Communication method and related device

Abstract

The invention provides a communication method and a related device. In the communication method provided by the invention, the network equipment configures the signal corresponding to the Wi-Fi equipment and used for channel estimation in the downlink signal of the terminal equipment, and the Wi-Fi equipment receives the signal, carries out channel estimation based on the signal and carries out interference elimination processing on the downlink signal, so that the communication quality of the Wi-Fi equipment in the same-frequency deployment state is improved, and the communication quality of the Wi-Fi equipment in the same-frequency deployment state is improved. The spectrum efficiency is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communications, and more particularly to a communication method and related apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] With the upper 6GHz band (U6GHz) designated as part of the International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) band, IMT base stations and Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) devices may need to share the U6GHz band. However, when IMT base stations and Wi-Fi devices are deployed on the same frequency band, the communication quality of Wi-Fi devices is poor. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a communication method and related apparatus to enable Wi-Fi devices to perform interference cancellation processing through signals configured by network devices for channel estimation, thereby improving the communication quality of Wi-Fi devices in a co-frequency deployment state.

[0004] In a first aspect, this application provides a communication method applied to a first network device, the method comprising:

[0005] Configure a first signal, which is the signal required for the wireless fidelity Wi-Fi device to perform channel estimation; transmit a downlink signal, which includes the first signal.

[0006] The first network device configures the Wi-Fi device with the signal required for channel estimation, so that the Wi-Fi device can perform channel estimation based on the first signal. This facilitates the Wi-Fi device in performing interference cancellation processing, thereby improving the communication quality of the Wi-Fi device when the first network device and the Wi-Fi device are operating in the same frequency band.

[0007] In some implementations, downlink signals are sent, including:

[0008] When the first network device continuously transmits downlink signals, the downlink signals are signals carried in the Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) or the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH).

[0009] The downlink signal includes a first signal. When the first network device continuously transmits downlink signals, it is equivalent to continuously transmitting the first signal. Wi-Fi devices can continuously detect the first signal, thereby enabling better interference cancellation based on the first signal and improving the communication quality of the Wi-Fi device.

[0010] In some implementations, the first signal is located at a predetermined time-frequency position of the downlink signal.

[0011] The first network device and the Wi-Fi device agree to embed a first signal at a predetermined time-frequency position in the downlink signal, so that the Wi-Fi device can quickly determine the first signal from the received downlink signal and improve the efficiency of the Wi-Fi device in performing interference cancellation processing based on the first signal.

[0012] In some implementations, downlink signals are sent, including:

[0013] When the first network device periodically transmits downlink signals, the downlink signals are either Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS) or Synchronization Signal / Physical Broadcast Channel Block (SSB).

[0014] The downlink signal includes a first signal. When the first network device periodically transmits the downlink signal, it is equivalent to periodically transmitting the first signal. The Wi-Fi device can periodically detect the first signal, and while ensuring accurate channel estimation based on the first signal, it can save the communication overhead required for the first network device to transmit the downlink signal.

[0015] In some implementations, the period interval for transmitting the first signal is the same as the period interval for transmitting CSI-RS or SSB.

[0016] In some implementations, the first signal is located at a predetermined time-frequency position of the downlink signal.

[0017] In some implementations, the first signal includes at least one of the following signals corresponding to the Wi-Fi device: pilot subcarrier, training sequence, pilot symbol, or beacon frame.

[0018] Pilot subcarriers, training sequences, pilot symbols, or beacon frames are the signal contents included in the pilot signal corresponding to the Wi-Fi device. When the first signal includes at least one of the above signals, the Wi-Fi device stores the corresponding known signal, thereby performing channel estimation based on the first signal and the corresponding known signal.

[0019] Secondly, this application provides a communication method applied to a Wi-Fi device, the method comprising:

[0020] Receive a first signal, which is the signal required for the Wi-Fi device to perform channel estimation; perform channel estimation based on the first signal.

[0021] The first signal serves as the signal required for Wi-Fi devices to perform channel estimation. The Wi-Fi devices perform channel estimation based on the first signal, which is beneficial for subsequent interference cancellation processing based on the channel characteristics and parameters obtained through channel estimation.

[0022] In some implementations, the method also includes:

[0023] If the ratio of the power of the first signal to the power of the interference signal is not lower than a first threshold, the frequency band is switched.

[0024] Wi-Fi devices compare the power of the primary signal and the interference signal and switch frequency bands accordingly. This reduces the occurrence of inaccurate detection in indoor environments, thereby increasing the probability of Wi-Fi devices switching spectrum. Furthermore, considering that the Wi-Fi device acts as an interference source for terminal devices when operating on the same frequency band, it can also prevent the downlink signal sent by the Wi-Fi device from interfering with the downlink signal received by the indoor terminal device from the primary network device.

[0025] In some implementations, the power of the interference signal includes the power of the Wi-Fi device noise floor and / or the power of a second signal, which is the signal required for channel estimation by the Wi-Fi device configured for the second network device.

[0026] Thirdly, this application provides a communication device, including modules or units for implementing the methods of the first aspect and any possible implementation of the first aspect, or including modules for implementing the methods of the second aspect and any possible implementation of the second aspect. Each module or unit can implement its corresponding function by executing a computer program.

[0027] For example, the communication device in the third aspect is a Wi-Fi device or a component configured in a Wi-Fi device, such as a chip, chip system, processor, etc.; or, the communication device in the third aspect is a network device or a component configured in a network device, such as a chip, chip system, processor, etc.

[0028] Fourthly, this application provides a communication device, including a processor, which is configured to execute the communication method in the first aspect and any possible implementation of the first aspect, or to execute the communication method in the second aspect and any possible implementation of the second aspect.

[0029] Optionally, the apparatus may further include a memory for storing instructions and data. The memory is coupled to a processor, which, when executing the instructions stored in the memory, can implement the methods described in the foregoing aspects.

[0030] Optionally, the device may also include a communication interface for communicating with other communication devices. For example, the communication interface may be a transceiver, circuit, bus, module, pin, or other type of communication interface.

[0031] For example, the communication device provided in the fourth aspect is a chip or chip system.

[0032] Fifthly, this application provides a communication device, including a processor and a communication interface. The communication interface is used to receive signals from other communication devices besides the communication device described in the fifth aspect and transmit them to the processor, or to send signals from the processor to other communication devices besides the communication device described in the fifth aspect. The processor implements the communication method in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof through logic circuits or executing code instructions, or implements the communication method in the second aspect and any possible implementation thereof. Exemplarily, the communication interface may be a transceiver, circuit, bus, module, pin, or other type of communication interface.

[0033] Optionally, the apparatus further includes a memory for storing instructions and data. The memory is coupled to a processor, and when the processor executes the instructions stored in the memory, it can implement the communication method of the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof, or implement the communication method of the second aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0034] In a sixth aspect, this application provides a communication device, including a processor and a memory, wherein the memory is used to store instructions and data, and when the processor executes the instructions stored in the memory, it can implement the communication method in the first aspect and any possible implementation of the first aspect, or implement the communication method in the second aspect and any possible implementation of the second aspect.

[0035] Optionally, the device further includes a communication interface for communicating with other communication devices. For example, the communication interface may be a transceiver, circuit, bus, module, pin, or other type of communication interface.

[0036] For example, the communication device in the fifth and sixth aspects is a Wi-Fi device or a network device.

[0037] In a seventh aspect, this application provides a chip system including at least one processor for supporting the implementation of the functions involved in the first aspect and any possible implementation of the first aspect, or for supporting the implementation of the functions involved in the second aspect and any possible implementation of the second aspect, such as receiving or processing data and / or information involved in the above methods.

[0038] In one possible design, the chip system also includes a memory for storing program instructions and data, which may be located inside or outside the processor.

[0039] The chip system can consist of chips or include chips and other discrete components.

[0040] Eighthly, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium including a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to implement the methods of the first or second aspect and any possible implementation of the first or second aspect.

[0041] Ninthly, this application provides a computer program product comprising: a computer program (also referred to as code or instructions) that, when run, causes a computer to perform the methods of the first or second aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0042] The third to tenth aspects of this application correspond to the technical solutions of the first and second aspects of this application. The beneficial effects achieved by each aspect and the corresponding feasible implementation are similar, and will not be described again. Attached Figure Description

[0043] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application.

[0044] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the communication scenario used in the embodiments of this application;

[0045] Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0046] Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0047] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in another embodiment of this application;

[0048] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in yet another embodiment of this application;

[0049] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0050] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in another embodiment of this application.

[0051] The accompanying drawings illustrate specific embodiments of this application, which will be described in more detail below. These drawings and descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the concept in any way, but rather to illustrate the concept of this application to those skilled in the art through reference to particular embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0052] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this application. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of this application as detailed in the appended claims.

[0053] It should be understood that the use of prefixes such as "first" and "second" in this application is merely for the purpose of distinguishing and describing different things belonging to the same category of names, and does not constrain the order, size, or quantity of things. For example, "first parameter" and "second parameter" are simply different parameters, and there is no temporal or quantitative relationship between them.

[0054] This application will present various aspects, embodiments, or features relating to systems that may include multiple devices, components, modules, etc. It should be understood and appreciated that individual systems may include additional devices, components, modules, etc., and / or may not include all the devices, components, modules, etc. discussed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, combinations of these approaches are also possible.

[0055] Furthermore, in the embodiments of this application, words such as "exemplarily" and "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design scheme described as an "example" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design schemes. Specifically, the use of the term "example" is intended to present concepts in a concrete manner. In the embodiments of this application, "of," "corresponding, relevant," and "corresponding" may sometimes be used interchangeably, and it should be noted that their intended meanings are consistent unless their distinction is emphasized.

[0056] The communication system used in the embodiments of this application can be a cellular system related to the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP), such as a 5G mobile communication system, a 5.5G mobile communication system, or a future-oriented evolution system. It can also be a cloud radio access network (CRAN), a Wi-Fi system, or a communication system that integrates two or more of the above systems.

[0057] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the communication scenario used in the embodiments of this application. Figure 1 A schematic diagram illustrating possible, non-limiting communication scenarios is shown. For example... Figure 1As shown, the communication scenario includes a base station 110, a wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) device 120, and a terminal device 130.

[0058] In the communication scenarios applied in this application embodiment, there are two deployment modes. One of them is as follows: Figure 1 As shown in (A), base station 110 is deployed in the same area, while Wi-Fi device 120 and terminal device 130 are deployed at a certain distance from the area where base station 110 is located. Terminal device 130 and Wi-Fi device 120 are isolated from the area where base station 130 is located. Another approach is as follows... Figure 1 As shown in (B), base station 110, Wi-Fi device 120 and terminal device 130 are deployed in the same area.

[0059] Among them, base station 110 can be an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), an access point, a transmission reception point (TRP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB), a next-generation base station in a 6G mobile communication system, or a base station in a future mobile communication system.

[0060] As an example, the base station in this application embodiment can be a base station for international mobile telecommunications (IMT). An IMT base station is a device deployed in a radio access network (RAN) to provide wireless communication functions for terminal devices. An IMT base station is used to receive uplink signals from terminal devices or to send downlink signals to terminal devices.

[0061] Wi-Fi device 120 may include a Wi-Fi access point (AP) and wireless terminal devices. The Wi-Fi AP provides wireless terminal devices with Wi-Fi-compliant wireless access, enabling them to connect to a wired network or access the Internet. The main function of the Wi-Fi AP is to receive uplink signals from Wi-Fi-compliant and authenticated wireless terminal devices, or to send downlink signals to Wi-Fi-compliant and authenticated wireless terminal devices.

[0062] A wireless terminal device (WLAN) is a user-side entity that supports the Wi-Fi protocol and can establish a wireless connection with a Wi-Fi access point (AP) for receiving or transmitting signals. WLANs are used to send uplink signals to the Wi-Fi AP or receive downlink signals from the Wi-Fi AP. WLANs can be devices on 3GPP networks or non-3GPP networks. Their main functions include collecting data (in some terminal devices), receiving control information and downlink data from the Wi-Fi AP, and sending uplink data to the Wi-Fi AP. Figure 1 In the application scenario shown, the wireless terminal device communicates and interacts with the Wi-Fi AP.

[0063] Terminal device 130 can also be referred to as a terminal, user equipment (UE), mobile station, mobile terminal, etc. Terminal device 130 can be widely used in various scenarios, such as device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grids, smart furniture, smart offices, smart wearables, smart transportation, smart cities, etc.

[0064] Terminal device 130 is connected to base station 110 wirelessly. In some possible scenarios, when terminal device 130 is connected to both base station 110 and Wi-Fi AP wirelessly, terminal device 130 is used to send uplink signals to Wi-Fi AP or receive downlink signals from Wi-Fi AP. In this case, terminal device 130 can be regarded as a wireless terminal device included in Wi-Fi device 120.

[0065] Currently, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has designated the upper 6GHz band (U6GHz), specifically the 6425 MHz to 7125 MHz band, as part of the IMT band. When IMT base stations and Wi-Fi devices are deployed on the same frequency band, they may need to coexist on the U6GHz band. This means that the IMT base station and the Wi-Fi device operate within the same frequency band.

[0066] according to Figure 1As shown in the communication scenario, when an IMT base station communicates with a terminal device, the IMT base station transmits downlink signals to the terminal device. Due to the high transmit power of the IMT base station and the proximity of the Wi-Fi device and the terminal device, the Wi-Fi device inevitably receives the downlink signals transmitted by the IMT base station. Considering that the IMT base station and the Wi-Fi device are deployed in the same frequency band, the IMT base station acts as an interference source for the Wi-Fi device, and the downlink signals transmitted by the IMT base station to the terminal device become interference signals for the Wi-Fi device. The presence of interference signals causes a loss in the communication performance of the Wi-Fi device.

[0067] For example: An IMT base station communicates with terminal device A, and terminal device B acts as... Figure 1 The scenario depicts a wireless terminal device communicating with a Wi-Fi access point (AP). When an IMT base station sends a downlink signal to terminal device A, terminal device B receives the downlink signal from the Wi-Fi AP; alternatively, terminal device B sends an uplink signal to the Wi-Fi AP. Since the IMT base station and the Wi-Fi devices (i.e., terminal device B and the Wi-Fi AP) are deployed on the same frequency band, the downlink signal sent by the IMT base station to terminal device A interferes with terminal device B's reception of the downlink signal from the Wi-Fi AP, or vice versa.

[0068] Alternatively, an IMT base station communicates with terminal device A, and terminal device A, as a wireless terminal device, communicates with a Wi-Fi access point (AP). When the IMT base station sends downlink signals to terminal device A, the Wi-Fi AP receives uplink signals from terminal device A. Since the IMT base station and the Wi-Fi AP are deployed on the same frequency band, the downlink signals sent by the IMT base station to terminal device A interfere with the uplink signals received by the Wi-Fi AP from terminal device A. In short, the downlink signals sent by the IMT base station to the terminal device are equivalent to interference signals for the Wi-Fi device.

[0069] To make reasonable use of the U6GHz band, one method is to perform energy detection (ED) on Wi-Fi devices. Through energy detection, Wi-Fi devices can detect the sum of the power of all interference signals received on the current channel. When the sum of the power of the interference signals exceeds a predefined energy threshold, the Wi-Fi device can determine that the current channel is busy and switch to other frequency bands, thereby avoiding receiving interference signals from IMT base stations.

[0070] However, if the sum of the power of the interfering signals does not exceed a predefined energy threshold, the Wi-Fi device continues to use the current frequency band. Since the Wi-Fi device and the IMT base station are deployed on the same frequency band, the downlink signal sent by the IMT base station will still interfere with the Wi-Fi device.

[0071] Another method involves the IMT base station sending a broadcast signal to indicate that it is operating in the U6GHz band. Wi-Fi devices check whether they can receive the broadcast signal within each detection window. If the Wi-Fi device receives the broadcast signal, it is deployed directly in a frequency band other than U6GHz to avoid coexisting with the IMT base station and thus avoid receiving interference signals from it.

[0072] However, the method of transmitting broadcast signals via IMT base stations results in a low probability of Wi-Fi devices operating in the U6GHz band, reducing the utilization rate of U6GHz spectrum resources by Wi-Fi devices. Furthermore, the frequent transmission of broadcast signals by IMT base stations also incurs significant communication overhead.

[0073] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides a communication method and related apparatus to enable Wi-Fi devices to perform interference cancellation processing using signals configured by network devices for channel estimation, thereby improving the communication quality of Wi-Fi devices in a co-frequency deployment state.

[0074] The technical concept of this application is: the network device configures a signal for channel estimation corresponding to the Wi-Fi device in the downlink signal for the terminal device, the Wi-Fi device receives the signal and performs channel estimation based on the signal, and performs interference cancellation processing on the downlink signal, thereby improving the communication quality of the Wi-Fi device in the same frequency deployment state.

[0075] Figure 2 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in one embodiment of this application. For example, as shown... Figure 2 As shown, the communication method may include S201 to S203.

[0076] S201, the first network device configures a first signal, which is the signal required for the Wi-Fi device to perform channel estimation.

[0077] As an example, the first network device is Figure 1 In the illustrated application scenario, the IMT base station and the Wi-Fi device are Wi-Fi access points (APs) that provide wireless access to terminal devices in accordance with the Wi-Fi protocol. The terminal devices communicate with both the first network device and the Wi-Fi device simultaneously, and the first network device and the Wi-Fi device operate on the same frequency band.

[0078] When the first network device sends a downlink signal to the terminal device, due to the high transmission power of the first network device and the proximity of the Wi-Fi device and the terminal device, the Wi-Fi device inevitably receives the downlink signal sent by the first network device. When the terminal device communicates with the Wi-Fi device, the terminal device sends uplink signals to the Wi-Fi device. Downlink signals in the same frequency band interfere with the Wi-Fi device's reception of the uplink signals sent by the terminal device, affecting the communication quality between the Wi-Fi device and the terminal device.

[0079] As is understandable, a channel is the medium or pathway through which signals are transmitted. During transmission, signals are affected by the channel, such as multipath effects, fading, and interference, leading to signal distortion. Channel estimation, by estimating the channel state, can obtain the characteristics and parameters of the channel, thereby enabling subsequent signal processing and interference cancellation.

[0080] In this step, the first signal configured by the first network device is the signal required for the Wi-Fi device to perform channel estimation. That is, the Wi-Fi device can perform channel estimation on the channel carrying the first signal based on the first signal, thereby eliminating interference from various interference signals that may be carried on the channel.

[0081] It should be noted that during communication with the terminal device, the first network device also needs to configure the signals required for channel estimation by the terminal device. The difference is that the signals required for channel estimation by the terminal device follow the relevant standards formulated by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) organization, while the first signal in this application, as the signal required for channel estimation by the Wi-Fi device, follows the relevant standards formulated by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).

[0082] In some implementations, the first signal can be the pilot signal of the Wi-Fi device. The pilot signal is a known signal, and the Wi-Fi device, as the receiving end, can estimate the characteristics of the channel used to carry the pilot signal, such as the channel gain and phase, by detecting the pilot signal.

[0083] For example, the first signal includes at least one of the following signals corresponding to the Wi-Fi device: pilot subcarrier, training sequence, pilot symbol, or beacon frame.

[0084] In Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) systems, pilot subcarriers occupy specific positions within OFDM symbols and carry known signal sequences. Training sequences (TS) are signal sequences used for specific purposes in communication systems, typically containing a series of predefined signal samples known at the receiver. Pilot symbols are the time-domain representations of pilot signals and are usually embedded within the OFDM symbols used for data transmission. Beam frames are management frames periodically transmitted in Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs).

[0085] S202, the first network device sends a downlink signal, which includes the first signal.

[0086] In this step, when the first network device and the terminal device are communicating downlink, the first network device sends a downlink signal to the terminal device. Since the first network device has high transmission power and the Wi-Fi device and the terminal device are located close to each other, the Wi-Fi device can receive the downlink signal from the first network device.

[0087] The channel through which the terminal device sends uplink signals to the Wi-Fi device is different from the channel through which the downlink signals sent by the first network device reach the Wi-Fi device. When the Wi-Fi device and the terminal device communicate, they are mainly affected by interference from downlink signals in the same frequency band. By performing channel estimation on the channel carrying the downlink signal, interference cancellation can be performed on the downlink signal. The downlink signal includes the signal required by the Wi-Fi device for channel estimation, i.e., the first signal.

[0088] In some implementations, when the first network device continuously transmits downlink signals, the downlink signals can be signals carried in the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) or the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH). Specifically, the first network device can puncture certain subcarriers of the PDSCH or PDCCH to embed a configured first signal onto the subcarriers, so that the downlink signals include the first signal.

[0089] In some implementations, when the first network device continuously transmits downlink signals, the first signal is located at a predetermined time-frequency position of the downlink signal. For example, when the downlink signal is a signal carried on PDSCH or PDCCH, the first network device can embed the first signal in every {1, 2, 4} symbols in the time domain and in every {2, 4} resource blocks (RBs) in the frequency domain.

[0090] When the first network device continuously transmits downlink signals, it embeds a pre-configured first signal into the downlink signal. The continuous transmission of downlink signals by the first network device means that the Wi-Fi device continuously receives the first signal within the downlink signal, thereby performing channel estimation based on the first signal. By continuously detecting the first signal, the Wi-Fi device can perform better channel estimation based on the first signal, thus enabling interference cancellation processing of the downlink signal.

[0091] In some implementations, when the first network device periodically transmits downlink signals, the downlink signals can be channel state information-reference signals (CSI-RS) or synchronization signals and physical broadcast channel blocks (SSB).

[0092] In some implementations, when the first network device periodically transmits a downlink signal, the first signal is located at a predetermined time-frequency position of the downlink signal. For example, when the downlink signal is CSI-RS or SSB, the first network device may embed the first signal at every {2, 4} RBs in the frequency domain.

[0093] As one possible implementation, the periodic interval for transmitting the first signal is the same as the periodic interval for transmitting CSI-RS or SSB. When the first network device periodically transmits downlink signals, it can embed the configured first signal into the downlink signal each time it transmits a downlink signal. When the downlink signal is CSI-RS or SSB, the periodic interval for transmitting the first signal is consistent with the periodic interval of CSI-RS or SSB.

[0094] Understandably, when the first network device periodically transmits downlink signals, it can embed a configured first signal into the downlink signal at one cycle interval. For example, the SSB transmission cycle can be configured to 5 milliseconds (ms), 10 ms, and 20 ms. If the first network device periodically transmits SSB at a 5 ms interval, and can embed the first signal into the SSB at one cycle interval, then the Wi-Fi device is essentially receiving the first signal at a 10 ms interval. The cycle interval for the first network device to transmit the first signal is the same as the 10 ms SSB cycle interval.

[0095] When the first network device periodically transmits downlink signals, it embeds a pre-configured first signal into the downlink signal. By periodically transmitting downlink signals, the Wi-Fi device can periodically detect the first signal, saving the communication overhead required for the first network device to transmit downlink signals while ensuring channel estimation based on the first signal.

[0096] As one possible implementation, the first network device may broadcast an instruction message instructing the first network device to embed the configured first signal at a predetermined time-frequency position of the downlink signal.

[0097] S203, the Wi-Fi device performs channel estimation based on the first signal.

[0098] As can be seen from step S202, the Wi-Fi device can receive downlink signals from the first network device. The first network device embeds a first signal into the downlink signal, so the Wi-Fi device receiving the downlink signal is equivalent to receiving the first signal.

[0099] It should be noted that the Wi-Fi device performs channel estimation based on the first signal in this step, which can be further divided into two steps. The first step is as follows: Figure 3 As shown in step S203-1, the Wi-Fi device can perform channel estimation based on the first signal and locally known signals used for channel estimation. For example, the Wi-Fi device's physical layer frame structure stores a known sequence. Combining the first signal and this known sequence, the Wi-Fi device can estimate the channel response through least-squares estimation or maximum-likelihood estimation. It is understood that in a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) system, the channel response can be represented as a channel estimation matrix.

[0100] The second step is as follows: Figure 3As shown in step S203-2, the Wi-Fi device can perform interference cancellation processing based on the channel estimation matrix. As an example, the Wi-Fi device can perform autocorrelation processing based on the channel estimation matrix to obtain the covariance matrix of noise and interference. Typically, Wi-Fi devices include an interference rejection combining (IRC) receiver.

[0101] In MIMO systems, IRC receivers can utilize multiple antennas to receive signals and combine them using signal processing algorithms (such as weight matrix calculation) to suppress interference and enhance the target signal. Furthermore, IRC can be combined with other interference cancellation techniques (such as multi-user MIMO, channel coding, and modulation techniques) to further improve interference suppression.

[0102] In this embodiment, the Wi-Fi device receives the first signal sent by the first network device and performs channel estimation, thereby reducing interference from the first network device to the Wi-Fi device. This is beneficial for the first network device and the Wi-Fi device to be deployed on the same frequency band, improving spectrum utilization. On the other hand, when the first network device and the Wi-Fi device are operating on the same frequency band, the Wi-Fi device can avoid the first network device reducing its transmission power through interference cancellation processing.

[0103] It should be noted that Wi-Fi devices can perform channel estimation based on the first signal to achieve interference cancellation. However, the interference cancellation process has limitations in processing downlink signals transmitted by the first network device. When the strength of the interference signal received by the Wi-Fi device exceeds a certain limit, it becomes difficult for the first network device and the Wi-Fi device to share the same frequency band. The following description addresses how embodiments of the present invention can further solve the above problems.

[0104] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in another embodiment of this application. After step S203-1, as... Figure 4 As shown in step S203-3, when the received interference signal is greater than the energy detection threshold, the Wi-Fi device switches frequency bands.

[0105] In step S203-1, after the Wi-Fi device performs channel estimation based on the first signal, it can determine the power of the interference signal carried on the channel where the first signal is located. If this power is greater than a preset energy detection threshold, it indicates that the interference cancellation processing performed by the Wi-Fi device has limited effect, and the Wi-Fi device directly switches to another frequency band different from the current frequency band to avoid being deployed on the same frequency band as the first network device. Alternatively, the Wi-Fi device can also stop operating on the current frequency band.

[0106] Understandably, as shown in step S203-3, if the Wi-Fi device switches frequency bands or stops operating on the current frequency band, it is equivalent to the Wi-Fi device and the first network device operating on different frequency bands. In this case, the downlink signal sent by the first network device will no longer interfere with the Wi-Fi device. Accordingly, the Wi-Fi device no longer needs to perform interference cancellation processing, that is, it no longer needs to execute step S203-2.

[0107] However, Wi-Fi devices are typically placed indoors, and when the first network device sends a downlink signal, it is affected by obstacles such as walls, according to... Figure 4 In step S203-3 of the method, energy detection may be inaccurate. Therefore, the communication method provided in this application also offers a new energy detection method.

[0108] Figure 5 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in yet another embodiment of this application. Exemplarily, as shown... Figure 5 As shown, the communication method may include the following steps:

[0109] S501, the first network device configures a first signal, which is the signal required for the Wi-Fi device to perform channel estimation.

[0110] S502, the first network device sends a downlink signal, which includes the first signal.

[0111] The above steps S501 and S502 are the same as Figure 2 and Figure 3 Steps S201 and S202 in the illustrated embodiment are the same and will not be repeated here.

[0112] S503-1, The Wi-Fi device performs channel estimation based on a first signal and locally known signals used for channel estimation.

[0113] This step and Figure 3 Step S203-1 in the illustrated embodiment is the same and will not be repeated here.

[0114] S503-2, when the ratio of the power of the first signal to the power of the interference signal is not lower than the first threshold, the Wi-Fi device switches frequency bands.

[0115] In this step, if the ratio of the power of the first signal to the power of the interfering signal is not lower than a first threshold, it indicates that the interference cancellation processing performed by the Wi-Fi device has limited effect. The Wi-Fi device can directly switch to another frequency band different from the current frequency band to avoid being deployed on the same frequency band as the first network device. Alternatively, the Wi-Fi device can also stop operating on the current frequency band.

[0116] In some implementations, the power of the interference signal includes the power of the Wi-Fi device noise floor and / or the power of a second signal, which is the signal required for channel estimation by the Wi-Fi device configured for the second network device.

[0117] according to Figure 1 As illustrated in the application scenario, there may be more than one network device within the deployment area. Besides the downlink signal transmitted by the first network device, when the second network device and the Wi-Fi device are deployed on the same frequency band, the downlink signal transmitted by the second network device also interferes with the Wi-Fi device. Accordingly, the second network device is configured with a second signal, which is the signal required by the Wi-Fi device for channel estimation.

[0118] It should be noted that the second network device can be used to indicate one or more network devices. Accordingly, the power of the second signal can be considered as the sum of the signal power required for channel estimation by Wi-Fi devices configured with multiple network devices.

[0119] For example, the ratio of the power of the first signal to the power of the interference signal satisfies any of the following relationships:

[0120]

[0121] Where I0 is the power of the first signal, I other The power of the second signal is given. Considering that the second network device can be used to indicate one or more network devices, the power of the second signal can also be understood as the sum of the power of the signals required for channel estimation by the Wi-Fi devices configured on other network devices besides the first network device. N is the power of the Wi-Fi device noise floor, and PDT is a preset pilot detection threshold (PDT), which is equivalent to a preset first threshold.

[0122] When the ratio of the power of the first signal to the power of the interfering signal satisfies any of the relationships above, it indicates that the interference cancellation effect of the Wi-Fi device is limited. The Wi-Fi device can directly switch to another frequency band different from the current frequency band to avoid being deployed on the same frequency band as the first network device. Alternatively, the Wi-Fi device can also stop operating on the current frequency band.

[0123] As one possible implementation, referencing energy detection methods, Wi-Fi devices can also directly determine the relationship between the power of a first signal and a preset second threshold. If the power of the first signal is not lower than the preset second threshold, the Wi-Fi device switches frequency bands. It should be noted that, considering the attenuation of interference signal power due to obstruction when the Wi-Fi device is deployed indoors, the power of the preset second threshold should be lower than the energy detection power set in an open outdoor environment.

[0124] S503-3, Wi-Fi devices perform interference cancellation processing based on the channel estimation matrix.

[0125] This step and Figure 3 Steps S203-2 in the illustrated embodiment are the same and will not be repeated here.

[0126] Understandably, according to step S503-2, if the Wi-Fi device switches frequency bands or stops operating on the current frequency band, it is equivalent to the Wi-Fi device and the first network device operating on different frequency bands. In this case, the downlink signal sent by the first network device will no longer interfere with the Wi-Fi device. Accordingly, the Wi-Fi device no longer needs to perform interference cancellation processing, that is, it does not need to execute step S503-3.

[0127] In this embodiment, the Wi-Fi device compares the power of the first signal and the interference signal, which can reduce the occurrence of inaccurate detection in indoor environments, thereby increasing the probability of the Wi-Fi device switching spectrum.

[0128] It should be noted that when the first network device communicates with the terminal device via downlink, the first network device sends a downlink signal to the terminal device. Similarly, when the Wi-Fi device communicates with the terminal device via downlink, the Wi-Fi device also sends a downlink signal to the terminal device. When the first network device and the Wi-Fi device are deployed on the same frequency band, the downlink signal sent by the Wi-Fi device interferes with the downlink signal sent by the first network device. In this embodiment, the Wi-Fi device switches to another frequency band based on a power comparison between the first signal and the interfering signal, which can prevent the downlink signal sent by the Wi-Fi device from interfering with the downlink signal received by the indoor terminal device from the first network device.

[0129] It is understood that the above embodiments are described using the application scenario of IMT base stations and Wi-Fi devices operating in the same frequency band. The communication method proposed in this application can also be extended to IMT base stations deployed on the same frequency band as other mobile or fixed communication systems, for example, it can be extended to IMT base stations communicating with satellites.

[0130] Figure 6 and Figure 7This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of possible communication devices provided in embodiments of this application. These communication devices can be used to implement the functions of Wi-Fi devices or network devices in the above method embodiments, and therefore can also achieve the beneficial effects of the above method embodiments. In the embodiments of this application, the communication device can be as follows: Figures 2 to 5 The Wi-Fi device or network device in the method embodiments shown can also be a component (such as a chip, chip system, processor, etc.) configured in the Wi-Fi device or network device, or a logic module or software that can realize some or all of the functions of the Wi-Fi device or network device.

[0131] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in one embodiment of this application. Figure 6 As shown, the communication device 600 includes a processing module 610 and a transceiver module 620.

[0132] The transceiver module 620 can implement corresponding communication functions and can also be referred to as an input / output interface or communication unit. The processing module 610 can be used to perform processing operations. It should be understood that if the device 600 is a component configured in a network device or Wi-Fi device, such as a chip, the transceiver module 620 can be an input / output interface.

[0133] In some implementations, the transceiver module 620 may include a sending module and a receiving module. The sending module is used to perform the above-described... Figures 2 to 5 The receiving module is used to perform the above-mentioned transmitting operations of network devices or Wi-Fi devices. Figures 2 to 5 The receiving operation of network devices or Wi-Fi devices.

[0134] It should be understood that when the device 600 is a component configured in a network device or Wi-Fi device, such as a chip, the transmitting module can be an output interface, and the transmitting operation involved in the embodiments of this application can be performed by the output interface; the receiving module can be an input interface, and the receiving operation involved in the embodiments of this application can be performed by the input interface.

[0135] In some implementations, the device 600 may further include a storage module, which can be used to store instructions and / or data. The processing module 610 can read the instructions and / or data from the storage module to enable the device to perform its functions. Figures 2 to 5 The method embodiment shown.

[0136] As one possible design approach, the aforementioned device 600 can be used to achieve the above. Figures 2 to 5 The method embodiment shown may include the functionality of the Wi-Fi device, or the apparatus 600 may include components for implementing the above. Figures 2 to 5The unit of any function or operation of the Wi-Fi device in the method embodiment shown can be implemented in whole or in part by software, hardware, firmware or any combination thereof.

[0137] When device 600 is used to achieve Figures 2 to 5 In the method embodiment shown, when the Wi-Fi device functions, the transceiver module 620 (specifically, the receiving module) can be used to execute step S202, in which the Wi-Fi device receives the first signal; the processing module 610 can be used to execute step S203, in which the Wi-Fi device performs channel estimation based on the first signal.

[0138] In another possible design, the aforementioned device 600 can be used to implement the above. Figures 2 to 5 The method embodiment shown may include the functions of the network device, or the apparatus 600 may include components for implementing the above. Figures 2 to 5 Any function or operation unit of the network device in the method embodiment shown can be implemented in whole or in part by software, hardware, firmware or any combination thereof.

[0139] When device 600 is used to achieve Figures 2 to 5 When the network device functions as shown in the method embodiment, the transceiver module 620 (specifically, the sending module) can be used to execute step S202, in which the first network device sends a downlink signal, the downlink signal including a first signal; the processing module 610 can be used to execute step S201, in which the first network device configures the first signal, the first signal being the signal required for the Wi-Fi device to perform channel estimation.

[0140] For a more detailed description of the aforementioned processing module 610 and transceiver module 620, please refer to [link / reference needed]. Figures 2 to 5 The relevant descriptions in the method embodiments shown are directly obtained and will not be repeated here.

[0141] It should be noted that the transceiver module can also be called a transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver machine, or transceiver device, etc. The processing module can also be called a processor, processing board, processing unit, or processing device, etc. Optionally, the transceiver module is used to perform the sending and receiving operations on the terminal device or network device side in the above method. The device in the communication module used to implement the receiving function can be considered as the receiving module, and the device in the communication module used to implement the sending function can be considered as the sending module; that is, the transceiver module includes both a receiving module and a sending module.

[0142] In another possible design, the aforementioned transceiver module and / or processing module can be implemented using virtual modules. For example, the processing module can be implemented using software functional modules or virtual devices, and the transceiver module can also be implemented using software functional modules or virtual devices. In another possible design, the processing module or transceiver module can also be implemented using physical devices. For example, if the device is implemented using a chip / chip circuit, the transceiver module can be an input / output circuit and / or a communication interface, performing input operations (corresponding to the aforementioned receiving operation) and output operations (corresponding to the aforementioned sending operation); the processing module is an integrated processor, microprocessor, or integrated circuit.

[0143] It should be understood that the module division in the embodiments of this application is illustrative and only represents a logical functional division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods. Furthermore, the functional modules in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into a single processor, exist as separate physical entities, or be integrated into a single module. The integrated modules described above can be implemented in hardware or as software functional modules.

[0144] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided in another embodiment of this application. The device 700 can be a chip system, or it can be a device configured with a chip system to implement the above-described method embodiments. In this embodiment, the chip system can be composed of chips, or it can include chips and other discrete devices.

[0145] like Figure 7 As shown, device 700 can be implemented using a processing system including one or more processors 701. Processor 701 includes microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors (DSPs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), graphics processing units (GPUs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), state machines, gated logic, discrete hardware circuitry, and other suitable hardware configured to various functions. In other words, the processor used in device 700 can be used to implement any one or more of the embodiments described above.

[0146] The processing system in device 700 can be implemented using a bus architecture, typically represented by bus 702. Bus 702 may include any number of interconnect buses and bridges, depending on the specific application and overall design constraints of the processing system. The bus communicatively couples various circuits together, including one or more processors 701 (typically represented by a processor), memory 703, and computer-readable medium 704 (typically represented by a computer-readable medium). Bus 702 may also link various other circuits, such as timing sources, peripherals, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, which are well known in the art and will therefore not be described further. Bus interface 705 provides an interface between bus 702 and transceivers, and between bus 702 and interfaces. Bus interface 705 may use, but is not limited to, transceivers to enable communication between device 700 and other devices or apparatuses.

[0147] A transceiver provides a communication interface or means for communicating with various other devices via a wireless transmission medium. The transceiver may be coupled to an antenna array, and the transceiver and antenna array may be used together for communication with a corresponding network type. At least one interface (e.g., a network interface and / or a user interface) provides a communication interface or means for communication via an internal bus or via an external transmission medium.

[0148] Processor 701 is responsible for managing bus 702 and general processing, including executing software stored on computer-readable medium 704. When executed by processor 701, the software causes the processing system to perform the various functions described below for any particular device.

[0149] The processor 701, memory 703, and computer-readable medium 704 can perform the following functions: encoding, decoding, rate matching, rate dematching, scrambling, descrambling, modulation, demodulation, layer mapping, fast Fourier transform (FFT), inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT), inverse discrete Fourier transform (IDFT), precoding, resource element (RE) mapping, channel equalization, RE demapping, digital beamforming (BF), adding cyclic prefix (CP), removing CP, etc.

[0150] The steps of the method disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly manifested as being executed by a hardware decoding processor, or being executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software modules can be located in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, or other mature storage media in the art.

[0151] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions, which, when executed by a processor, implement the steps of the methods described above.

[0152] This application also provides a computer program product, including computer instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the various steps in the methods described above.

[0153] It should be noted that the modules or components shown in the above embodiments can be one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the above methods, such as one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more microprocessors, or one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). Furthermore, when a module is implemented by a processing element calling program code, the processing element can be a general-purpose processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU) or other processor capable of calling program code, such as a controller. Moreover, these modules can be integrated together to implement a system-on-a-chip (SoC).

[0154] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved, in whole or in part, through software, hardware, firmware, software modules, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, it can be implemented, in whole or in part, as a computer program product. A computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the flow or function according to the embodiments of this application is generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available media can be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., digital video discs (DVDs)), or semiconductor media (e.g., solid state disks (SSDs)).

[0155] Other embodiments of this application will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the disclosure herein. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this application that follow the general principles of this application and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and intent of this application are indicated by the following claims.

[0156] It should be understood that this application is not limited to the precise structure described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of this application is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a first network device, the method includes: Configure a first signal, which is the signal required for channel estimation by the Wi-Fi device; Send a downlink signal, the downlink signal including the first signal.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transmission of the downlink signal includes: When the first network device continuously transmits the downlink signal, the downlink signal is a signal carried in the Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) or the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH).

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first signal is located at a predetermined time-frequency position of the downlink signal.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transmission of the downlink signal includes: When the first network device periodically transmits the downlink signal, the downlink signal is a Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS) or a Synchronization Signal / Physical Broadcast Channel Block (SSB).

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The period interval for transmitting the first signal is the same as the period interval for transmitting the CSI-RS or the SSB.

6. The method according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The first signal is located at a predetermined time-frequency position of the downlink signal.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The first signal includes at least one of the following signals corresponding to the Wi-Fi device: pilot subcarrier, training sequence, pilot symbol, or beacon frame.

8. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to Wi-Fi devices, the method includes: Receive a first signal, which is the signal required by the Wi-Fi device to perform channel estimation; Channel estimation is performed based on the first signal.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The method further includes: If the ratio of the power of the first signal to the power of the interference signal is not lower than a first threshold, the Wi-Fi device switches frequency bands.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The power of the interference signal includes the power of the Wi-Fi device's noise floor and / or the power of the second signal, which is the signal required by the Wi-Fi device configured by the second network device for channel estimation.

11. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes a module for implementing the communication method as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, or includes a module for implementing the communication method as described in any one of claims 8 to 10.

12. A communication device, characterized in that, include: Processor and memory; The memory stores computer-executed instructions; The processor executes computer execution instructions stored in the memory, causing the communication device to perform the communication method as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, or the communication method as described in any one of claims 8 to 10.

13. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores computer-executable instructions, which, when executed by a processor, are used to implement the communication method as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, or the communication method as described in any one of claims 8 to 10.

14. A computer program product, characterized in that, It includes a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the communication method as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, or the communication method as described in any one of claims 8 to 10.

Images