: A beamforming report polling (BFRP) is sent to the at least one STA, where the BFRP is used to instruct the at least one STA to feed back the channel state information.

16. The communication device according to claim 15, characterized in that: The receiving module is further used for: The channel state information sent by the at least one STA is received.

17. The communication device according to claim 14, characterized in that: The channel state information is used to indicate the channel state of the second AP.

18. The communication device according to claim 14, characterized in that: The declaration frame is a null data packet declaration NDPA frame.

19. The communication device according to claim 14, characterized in that: in, The declaration frame includes first indication information, which is used to indicate whether the first AP sends a channel detection frame.

20. The communication device according to claim 14, characterized in that The first AP and the second AP send channel detection frames simultaneously.

21. The communication device according to claim 20, characterized in that: The channel state information is used to indicate the channel state of the first AP and the second AP.

22. The communication device according to claim 21, characterized in that The identification information of the second AP is an identifier of the second AP.

23. The communication device according to claim 22, characterized in that: The identifier of the second AP is determined by pre-negotiation between the first AP and the second AP.

24. The communication device according to claim 23, characterized in that The identifier of the second AP is allocated to the second AP by the first AP.

25. The communication device according to claim 14, characterized in that The declaration frame includes an AP information field, and the AP information field includes a training sequence number indication, and the training sequence number indication is used to indicate the number of training sequences included in the channel sounding frame sent by the second AP.

26. The communication device according to claim 14, characterized in that: The declaration frame is used to instruct the second AP to send the channel detection frame on the specified channel resources.

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