Communication method and communication device

Abstract

The invention relates to a communication method and communication equipment. The communication method comprises the following steps: determining at least two terminals capable of performing multi-user MU transmission by using the same antenna configuration in a plurality of terminals based on the antenna configuration for performing single-user SU transmission with each terminal in the plurality of terminals; and performing MU transmission with the at least two terminals using the same antenna configuration.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of communications, and more specifically, to communication methods and communication devices. Background Technology

[0002] To improve system communication quality, alleviate the contradiction between the increasing development of wireless communication and the shortage of spectrum resources, reduce the overall system cost, and improve system management, mobile communication systems have introduced smart antennas since 3G. The core of smart antennas is to adaptively adjust the beam direction, focus useful signals, and suppress interference signals through array antennas and signal processing algorithms, thereby improving the capacity, coverage, and anti-interference capability of wireless communication.

[0003] Smart antennas used in mobile communication systems include single-user (SU) smart antennas and multi-user (MU) smart antennas. SU smart antennas focus on the signal of a single target user, optimizing beam direction and gain in real time while suppressing external interference. MU smart antennas generate multiple beams simultaneously on the same time / frequency resources, providing service to multiple users concurrently. Through precise interference control and resource allocation, they maximize the overall system capacity and ensure the Quality of Service (QoS) for each user. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Based on the above, this disclosure provides communication methods, communication devices, communication apparatuses, and computer-readable storage media and program products for communication methods.

[0005] In one aspect, this disclosure provides a communication method comprising: determining at least two of the plurality of terminals capable of performing multi-user (MU) transmission using the same antenna configuration based on an antenna configuration for performing single-user (SU) transmission with each of the plurality of terminals; and performing MU transmission with the at least two terminals using the same antenna configuration.

[0006] In one aspect, this disclosure provides a communication apparatus comprising: components for determining at least two terminals among a plurality of terminals capable of performing multi-user (MU) transmission using the same antenna configuration based on an antenna configuration for performing single-user (SU) transmission with each of the terminals among a plurality of terminals; and components for performing MU transmission with the at least two terminals using the same antenna configuration.

[0007] In one aspect, this disclosure provides a communication device, including: a memory storing instructions, and a processor that executes the instructions to implement a communication method according to embodiments of this disclosure.

[0008] In one aspect, this disclosure provides a computer-readable storage medium having instructions stored thereon that, when executed by a processor, implement a communication method according to embodiments of this disclosure.

[0009] In one aspect, this disclosure provides a computer program product including instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement a communication method according to embodiments of this disclosure.

[0010] The communication method, communication device, communication apparatus, and computer-readable storage medium and program product for the communication method provided by the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure determine the antenna configuration for MU transmission with multiple terminals (i.e., MU antenna configuration) based on the antenna configuration for SU transmission (i.e., SU antenna configuration) predetermined for each terminal among multiple terminals, and can implement the MU antenna configuration with lower complexity. Attached Figure Description

[0011] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings of the embodiments will be briefly described below. Obviously, the drawings described below only relate to some embodiments of this disclosure and are not intended to limit this disclosure.

[0012] Figure 1 An example communication system to which the communication methods according to embodiments of this disclosure can be applied is shown.

[0013] Figure 2 This is an example flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 3A The example antenna configuration for SU transmission is shown for each of the multiple terminals.

[0015] Figure 3B The example optimal and suboptimal antenna configurations for SU transmission determined for the terminal are shown, along with their corresponding beams.

[0016] Figure 4 It is to further demonstrate Figure 2 The flowchart shown illustrates the steps for determining at least two terminals among multiple terminals that can use the same antenna configuration for MU transmission.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the determination of the MU antenna configuration using a communication method according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the determination of the MU antenna configuration using a communication method according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 7 It is to further demonstrate Figure 2 Another example flowchart showing the steps for determining at least two terminals among multiple terminals that can use the same antenna configuration for MU transmission.

[0020] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the determination of the MU antenna configuration using a communication method according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 9 It is to further demonstrate Figure 2 The flowchart shown is yet another example of the steps for determining at least two terminals among a plurality of terminals that can use the same antenna configuration for MU transmission.

[0022] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the determination of the MU antenna configuration using a communication method according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 11 An example configuration of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The technical solutions of this disclosure will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of, but not all of, the embodiments of this disclosure. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this disclosure without any creative effort are within the protection scope of this disclosure.

[0025] In the description of this disclosure, it should be noted that the directions or positional relationships indicated by terms such as “center,” “upper,” “lower,” “left,” “right,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “inner,” and “outer” are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the figures and are used only for convenience and simplification of the description of this disclosure, and do not indicate or imply that the indicated device or element must have a specific orientation. Furthermore, terms such as “first,” “second,” and “third” are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. Similarly, words such as “a,” “an,” or “the” do not represent a limitation of quantity but rather indicate the presence of at least one. Words such as “comprising” or “including” mean that the element or object preceding the word includes those elements or objects listed after the word and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. Words such as “connected” or “linked” are not limited to physical or mechanical connections but can include direct or indirect electrical connections.

[0026] In the description of this disclosure, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, terms such as “installation,” “link,” and “connection” should be interpreted broadly. For example, these terms may refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they may refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they may refer to a direct connection, an indirect connection via an intermediate medium, or a connection within two components. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this disclosure can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0027] Furthermore, the technical features described in the different embodiments of this disclosure can be combined with each other, provided that they do not conflict with each other. Additionally, the accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are simplified for brevity, and therefore may not be exactly the same as actual implementations. For example, device processing delays may be omitted in the figures.

[0028] In this disclosure, an AP, interchangeably referred to as a Wireless Access Point (WAP), is a communication device that can communicate with non-APs (e.g., STAs) in a WLAN via one or more links, and allows non-APs to connect to a wired network. An AP is typically connected to a router as a standalone device (e.g., via a wired network), but can also be integrated into or used within a router. An AP can be a communication device that can communicate with a STA via a single link. An AP can also be a communication device that can communicate with a STA via multiple links. Such an AP can be referred to as an AP Multilink Device (MLD). An AP MLD may include multiple affiliated APs, and a non-AP MLD may include multiple affiliated non-APs. Multiple affiliated APs and multiple affiliated non-APs can operate in frequency bands such as 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, or 6 GHz. Each affiliated AP of an AP MLD can simultaneously communicate with each affiliated non-AP of a non-AP MLD via its respective link.

[0029] Similarly, in this disclosure, a non-AP (e.g., a station or terminal, interchangeably referred to as a STA) is a communication device that communicates with an AP via one or more links. An STA can be any device that includes a Media Access Control (MAC) compliant with IEEE 802.11 and a Physical Layer (PHY) interface to the wireless medium (WM). For example, an STA can be a laptop, desktop personal computer (PC), personal digital assistant (PDA), access point, or Wi-Fi phone in a WLAN environment. STAs can be fixed or mobile. In a WLAN environment, the terms “STA,” “terminal,” “wireless terminal,” “user,” “user equipment,” and “node” are often used interchangeably.

[0030] In this disclosure, a STA in a WLAN can function as an AP in different scenarios, and vice versa. This is because communication devices in an IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi) technology environment can include both STA and AP hardware components. In this way, based on the actual WLAN conditions and / or requirements, the communication device can switch between STA mode and AP mode or operate simultaneously in both STA and AP modes.

[0031] As described in the background section, to improve system communication quality, alleviate the contradiction between the increasing development of wireless communication and insufficient spectrum resources, reduce overall system costs, and improve system management, mobile communication systems have introduced smart antennas, including SU smart antennas and MU smart antennas. To implement MU smart antennas, network entities (e.g., base stations) in mobile communication systems determine the MU smart antenna configuration in real time based on the direction of arrival (DOA) and channel conditions (e.g., Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI), Channel State Information (CSI)) of each terminal with data transmission needs. This MU smart antenna configuration can generate multiple beams respectively aligned with each terminal. However, unlike mobile communication systems, in the Wi-Fi field, limited by the hardware capabilities of access point devices such as routers (e.g., antenna array size, chip processing power), access point devices may not be able to track and select the most suitable antenna configuration for multiple users in real time. Therefore, a lower-complexity MU smart antenna configuration method is needed. Furthermore, unlike mobile communication systems where user movement is highly probable and over a wide range, in Wi-Fi systems, user movement is typically less probable and over a smaller range. Therefore, it is not necessary to track user locations in real time in Wi-Fi systems.

[0032] Based on the above, this disclosure provides a communication method, communication device, communication apparatus, and computer-readable storage medium and program product for determining the MU smart antenna configuration. The communication method according to embodiments of this disclosure determines the MU antenna configuration for simultaneous communication with multiple users based on antenna configurations pre-determined for each of a plurality of terminals for SU transmission, thereby achieving MU smart antenna configuration with low complexity. Furthermore, since the probability of user movement in Wi-Fi systems is typically low and the range is small, the MU smart antenna configuration method according to embodiments of this disclosure is particularly suitable for Wi-Fi systems, enabling high-performance MU transmission without real-time terminal tracking.

[0033] In this disclosure, SU transmission can refer to transmission between a communication device and one other communication device. MU transmission can refer to transmission between a communication device and at least two other communication devices simultaneously. SU antenna configuration (also referred to as SU smart antenna configuration) can refer to the antenna configuration of the communication device used for SU transmission. MU antenna configuration (also referred to as MU smart antenna configuration) can refer to the antenna configuration of the communication device used for MU transmission.

[0034] Figure 1 An example communication system 100 to which communication methods according to embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied is shown. Figure 1As shown, the communication system 100 may include multiple access points (APs), namely AP 110a, AP 110b, and AP 110c, and STAs connected to the APs, namely STA 120a – STA 120e. APs 110a, 110b, and 110c can be connected via wired links, wireless links (e.g., ...), Figure 1 The APs are interconnected via links 130a, 130b, or 130c (as shown) and a mix of wired and wireless links. APs can serve STAs via links. For example, AP 110a can provide service to STA 120a via link 140a. Each AP can be directly or indirectly connected to an external network (e.g., the Internet).

[0035] It should be understood that Figure 1 The communication system 100 described is merely an example and not a limitation of this disclosure. For example, although Figure 1 Three access points (APs) are shown, but a communication system to which the communication method according to embodiments of this disclosure can be applied may include more or fewer APs. For example, although... Figure 1 AP 110a provides services to STA 120a via one link 140a, but AP 110a can provide services to STA 120a via multiple links.

[0036] Figure 2 This is an example flowchart of a communication method 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Method 200 may begin at step S210. Method 200 may be provided by an access point (AP) in a Wi-Fi system (e.g., Figure 1 It can be executed using AP 110a, AP 110b or AP 110c.

[0037] At step S210, based on the antenna configuration (i.e., SU antenna configuration) used for single-user SU transmission with each of the multiple terminals, at least two terminals among the multiple terminals are determined that can use the same antenna configuration for multi-user MU transmission. The multiple terminals can be all or a portion of the terminals served by the AP performing method 200. When communication method 200 is applied to an array antenna, the antenna configuration can be amplitude and / or phase weighting of each antenna element. When communication method 200 is applied to a single-antenna directional antenna (e.g., a single-feed lens antenna), the antenna configuration can be the orientation of that single antenna. Signal transmission can be the transmission of various signals, such as control signals, data signals, etc. Transmission can be signal sending or signal receiving.

[0038] The antenna configuration of each terminal can be determined by the AP. In this case, method 200 may additionally include determining the antenna configuration for SU transmission for each of the multiple terminals. For example, the various antenna configurations supported by the AP can be iterated sequentially, and the optimal antenna configuration can be selected for each terminal based on the terminal's RSSI, transmission rate, PER, CSI, etc., under each antenna configuration. This optimal antenna configuration is then used by the AP for SU transmission with that terminal (i.e., the optimal antenna configuration). Alternatively, the optimal antenna configuration for each terminal can be determined based on a method for determining SU antenna configurations in a mobile communication system.

[0039] Figure 3A The diagram illustrates the beam corresponding to an example (optimal) antenna configuration for SU transmission determined for each of multiple terminals. Figure 3A In the example, multiple terminals are terminals 310a-310h. The antenna configuration determined for terminal 310a is the antenna configuration corresponding to beam 320a. The antenna configuration determined for terminals 310b and 310c is the antenna configuration corresponding to beam 320b. The antenna configuration determined for terminals 310d and 310e is the antenna configuration corresponding to beam 320c. The antenna configuration determined for terminal 310f is the antenna configuration corresponding to beam 320d. The antenna configuration determined for terminal 310g is the antenna configuration corresponding to beam 320e. The antenna configuration determined for terminal 310h is the antenna configuration corresponding to beam 320f.

[0040] In addition to the optimal antenna configuration, one or more suboptimal antenna configurations can be determined for each terminal. These suboptimal antenna configurations can be antenna configurations whose antenna configuration score differs from the antenna configuration score of the optimal antenna configuration within a predetermined range. The antenna configuration score can be determined based on any metric related to the antenna configuration. For example, the antenna configuration score can be the direction of the beam corresponding to the antenna configuration. In this case, the suboptimal antenna configuration can be an antenna configuration whose beam angle difference with the beam corresponding to the optimal antenna configuration is within a predetermined range. As another example, the antenna configuration score can be a channel quality metric (e.g., the terminal's RSSI) when using the antenna configuration. In this case, the suboptimal antenna configuration can be an antenna configuration whose RSSI when using it differs from the RSSI when using the optimal antenna configuration within a predetermined range. Furthermore, the antenna configuration score can also be determined based on a method for determining antenna configuration scores in a mobile communication system. For example, such as... Figure 3B As shown, for terminal 310a, in addition to the antenna configuration corresponding to beam 320a (i.e., the optimal antenna configuration), the suboptimal antenna configurations corresponding to beams 320g and 320h can also be determined.

[0041] After determining the antenna configuration of the terminal, the AP can use that antenna configuration to communicate with the terminal (e.g., in...). Figure 3A In the example, AP 300 can use the antenna configuration corresponding to beam 320a to communicate with terminal 310a until the terminal moves. After the terminal moves, the antenna configuration for SU transmission can be redefined for the moved terminal. For example, the AP can determine whether the terminal has moved based on the terminal's RSSI. For instance, if the change in a terminal's RSSI exceeds a predetermined threshold, then it can be determined that the terminal has moved. The AP can then redefined the antenna configuration for SU transmission for the moved terminal.

[0042] Alternatively or additionally, the antenna configuration of each terminal can be user-configurable. For example, for a fixed terminal, the user can configure the antenna configuration corresponding to the fixed terminal to be the antenna configuration of that fixed terminal, without the AP needing to determine the antenna configuration for that fixed terminal.

[0043] Regarding the determination of at least two terminals among the plurality of terminals that can use the same antenna configuration for MU transmission, in one embodiment, the plurality of terminals can be grouped based on the antenna configuration of each terminal, and then the at least two terminals that can use the same antenna configuration for MU transmission can be determined based on the grouping, and the antenna configuration used for the MU transmission can be determined. This will be discussed in conjunction with... Figures 4-6 Detailed description. In another embodiment, at least two terminals to perform MU transmission can be determined according to predetermined rules based on the antenna configuration of each terminal, and then the antenna configuration for the MU transmission can be determined based on the antenna configuration of the at least two terminals, which will be described in conjunction with the following. Figures 7-8 Detailed description. In another embodiment, the antenna configuration to be used for MU transmission can be determined according to predetermined rules. Then, based on the determined antenna configuration to be used for MU transmission and the antenna configuration of each terminal, at least two terminals capable of using the determined antenna configuration to be used for MU transmission are determined, which will be discussed later in conjunction with... Figures 9-10 Detailed description.

[0044] In step S220, the same antenna configuration is used to perform MU transmission with the at least two terminals. For example, the AP can use the same antenna configuration to perform MU transmission with the at least two terminals using frequency division multiple access.

[0045] The communication method according to embodiments of the present disclosure, described above with reference to FIG3, can determine the antenna configuration for transmitting signals to multiple terminals based on the antenna configuration for SU transmission predetermined for each of the multiple terminals. Compared with the method in mobile communication systems that determines the MU antenna configuration in real time based on the terminal's real-time DOA and channel conditions, the communication method according to embodiments of the present disclosure can implement the MU antenna configuration with lower complexity. This is because the communication method according to embodiments of the present disclosure does not need to determine the terminal's DOA and channel conditions in real time when determining the MU antenna configuration, and the calculation of determining the MU antenna configuration based on the terminal's SU antenna configuration is simpler than the calculation of determining the MU antenna configuration based on the terminal's DOA and channel conditions.

[0046] Figure 4 It is to further demonstrate Figure 2 The flowchart shown illustrates the steps for determining at least two terminals among multiple terminals that can use the same antenna configuration for MU transmission. Figure 4 As shown, step S220 may include steps S222a, S224a and S226a.

[0047] In step S222a, the plurality of terminals are grouped into one or more terminal groups based on the antenna configuration of each terminal. Each terminal group includes at least two terminals. That is, in this disclosure, a single terminal does not constitute a terminal group. After grouping the plurality of terminals, communication can be performed based on the group until the antenna configuration of one or more of the terminals changes. The change in the antenna configuration of a terminal can be caused by the movement of the terminal.

[0048] Regarding grouping multiple terminals, in one embodiment, multiple terminals can be grouped based on the similarity or identicalness of their antenna configurations. For example, when the antenna configurations of the terminals only include the optimal antenna configuration, multiple terminals can be grouped into one or more terminal groups according to the following rules: terminals with the same optimal antenna configuration belong to one terminal group, and / or terminals whose angle difference between the beams corresponding to the optimal antenna configuration is within a first threshold range belong to another terminal group. The angle difference can indicate the angle between two beams. This first threshold range can be predetermined, for example, based on the maximum coverage range of the beams that the AP can generate. Exemplarily, multiple terminals can be grouped first based on the rule that terminals with the same optimal antenna configuration belong to one terminal group. Then, it is determined whether further grouping is needed based on the grouping results. For example, if after grouping, there are still multiple terminals (e.g., two or more terminals) that do not belong to any terminal group, it is determined that further grouping is needed. After determining that further grouping is needed, further grouping can be performed based on the rule that terminals whose angle difference between the beams corresponding to the optimal antenna configuration is within a first threshold range belong to one terminal group. Grouping in this way can facilitate the grouping of individual terminals into a specific terminal group.

[0049] Figure 5 An example like this is shown. In Figure 5 In the example described, terminals 310a-310h are first grouped based on the rule that terminals with the same optimal antenna configuration belong to the same terminal group. At this point, terminals 310b and 310c are grouped into one terminal group, and terminals 310d and 310e are grouped into another terminal group. Then, since there are four terminals, namely terminals 310a, 310f, 310g, and 310h, that do not belong to any terminal group, terminals 310a, 310f, 310g, and 310h are further grouped based on the rule that terminals with an angle difference between the beams corresponding to the optimal antenna configuration within a first threshold range belong to the same terminal group. Finally, terminals 310a-310h are grouped into three terminal groups: the first terminal group includes terminals 310a-310c, the second terminal group includes terminals 310d-310f, and the third terminal group includes terminals 310g and 310h.

[0050] When the antenna configuration of the terminal also includes a suboptimal antenna configuration, multiple terminals can be additionally grouped based on at least one of the following rules: terminals with the same suboptimal antenna configuration belong to one terminal group; if the optimal antenna configuration of the first terminal is the same as the suboptimal antenna configuration of the second terminal, then the first terminal and the second terminal belong to one terminal group; terminals whose angle difference between the beams corresponding to the suboptimal antenna configurations is within a second threshold range belong to one terminal group; and if the angle difference between the beams corresponding to the optimal antenna configuration of the third terminal and the beams corresponding to the suboptimal antenna configuration of the fourth terminal is within a third threshold range, then the third terminal and the fourth terminal belong to one terminal group. Similar to the first threshold range, the second and third threshold ranges can be predetermined, for example, based on the maximum coverage range of the beams that the AP can generate. The second and third threshold ranges can be the same or different, and can be the same or different from the first threshold range described above. For example, in one embodiment, the second threshold range can be smaller than the first threshold range. Considering the suboptimal antenna configuration of the terminals when grouping multiple terminals can further facilitate the grouping of each terminal into a certain terminal group.

[0051] After determining the terminal groups as described above, for each terminal group, the antenna configuration of the terminal group can be determined based on the antenna configurations of each terminal within it. For example, determining the antenna configuration of a terminal group may include: identifying a beam that can cover the coverage area of ​​the beam corresponding to the antenna configuration of each terminal in the terminal group, and determining the antenna configuration corresponding to that beam as the antenna configuration of the terminal group. For example, in... Figure 6 In the example, the antenna configuration corresponding to beam 510b, which can cover beams 320c and 320d, is determined as the antenna configuration of the terminal group consisting of terminals 310d-310f, and the antenna configuration corresponding to beam 510c, which can cover beams 320e and 320f, is determined as the antenna configuration of the terminal group consisting of terminals 310h and 310g.

[0052] Additionally or alternatively, determining the antenna configuration of the terminal group may include: determining the beam corresponding to the antenna configuration of each terminal in the terminal group; determining the first beam and the second beam with the largest angular difference among the beams; and determining the antenna configuration corresponding to the beam pointing between the first beam and the second beam as the antenna configuration of the terminal group. This beam pointing between the first beam and the second beam may be the widest beam that the AP can form, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, in Figure 6 In the example, since the widest beam that the AP can form cannot cover beams 320a and 320b, the antenna configuration corresponding to beam 510a, which points to beams 320a and 320b, can be determined as the antenna configuration of the terminal group formed by terminals 310a-310c. Beam 510a is the widest beam that the AP can form.

[0053] In another embodiment, multiple terminals can be grouped based on their respective antenna configurations and multiple predetermined (MU) antenna configurations. More specifically, based on the antenna configurations of each terminal, the optimal predetermined antenna configuration for each terminal among the multiple predetermined antenna configurations can be determined, and then terminals with the same optimal predetermined antenna configuration can be grouped into a terminal group. For example, the optimal predetermined antenna configuration for each terminal among the multiple predetermined antenna configurations can be determined based on the overlap between the beam corresponding to the terminal's antenna configuration and the beam corresponding to the predetermined antenna configuration. For example, in... Figure 6 In the example, assuming there are four predetermined antenna configurations corresponding to beams 610a-601d, then the optimal predetermined antenna configuration for each of terminals 310a-310h among the four predetermined antenna configurations corresponding to beams 610a-601d can be determined based on the antenna configurations of terminals 310a-310h. Figure 6 For example, since the overlap between beam 320a corresponding to the antenna configuration of terminal 310a and beam 320b corresponding to the antenna configurations of terminals 310b and 310c and beam 610 is the largest, terminals 310a-310c have the same optimal predetermined antenna configuration, i.e., the antenna configuration corresponding to beam 610a. Therefore, terminals 310a-310c can be grouped into a terminal group, and the antenna configuration of this terminal group is the antenna configuration corresponding to beam 610a. Similarly, terminals 310d and 310e can be grouped into a terminal group, and the antenna configuration of this terminal group is the antenna configuration corresponding to beam 610b; terminals 310f and 310g can be grouped into a terminal group, and the antenna configuration of this terminal group is the antenna configuration corresponding to beam 610c.

[0054] return Figure 4In step S224a, a terminal group for MU transmission is determined based on the data transmission requirements of each terminal. For example, the terminal group for MU transmission can be determined based on the number of terminals with data transmission requirements in each terminal group, the priority of the data to be transmitted, and / or the total amount of data. After determining the terminal group for MU transmission, at least two terminals can be selected from the determined terminal group for MU transmission based on at least one of a data transmission volume limit and a data transmission terminal number limit (S226a). This selection can be based on at least one of the following: the priority of the data to be transmitted by the terminal, the amount of data to be transmitted by the terminal, the bandwidth of the terminal with data transmission requirements, and the channel conditions of the terminal with data transmission requirements. For example, at least two terminals with the highest priority or the largest amount of data to be transmitted can be selected. Another example is at least two terminals with the largest bandwidth among the terminals with data transmission requirements. Yet another example is at least two terminals with the best channel conditions among the terminals with data transmission requirements. Then, MU transmission is performed with the at least two terminals using the antenna configuration of the determined terminal group for MU transmission.

[0055] The above text combined Figures 4-6 The described method involves grouping multiple terminals based on their individual antenna configurations to achieve MU antenna configuration. Since the antenna configuration of the terminal group is determined and then used for communication until the SU antenna configuration of one or more of the terminals changes, the real-time requirements for AP processing are not high, and the method is relatively simple and effective.

[0056] Figure 7 It is to further demonstrate Figure 2 Another example flowchart illustrating the steps for determining at least two terminals among multiple terminals that can use the same antenna configuration for MU transmission is shown. Figure 7 As shown, step S220 may include steps S222b and S224b.

[0057] In step S222b, a first terminal for data transmission is determined. Similar to selecting a terminal from the terminal group for MU transmission as described above, the first terminal for signal transmission can be determined based on at least one of the following: the priority of the data to be transmitted by the terminal, the amount of data to be transmitted by the terminal, the bandwidth of the terminal with data transmission needs, and the channel conditions of the terminal with data transmission needs. In the embodiment where the first terminal is determined based on the channel conditions of the terminal with data transmission needs, unlike the above embodiment where the terminal with the best channel conditions is selected, in this embodiment, the terminal with the worst channel conditions among the terminals with data transmission needs can be selected as the first terminal. This is because in the above embodiment, the antenna configuration for MU transmission is determined first, and then the terminal for MU transmission is selected. In this case, selecting the terminal with the best channel conditions can make full use of the already selected antenna configuration. However, in this embodiment, the terminal for data transmission is selected first, and then the MU antenna configuration is determined based on the SU antenna configuration of the selected terminal. The terminal with the worst signal quality is the terminal that most needs smart antenna gain. Therefore, selecting the terminal with the worst signal quality can maximize the improvement of the communication of the terminal with the worst signal quality with minimal impact on the communication of other terminals.

[0058] At step S224b, at least one second terminal is selected from the terminals requiring data transmission. Exemplarily, one or more terminals with antenna configurations identical or similar to those of the first terminal can be selected as at least one second terminal. In this disclosure, the similarity between the antenna configuration of the second terminal and the antenna configuration of the first terminal means that the angle difference of their respective beams is within a fourth threshold range. Exemplarily, the selection of the second terminal can be based on at least one of a data transmission volume limit and a data transmission terminal number limit, and preferentially selecting a terminal whose priority of the data to be transmitted is the same as the priority of the data to be transmitted of the first terminal. Regarding the fourth threshold range, similar to the first to third threshold ranges described above, this fourth threshold range can be predetermined, for example, based on the maximum coverage range of the beams that the AP can generate. This fourth threshold can be the same as or different from the first to third threshold ranges described above. After determining the first terminal and at least one second terminal, the antenna configuration for MU transmission with the first and second terminals can be determined based on the antenna configurations of each terminal in the first and second terminals. The antenna configuration for MU transmission with the first and second terminals can be determined according to the method for determining the antenna configuration of the terminal group described above. For simplicity, further details are omitted here. Then, MU transmission is performed with the first and second terminals using the determined antenna configuration.

[0059] For example, such as Figure 8As shown, assuming terminal 310e is determined to be the first terminal for data transmission, the second terminal can then be determined based on the similarity or identicality of its antenna configuration to that of the first terminal. Figure 8 In the example, terminals 310d and 310f are identified as the second terminals. Then, based on the antenna configurations of the first terminal 310e and the second terminals 310d and 310f, the antenna configuration for MU transmission with the first terminal 310e and the second terminals 310d and 310f is determined. Figure 8 In the example, the antenna configuration corresponding to the beam 810 of the antenna configuration that can cover the first terminal 310e and the second terminals 310d and 310f is determined to be the antenna configuration for MU transmission with the first terminal 310e and the second terminals 310d and 310f.

[0060] Alternatively, at least two terminals can be selected using traditional MU scheduling methods that select multiple terminals for MU scheduling. That is, at least two terminals can be selected based on the bandwidth, channel conditions, and / or characteristics of the data to be transmitted from the terminals with data transmission needs. Data characteristics can include data priority and / or data volume, etc. For example, at least two terminals with the best channel conditions among those with data transmission needs can be selected based on at least one of a data transmission volume limit and a data transmission terminal number limit. Alternatively, at least two terminals with the highest priority of the data to be transmitted among those with data transmission needs can be selected based on at least one of a data transmission volume limit and a data transmission terminal number limit. Then, it can be determined whether the antenna configurations of the at least two terminals meet the MU transmission antenna configuration conditions. If the antenna configurations of the at least two terminals meet the MU transmission antenna configuration conditions, an antenna configuration for MU transmission with the at least two terminals is determined based on the antenna configurations of each of the at least two terminals, and the determined antenna configuration is used for MU transmission with the at least two terminals. If the antenna configurations of the at least two terminals do not meet the MU transmission antenna configuration conditions, an omnidirectional antenna configuration is used for transmission with the at least two terminals. The MU transmission antenna configuration condition can be that at least two terminals have the same antenna configuration, or that at least two terminals have the same or similar antenna configurations. When the MU transmission antenna configuration condition is that at least two terminals have the same antenna configuration, if the antenna configurations of at least two terminals satisfy the MU transmission antenna configuration condition (i.e., are the same), then the same antenna configuration of the at least two terminals can be determined as the antenna configuration for MU transmission with the at least two terminals. When the MU transmission antenna configuration condition is that at least two terminals have the same or similar antenna configurations, if the antenna configurations of at least two terminals satisfy the MU transmission antenna configuration condition (i.e., are the same or similar), then the antenna configuration for MU transmission with the at least two terminals can be determined according to the method for determining the antenna configuration of the terminal group described above. For simplicity, this will not be elaborated further here.

[0061] Compared to the traditional MU scheduling method for selecting multiple terminals for MU transmission, the above method of selecting multiple terminals for MU transmission based on antenna configuration can avoid the situation where the selected multiple terminals have different or dissimilar SU antenna configurations, thus requiring the use of omnidirectional antenna configurations for MU transmission.

[0062] The above text combined Figure 7 and Figure 8 The described method can trigger the selection of the terminal to be transmitted for data transmission at each MU scheduling and determine the antenna configuration for MU transmission with the selected terminal based on the antenna configuration of the selected terminal. Therefore, the method can determine the most suitable MU antenna configuration for the terminal to be transmitted for data transmission at each MU scheduling.

[0063] Figure 9 It is to further demonstrate Figure 2 The flowchart shown is yet another example of the steps for determining at least two terminals among multiple terminals that can use the same antenna configuration for MU transmission. Figure 9 As shown, step S220 may include steps S222c and S224c.

[0064] At step S222c, an antenna configuration to be used for MU transmission is determined based on a predetermined rule. In one embodiment, the predetermined rule may be that the antenna configuration to be used for MU transmission is the currently used antenna configuration (hereinafter referred to as predetermined rule 1). This predetermined rule can reduce antenna configuration switching. Additionally or alternatively, the predetermined rule may be: for each of the antenna configurations of various terminals, determine the number of terminals using that antenna configuration among the terminals with data transmission needs, and select the antenna configuration with the largest number of terminals as the antenna configuration to be used for MU transmission (hereinafter referred to as predetermined rule 2). For example, in Figure 10 In the example, assuming terminals 310a-310d have data transmission requirements, since the antenna configuration corresponding to beam 320b is the antenna configuration of the most terminals among terminals 310a-310d with data transmission requirements, it can be determined that the antenna configuration corresponding to beam 320b is the antenna configuration used for MU transmission. Additionally or alternatively, the predetermined rule could be: for each of the predetermined plurality of antenna configurations, determine the number of terminals among the terminals with signal transmission requirements that are similar to that antenna configuration, and use the antenna configuration that is similar to the antenna configuration of the most numerous terminals as the antenna configuration to be used for MU transmission (hereinafter referred to as predetermined rule 3). In one embodiment, the predetermined plurality of antenna configurations could be the antenna configurations of each terminal among a plurality of terminals, for example... Figure 10The antenna configurations of terminals 310a-310h, i.e., the antenna configurations corresponding to beams 320a-320f. In another embodiment, the predetermined plurality of antenna configurations may be predetermined plurality of MU antenna configurations, for example... Figure 10 The antenna configurations corresponding to beams 1010a-1010f are shown. For example, in Figure 10 In the example, assuming that terminals 310a, 310g, and 310h have data transmission requirements, and the predetermined multiple antenna configurations are the antenna configurations corresponding to beams 1010a-1010f, then since the predetermined antenna configuration corresponding to beam 1010f is the antenna configuration with the most similar antenna configurations among terminals 310a, 310g, and 310h that have data transmission requirements, it can be determined that the antenna configuration corresponding to beam 1010f is the antenna configuration used for MU transmission.

[0065] It should be understood that the predetermined rules 1-3 described above for determining the antenna configuration to be used for MU transmission can be used individually or in combination to determine the antenna configuration to be used for MU transmission. For example, the antenna configuration to be used for MU transmission can be determined first based on predetermined rule 1. If the currently used antenna configuration cannot be used for MU transmission, for example, if the beam corresponding to the currently used antenna configuration cannot cover any terminal with data transmission needs, then the antenna configuration to be used for MU transmission can be determined based on predetermined rule 2. If there is no antenna configuration that satisfies predetermined rule 2, i.e., the various terminals with data transmission needs use different antenna configurations, then the antenna configuration to be used for MU transmission can be determined based on predetermined rule 3.

[0066] In step S224c, among the terminals with data transmission needs from the plurality of terminals, at least two terminals whose antenna configurations are the same as or similar to the determined antenna configurations are selected. Antenna configurations whose corresponding beam angle differences are within a fifth threshold range are considered similar antenna configurations. Regarding the fifth threshold range, similar to the first to fourth threshold ranges mentioned above, this fifth threshold range can be predetermined, for example, based on the maximum coverage area of ​​the beam that the AP can generate. This fifth threshold can be the same as or different from the first to fourth threshold ranges mentioned above. The terminal selection can also be based on at least one of the priority and amount of data to be transmitted by the terminals with data transmission needs, the AP's data transmission volume limit, and the data transmission terminal number limit. Then, the antenna configuration determined in step S222c can be used to perform MU transmission with the at least two terminals.

[0067] The above text combined Figure 9 and Figure 10 The described method first determines the MU antenna configuration, and then selects the terminal based on the MU antenna configuration, enabling timely signal transmission without adjusting the antenna configuration or by adjusting the antenna configuration in advance.

[0068] Additionally, after identifying at least two terminals for MU transmission, an antenna configuration (hereinafter referred to as the second antenna configuration) for MU transmission with the at least two terminals can be determined based on the antenna configurations of these at least two terminals, according to the method for determining the antenna configuration of a terminal group described above. Then, the similarity between the determined second antenna configuration and the antenna configuration determined in step S222c can be used to determine whether to use the antenna configuration determined in step S222c or the second antenna configuration for actual MU transmission with the at least two terminals. The similarity of the antenna configurations can be determined based on the angle difference of the beams corresponding to the antenna configurations or the overlap of their coverage areas. For example, if the angle difference of the beams corresponding to the antenna configuration determined in step S222c and the second antenna configuration is within a predetermined range (i.e., a sixth threshold range) or the overlap is greater than a threshold, the two antenna configurations can be determined to be similar. If the two antenna configurations are determined to be similar, the antenna configuration determined in step S222c is used for MU transmission. If the two antenna configurations are determined to be dissimilar, the second antenna configuration is used for MU transmission.

[0069] This approach offers the benefits of timely signal transmission initiation and adaptability of the actual MU antenna configuration to the terminals performing data transmission. This is because, if the antenna configuration determined in step S222c is similar to the aforementioned second antenna configuration, signal transmission can begin promptly. However, if the antenna configuration determined in step S222c is dissimilar to the aforementioned second antenna configuration, the actual antenna configuration used for MU transmission is more compatible with the antenna configurations of at least two terminals performing data transmission, since this is determined based on the antenna configurations of the two terminals.

[0070] Furthermore, there may be instances where there are at least two terminals among those requiring data transmission that cannot use the same antenna configuration for MU transmission. In such cases, an omnidirectional antenna configuration can be used for transmission. For example, suppose... Figure 10 If the terminals requiring data transmission are terminals 310a and 310f, then no directional antenna configuration can perform MU transmission with terminals 310a and 310f. In this case, AP 300 can use an omnidirectional antenna configuration to transmit with terminals 310a and 310f.

[0071] In the foregoing, this disclosure combines Figures 2-10 A communication method according to embodiments of the present disclosure is described. It should be understood that although the method described above is based on an access point (AP), the communication method according to embodiments of the present disclosure is not limited to AP use and can also be used by other communication devices (e.g., base stations, etc.). In the following, the present disclosure will combine... Figure 11 This describes communication devices, communication apparatuses, computer-readable storage media, and computer program products according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0072] Figure 11 An example configuration of a communication device 1100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The communication device 1100 may include a processor, i.e., a central processing unit (CPU) 1130, and at least one memory 1140. Additionally, the communication device 1100 may also include a transceiver 1110 and at least one antenna 1120 (for simplicity, in...). Figure 11 (Only one antenna is shown in the diagram). Memory 1140 can store instructions. Transceiver 1110 can transmit / receive signals on the channel via antenna 1120. Processor 1130 can be configured to execute the instructions stored in memory 1140 to perform the methods described in this disclosure (e.g., method 200). For example, processor 1130 can execute the instructions stored in memory 1140 to: determine at least two of the plurality of terminals capable of multi-user MU transmission using the same antenna configuration based on antenna configurations for single-user SU transmission with each of the plurality of terminals; and perform MU transmission with the at least two terminals using the same antenna configuration. Furthermore, processor 1130 can also be configured to perform the above-referenced instructions. Figures 2-10 Other operations described are acceptable as long as there are no contradictions between them.

[0073] It should be understood that Figure 11 The configuration of the communication device described herein is merely an example and not a limitation. The configuration of the communication device in this disclosure may include, but is not limited to, [other configurations]. Figure 11 The number of components in the component may be more or less.

[0074] Furthermore, this disclosure also provides a communication apparatus including components for implementing steps of a communication method (e.g., method 200) according to any embodiment of this disclosure. Exemplarily, the communication apparatus may include: components for determining at least two terminals among a plurality of terminals capable of performing multi-user (MU) transmission using the same antenna configuration, based on antenna configurations for single-user (SU) transmissions with each of the plurality of terminals; and components for performing MU transmissions with the at least two terminals using the same antenna configuration.

[0075] Furthermore, this disclosure also provides a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having instructions stored thereon that, when executed by a processor, can implement a communication method (e.g., method 200) according to any embodiment of this disclosure.

[0076] In addition, this disclosure also provides a computer program product containing stored instructions that, when executed by a processor, can implement a communication method (e.g., method 200) according to any embodiment of this disclosure.

[0077] This disclosure has now been combined with Figures 2-11 Communication methods, communication devices, communication apparatuses, and computer-readable storage media and program products for communication methods according to embodiments of the present disclosure are described. The communication method determines antenna configurations for MU transmissions with multiple terminals based on pre-determined antenna configurations for each of a plurality of terminals for SU transmissions, enabling MU antenna configurations to be implemented with low complexity.

[0078] It should be noted that the above description is merely some embodiments of this disclosure and an explanation of the technical principles used. For example, the formulas involved in this disclosure are merely examples and not limitations. Those skilled in the art should understand that the scope of disclosure involved in this disclosure is not limited to technical solutions formed by specific combinations of the above-described technical features, but should also cover other technical solutions formed by arbitrary combinations of the above-described technical features or their equivalent features without departing from the above-described disclosure concept. For example, technical solutions formed by substituting the above features with (but not limited to) technical features with similar functions disclosed in this disclosure.

[0079] Furthermore, while the operations are described in a specific order, this should not be construed as requiring these operations to be performed in the specific order shown or in a sequential order. In certain environments, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Similarly, while several specific implementation details are included in the above discussion, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure. Certain features described in the context of individual embodiments may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented individually or in any suitable sub-combination in multiple embodiments.

[0080] Although the subject matter has been described using language specific to structural features and / or methodological logic, it should be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or actions described above. Rather, the specific features and actions described above are merely illustrative examples of implementing the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, comprising: Based on the antenna configuration used for single-user SU transmission with each of the multiple terminals, at least two terminals among the multiple terminals are identified that can use the same antenna configuration for multi-user MU transmission. as well as MU transmission is performed using the same antenna configuration with the at least two terminals.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, Determining at least two terminals among the plurality of terminals that can use the same antenna configuration for MU transmission includes: Based on the antenna configuration of each terminal, the multiple terminals are grouped into one or more terminal groups; Based on the data transmission requirements of each terminal, determine the terminal group that needs to perform MU transmission; and Based on at least one of the data transmission volume limit and the data transmission terminal number limit, at least two terminals are selected from the determined terminal group to perform MU transmission.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein, Using the same antenna configuration to perform MU transmission with the at least two terminals includes: For each terminal group, the antenna configuration of the terminal group is determined based on the antenna configuration of each terminal within it; Using the antenna configuration of the determined group of terminals to be used for MU transmission, MU transmission is performed with the at least two terminals.

4. The method according to claim 2, wherein, The antenna configuration of each terminal includes an optimal antenna configuration and one or more suboptimal antenna configurations. The difference between the antenna configuration score of the one or more suboptimal antenna configurations and the antenna configuration score of the optimal antenna configuration is within a predetermined range. Grouping the plurality of terminals into one or more terminal groups includes: grouping the plurality of terminals into one or more terminal groups according to at least one of the following rules: Terminals with the same optimal antenna configuration belong to the same terminal group. Terminals with the same suboptimal antenna configuration belong to the same terminal group. If the optimal antenna configuration of the first terminal is the same as the suboptimal antenna configuration of the second terminal, then the first terminal and the second terminal belong to the same terminal group. Terminals whose beam angle differences corresponding to the optimal antenna configuration are within a first threshold range belong to a terminal group. Terminals with beam angle differences corresponding to suboptimal antenna configurations that fall within the second threshold range belong to a terminal group. If the angle difference between the beam corresponding to the optimal antenna configuration of the third terminal and the beam corresponding to the suboptimal antenna configuration of the fourth terminal is within the third threshold range, then the third terminal and the fourth terminal belong to the same terminal group.

5. The method according to claim 3, wherein, For each terminal group, the antenna configuration of the terminal group is determined based on the antenna configuration of each terminal within it, including: Identify the beam whose coverage range can be covered by the antenna configuration of each terminal in the terminal group, and determine the antenna configuration corresponding to the beam as the antenna configuration of the terminal group.

6. The method according to claim 3, wherein, For each terminal group, the antenna configuration of the terminal group is determined based on the antenna configuration of each terminal within it, including: Determine the antenna configuration and corresponding beam for each terminal in the terminal group. Identify the first and second beams with the largest angular difference among all beams. The antenna configuration corresponding to the beam pointing between the first beam and the second beam is determined as the antenna configuration of the terminal group.

7. The method according to claim 2, wherein, Grouping the plurality of terminals into one or more terminal groups includes: Based on the antenna configuration of each terminal, the optimal predetermined antenna configuration for each terminal among multiple predetermined antenna configurations is determined. Terminals with the same optimal predetermined antenna configuration are grouped into a terminal group.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein, Determining at least two terminals among the plurality of terminals that can use the same antenna configuration for MU transmission includes: Determine the first terminal from which data transmission will occur; At least one second terminal is selected from the plurality of terminals that have data transmission requirements. The antenna configuration of the second terminal is the same as or similar to that of the first terminal. The similarity between the antenna configuration of the second terminal and the antenna configuration of the first terminal means that the angle difference of their respective beams is within the range of the fourth threshold.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein, Determining the first terminal for data transmission includes determining the first terminal for data transmission based on at least one of the following: The priority of the data to be transmitted by the terminal. The amount of data to be transmitted by the terminal. Bandwidth of terminals that require data transmission Channel conditions for terminals that require data transmission.

10. The method according to claim 8, wherein, Using the same antenna configuration to perform MU transmission with the at least two terminals includes: Based on the antenna configuration of each of the first and second terminals, determine the antenna configuration for MU transmission with the first and second terminals; and Use the determined antenna configuration to perform MU transmission with the first and second terminals.

11. The method according to claim 1, wherein, Determining at least two terminals among the plurality of terminals that can use the same antenna configuration for MU transmission includes: Based on the bandwidth, channel conditions, and / or characteristics of the data to be transmitted of the terminals with data transmission needs among the plurality of terminals, at least two terminals are selected from the terminals with data transmission needs.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, Using the same antenna configuration to perform MU transmission with the at least two terminals includes: In response to the antenna configuration of the at least two terminals satisfying the MU transmission antenna configuration condition, an antenna configuration for MU transmission with the at least two terminals is determined based on the antenna configuration of each of the at least two terminals, and the determined antenna configuration is used to perform MU transmission with the at least two terminals; and In response to the fact that the antenna configuration of the at least two terminals does not meet the MU transmission antenna configuration conditions, an omnidirectional antenna configuration is used to transmit with the at least two terminals.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein, The MU transmission antenna configuration condition is that the antenna configurations of the at least two terminals are the same, or the antenna configurations of the at least two terminals are the same or similar, wherein the antenna configurations of the two terminals are similar means that the angle difference of their respective beams is within the fourth threshold range.

14. The method according to claim 10 or 12, wherein, Determining the antenna configuration for MU transmission with the first terminal and the second terminal includes: A beam is determined that can cover the coverage range of the antenna configuration corresponding to each of the first terminal and the second terminal, and the antenna configuration corresponding to the beam is determined as the antenna configuration for MU transmission with the first terminal and the second terminal.

15. The method according to claim 10 or 12, wherein, Determining the antenna configuration for MU transmission with the first terminal and the second terminal includes: Determine the antenna configuration corresponding to the beam of each of the first and second terminals. Identify the first and second beams with the largest angular difference among all beams. The antenna configuration corresponding to the beam pointing between the first beam and the second beam is determined as the antenna configuration for MU transmission with the first terminal and the second terminal.

16. The method according to claim 1, wherein, Determining at least two terminals among the plurality of terminals that can use the same antenna configuration for MU transmission includes: Based on predetermined rules, the first antenna configuration to be used for MU transmission is determined; Among the plurality of terminals with data transmission requirements, at least two terminals whose antenna configuration is the same as or similar to the determined first antenna configuration are selected. Among them, the antenna configurations with beam angle differences within the fifth threshold range are similar antenna configurations.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein, The predetermined rules include at least one of the following: The antenna configuration to be used for MU transmission is the currently used antenna configuration. For each antenna configuration of each terminal, determine the number of terminals that use that antenna configuration among the terminals with data transmission requirements, and take the antenna configuration with the most terminals as the antenna configuration to be used for MU transmission. For each of the predetermined multiple antenna configurations, determine the number of terminals with data transmission requirements that are similar to that antenna configuration, and select the antenna configuration that is similar to the antenna configuration of the largest number of terminals as the antenna configuration to be used for MU transmission.

18. The method according to claim 16, wherein, Using the same antenna configuration to perform MU transmission with the at least two terminals includes: Based on the antenna configuration of each of the at least two terminals, determine the second antenna configuration for MU transmission with the at least two terminals; In response to the second antenna configuration being similar to the first antenna configuration, the first antenna configuration is used to perform MU transmission with the at least two terminals; and In response to the fact that the second antenna configuration is not similar to the first antenna configuration, the second antenna configuration is used to perform MU transmission with the at least two terminals; The first antenna configuration being similar to the second antenna configuration means that the angle difference of their respective beams is within the sixth threshold range.

19. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: In response to terminal movement, the antenna configuration for SU transmission with the moved terminal is redefined.

20. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: In response to the fact that at least two of the terminals among the plurality of terminals that have data transmission needs are not able to use the same antenna configuration for MU transmission, an omnidirectional antenna configuration is used for transmission.

21. A communication device, comprising: Memory for storing instructions, and A processor that executes the instructions to implement the method according to any one of claims 1-20.

22. A communication device, comprising: A component for determining, based on an antenna configuration for single-user SU transmission with each of the multiple terminals, at least two of the multiple terminals that can use the same antenna configuration for multi-user MU transmission. as well as A component for using the same antenna configuration to perform MU transmission with the at least two terminals.

23. A computer-readable storage medium having instructions stored thereon that, when executed by a processor, implement the method according to any one of claims 1-20.

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