Method for antenna configuration selection of AP device, AP device and computer program product

Abstract

The invention relates to an antenna configuration selection method for access point equipment, and the method comprises the steps: detecting the channel state of the access point equipment before each transmission opportunity carries out data transmission; and selecting the corresponding antenna configuration to perform data transmission in the transmission opportunity according to the matching result of the channel state and the antenna configuration. The disclosure also relates to an access point device and a computer program product.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of communications, and more particularly to a method for selecting antenna configurations in access point (AP) devices, AP devices, and computer program products. Background Technology

[0002] In wireless communication networks, antennas, as components used to transmit or receive electromagnetic wave signals, can convert between current in transmission lines and electromagnetic waves in space. Antennas can be classified into omnidirectional antennas and directional antennas based on their directionality. To meet the need for wide coverage, access points (APs) typically use omnidirectional antennas that radiate uniformly across 360° in the horizontal plane. However, this uniform radiation leads to energy dispersion, low power density per unit angle, and susceptibility to interference from surrounding devices operating on the same frequency. With the development of wireless communication technology, users have higher requirements for the quality of service and coverage of wireless communication, and omnidirectional antennas alone are no longer sufficient to meet these needs. Directional antennas, with their strong directionality and high gain, can effectively increase the service range of AP wireless communication. Using directional antennas in APs can compensate for the poor communication service quality at the site.

[0003] However, the coverage areas of omnidirectional and directional antennas are fixed. If the location of a site changes, the performance of the wireless communication system may be affected by weak or no signal received at that site. To address this, smart antenna technology has been proposed. The core of smart antenna technology is to adaptively adjust the beam direction using an array antenna hardware consisting of multiple antennas and smart antenna algorithms. This focuses useful signals and suppresses interference signals, thereby improving the capacity, coverage, and anti-interference capability of wireless communication. Essentially, it allows the antenna to intelligently track and optimize signals. Some smart antenna algorithms include a default phase, a pre-training phase, and a training phase, forming the core process of dynamic optimization. In the default phase, the antenna operates with its current configuration, maintaining basic communication functions and providing a benchmark for dynamic adjustment. If a link quality anomaly is detected, dynamic optimization is triggered. The dynamic optimization process first pre-screens a candidate set of antenna combinations offline or semi-offline during the pre-training phase. Then, during the training phase, iterates through the candidate antenna combinations and combines real-time feedback to find the optimal beamforming scheme for the current environment. However, current smart antenna algorithms have a long cycle for determining the optimal antenna configuration. By the time the antenna configuration is determined, the client device may have moved, causing the determined antenna configuration to become outdated and inapplicable. Therefore, there is a need to further improve existing smart antenna algorithms. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This disclosure provides a method for selecting antenna configuration in an access point (AP) device, an AP device, and a computer program product.

[0005] According to an embodiment of this disclosure, a method for selecting antenna configuration of an access point (AP) device is provided, comprising: detecting the channel state of the AP device before data transmission is performed at each transmission opportunity (TXOP); and selecting a corresponding antenna configuration for data transmission at the TXOP based on a matching result between the channel state and the antenna configuration.

[0006] According to another embodiment of this disclosure, an access point (AP) device is provided, comprising: one or more processors; and a memory coupled to at least one of the one or more processors, the memory storing a set of computer program instructions that, when executed by at least one of the one or more processors, cause the AP device to perform the antenna configuration selection method for the AP device described above.

[0007] According to another embodiment of this disclosure, a computer program product is provided having instructions stored thereon that, when executed by a processor, cause an access point (AP) device to perform the antenna configuration selection method for the AP device described above.

[0008] According to the implementation scheme of this disclosure, the antenna configuration selection method and access point device select the corresponding antenna configuration for each TXOP based on the matching between the channel state and the antenna configuration, and select the antenna configuration with better adaptability in a timely manner. Attached Figure Description

[0009] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of this disclosure will become more apparent from a more detailed description of the embodiments thereof in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings are provided to provide a further understanding of the embodiments of this disclosure and form part of the specification. The drawings, together with the embodiments of this disclosure, are used to interpret this disclosure and do not constitute a limitation thereof. In the drawings, unless expressly indicated, like reference numerals generally represent like parts, steps, or elements.

[0010] Figure 1 An example application scenario 100 of a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated;

[0011] Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating an antenna configuration selection method 200 for an access point (AP) device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is provided.

[0012] Figure 3 A schematic block diagram illustrating an antenna module 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0013] Figure 4A schematic block diagram illustrating a system 400 including an AP and a STA with multiple switched beam antennas according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0014] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating an antenna configuration selection method 500 for an AP device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is provided.

[0015] Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating an antenna configuration selection method 600 for an AP device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is provided.

[0016] Figure 7 A flowchart illustrating an antenna configuration selection method 700 for an AP device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is provided.

[0017] Figure 8 This is an exemplary block diagram illustrating a computing device 800 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Those skilled in the art will understand that the elements in the accompanying drawings are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some elements in the illustrations, block diagrams, or flowcharts may be exaggerated relative to other elements to aid in the accurate understanding of this embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0019] In the detailed description below, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of certain aspects. However, those skilled in the art will understand that some aspects can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, and / or units have not been described in detail to avoid obscuring the discussion.

[0020] As used herein, discussions of terms such as “detect,” “trigger,” “select,” “match,” “receive,” “send,” “execute,” or similar terms may refer to the operation and / or processing of a computer, computing platform, computing system, or other electronic computing device that manipulates and / or converts data represented as physical (e.g., electronic) quantities in computer registers and / or memory into physical quantities in computer registers and / or memory or other information storage media that may store instructions for performing the operation and / or processing.

[0021] References to “one aspect,” “an aspect,” “an example aspect,” “various aspects,” etc., indicate that an aspect described in this way may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every aspect necessarily includes the implementation of a particular feature, structure, or characteristic.

[0022] As used herein, unless otherwise stated, articles such as “a,” “an,” or “described” do not indicate a limitation of quantity, but rather indicate the presence of at least one. The use of “comprising,” “including,” or “having,” and its variations, is intended to cover the items listed thereafter and their equivalents, as well as additional items. “Like” is not used in a limiting sense but for interpretative purposes. Unless otherwise limited, the term “connection” and its variations herein are used broadly and cover direct or indirect electrical or communication connections.

[0023] The various embodiments described in this disclosure are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the described embodiments. Technical features involved in the different embodiments of this disclosure described below can be combined with each other, provided that there is no conflict between them. Furthermore, it should be understood that the wording and terminology used herein are for descriptive purposes and should not be considered limiting.

[0024] In this disclosure, an AP, interchangeably referred to as a Wireless Access Point (WAP), is a communication device capable of communicating with non-access point (non-AP) devices (e.g., stations (STAs) or client devices) in a wireless local area network (WLAN) and allowing 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 it can also be integrated with or used within a router. Similarly, in this disclosure, a non-AP (e.g., a client device or station, interchangeably referred to as a STA) is a communication device capable of communicating with an AP to obtain various communication services (such as voice, video, packet data, messaging, broadcasting, etc.). An STA can be any device containing a Media Access Control (MAC) and Physical Layer (PHY) interface compliant with the IEEE 820.11 standard to the wireless medium (WM). For example, an STA can be a laptop computer, 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", "site", "client device", "wireless client", "user" and "user equipment" are often used interchangeably.

[0025] 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 the context of IEEE 820.11 (Wi-Fi) technology may include both STA and AP hardware components. In this way, the communication device can switch between STA mode and AP mode based on the actual WLAN conditions and / or requirements. In the various embodiments described below, a non-AP STA can refer to a STA (client device) in a WLAN that does not function as an AP.

[0026] Figure 1 An example application scenario 100 of a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of this disclosure is illustrated. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the wireless communication system includes an access point (AP) device 101 and three client devices 102-104. The AP device 101 has an antenna comprising an omnidirectional antenna and a directional antenna. Region 110 represents the coverage area of ​​the omnidirectional antenna, and regions 112, 114, and 116 represent the coverage areas of the three directional antennas in different directions. Client device 102 is located within the coverage area of ​​the omnidirectional antenna, client device 103 is located within the coverage area of ​​one directional antenna, and client device 104 is located within the interval between the coverage areas of the two directional antennas. Furthermore, Figure 1 The application scenario 100 shown is merely exemplary and does not limit any implementation of this disclosure. The number of client devices associated with AP device 101 may be greater than or less than the three client devices depicted, and the number of directional antennas of AP device 101 may be greater than or less than the three directional antennas depicted. Figure 1 As can be seen, the client device at the location of mobile client device 104 is neither within the coverage of the omnidirectional antenna nor the coverage of the three directional antennas, and therefore may not be able to reliably receive the information transmitted by AP device 101. As mentioned above, in order to enable the antenna to change with the location of the client device, the AP device introduces smart antenna technology, aiming to solve the coverage problem caused by complex wireless communication environments. The smart antenna can adjust the antenna pattern in real time according to the actual wireless channel environment, thereby maintaining optimal performance of the wireless communication system.

[0027] There are generally two methods for implementing smart antennas in AP devices. One method is to implement them at the chip level, using multiple ordinary antennas to transmit signals to client devices in a concentrated and directional manner through beamforming or beamforming techniques. The other method is to use an antenna array in conjunction with an antenna selection algorithm. This algorithm selects different antenna combinations from the array to form a directional beam, providing high-quality signals to client devices in different locations. The propagation paths and distances to the client devices from different antennas within the same array may differ, resulting in variations in the signals received by the client devices. Therefore, the differences in received signals can be used to select an antenna combination with the best signal superposition effect from multiple combinations. In real-world environments, the location of client devices is constantly changing. AP devices need to dynamically switch antenna combinations based on the location of client devices. Timely triggering of smart antennas is crucial for improving the performance of wireless communication systems. As mentioned earlier, current smart antenna algorithms require triggering, training, and selection stages, resulting in a long cycle for determining the optimal antenna configuration (e.g., antenna combination and / or beamforming). By the time the optimal antenna configuration is determined, the client device may have already moved, rendering the determined configuration outdated and no longer applicable. Therefore, there is a need for further improvement in existing antenna configuration selection methods, as described below.

[0028] Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating an antenna configuration selection method 200 for an access point (AP) device according to an embodiment of this disclosure is provided. Figure 2 As shown, antenna selection method 200 includes steps 202-204.

[0029] In step 202, before data transmission occurs during each transmission opportunity (TXOP), the channel state of the AP device is detected. The channel state may include at least one of Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI), Channel State Information (CSI), or antenna polarization information. CSI may include Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) and multipath information. For example, multipath information can be extracted from the CSI matrix. Multipath information may include multipath delay, multipath amplitude / power, multipath phase, angle of arrival / angle of departure (further, angular power spectrum), spatial planning information, etc. In some embodiments, the AP device may send a first measurement frame to a client device, and the client device, after receiving the first measurement frame, sends a second measurement frame to the AP device. The AP device receives the second measurement frame from the client device and detects its channel state based on the received second measurement frame. In these embodiments, depending on the specific implementation, the first and second measurement frames may be control frames, management frames, data frames, etc., that serve both their primary function and additional measurement purposes, or they may be frames specifically for measurement. In one embodiment, the first measurement frame is a Request to Send (RTS) frame, and the second measurement frame is a Confirmation to Send (CTS) frame. In another embodiment, the first measurement frame is an Initial Control Frame (ICF), and the second measurement frame is an Initial Control Response Frame (ICR). In yet another embodiment, the first measurement frame is a Quality of Service Null (QoS) data frame, and the second measurement frame is an Acknowledgment (ACK) frame or a QoS Null frame. In yet another embodiment, the first measurement frame is a Quality of Service (QoS) data frame, and the second measurement frame is an Acknowledgment (ACK) frame or a QoS Null frame. An ACK for a QoS data frame can be a block ACK. Detecting the channel state of the AP device based on the received second measurement frame can involve detecting the signal-to-noise ratio, received signal strength, etc., of the second measurement frame; this second measurement frame can be a CTS, ICR, ACK frame, or QoS Null frame as described in the various embodiments above. Furthermore, detecting the channel state of the AP device based on the received second measurement frame can also involve the STA detecting the channel state based on the first measurement frame received from the AP device and feeding back the detected channel state to the AP device via the second measurement frame. In yet another embodiment, the first measurement frame is a sounding frame, and the second measurement frame is a sounding feedback frame. For example, the AP device sends probe frames (e.g., null data packets (NDP)) containing a predefined sequence to the STA. The STA samples the signal amplitude, phase, delay spread, multipath effects, signal-to-noise ratio, and other characteristics of each antenna based on the received probe frames to calculate the current channel state. Then, the STA sends the calculated channel state back to the AP device via probe feedback frames.

[0030] In step S204, the AP device selects the corresponding antenna configuration for data transmission in the TXOP based on the matching result between the channel state and the antenna configuration. Each antenna configuration may correspond to a channel state condition (e.g., a channel state threshold), therefore, matching with the antenna configuration means that the channel state meets the channel state condition corresponding to the antenna configuration (e.g., within the channel state threshold range). Antenna configuration may include the mechanical angle of the antenna (e.g., 0 degrees horizontally, 45 degrees vertically, 90 degrees, or 135 degrees), antenna combination (e.g., any combination of antennas A, B, and C), and / or beamforming combination (e.g., beamforming parameters of the antenna array), etc. Antenna selection or antenna configuration selection mentioned herein may include selecting one or more antennas from a plurality of antennas, selecting the mechanical angle of the antenna, and selecting the transmit beam of the antenna array. Data transmission by the AP device in the TXOP may include the AP device sending data to the client device within the TXOP, or the AP device receiving data from the client device within the TXOP.

[0031] Figure 2 The antenna configuration selection method 200 illustrated in the figure selects the corresponding antenna configuration for each TXOP based on the matching between the channel state and the antenna configuration for data transmission in that TXOP. It selects the antenna configuration with better adaptability in a timely manner, thus achieving efficient antenna selection.

[0032] In some implementations, the matching result with the antenna configuration can be the matching result between the channel state and each antenna configuration in the antenna matching database. The antenna matching database includes multiple antenna configurations and their corresponding channel state conditions. The matching result can include a detected channel state matching one antenna configuration in the antenna matching database, or a detected channel state not matching any antenna configurations in the database. If the detected channel state matches one antenna configuration in the antenna matching database, the AP device selects that matching antenna configuration for data transmission in the TXOP. If the detected channel state does not match any antenna configurations in the antenna matching database, the AP device selects an omnidirectional antenna for data transmission in the TXOP. In response to the AP device selecting an omnidirectional antenna for data transmission in the TXOP, the AP device triggers an antenna selection procedure to update the antenna matching database. In this implementation, the channel state condition corresponding to the antenna configuration can be a threshold range of the channel state, and matching the antenna configuration can mean that the detected channel state is within the threshold range corresponding to the antenna configuration.

[0033] In some implementations, the matching result with the antenna configuration can be a matching result between the channel state and the antenna configuration currently used by the AP device, wherein the currently used antenna configuration has corresponding channel state conditions (e.g., channel state thresholds), and the matching result with the antenna configuration can include a detected channel state matching the current antenna configuration (e.g., the detected channel state change does not exceed the threshold), or a detected channel state not matching the current antenna configuration (e.g., the detected channel state change exceeds the threshold). If the detected channel state matches the current antenna configuration, the AP device continues to select the current antenna configuration for data transmission in the TXOP. If the detected channel state does not match the current antenna configuration, the AP device selects an omnidirectional antenna for data transmission in the TXOP. In response to the AP device selecting an omnidirectional antenna for data transmission in the TXOP, the AP device triggers an antenna selection procedure to select a new optimal antenna configuration. In this implementation, the current antenna configuration may have a corresponding threshold range for the channel state, which indicates the range of channel state changes maintained by the current antenna configuration, and a matching result with the current antenna configuration may mean that the detected channel state is within the threshold range corresponding to the current antenna configuration; in other words, the detected channel state change does not exceed the range of channel state changes maintained by the current antenna configuration. This implementation prioritizes maintaining the current antenna configuration. In one implementation, if the channel state detected under the current antenna configuration falls within the threshold range of the channel state corresponding to the current antenna configuration and simultaneously falls within the "best match" channel state range corresponding to another antenna configuration, then the current antenna configuration is maintained, taking into account the cost of switching antenna configurations.

[0034] The antenna selection procedure may include: in response to the detection of anomalies in communication state metrics of the AP device (e.g., channel state metrics such as Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI), Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR), bit error rate, packet error rate, packet loss rate, or throughput), such as movement of the associated client device, obstruction, or interference sources, the AP device iterates through all candidate antenna configurations and sends training frames to the target client device. The client device replies with corresponding response frames, and the AP device measures the communication performance with the client device under each candidate antenna configuration from the response frames. The AP device can then select the target antenna configuration with the best communication performance with the client device based on the training test results. When selecting a new optimal antenna configuration, the AP device records the channel state and channel state conditions (i.e., matching threshold) corresponding to that antenna configuration, thereby updating the antenna matching database.

[0035] Figure 3 A schematic block diagram illustrating an antenna module 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 3As shown, the antenna module 300 includes an interface unit 302, an antenna control unit 306, and an antenna unit 310. The antenna module 300 is connected to the AP device via the interface unit 302 (e.g., an SMA interface), and the interface unit 302 is connected to the antenna unit 310 via the antenna control unit 306. The antenna unit 310 includes an omnidirectional antenna 312 and multiple directional antennas 314. The antenna control unit 306 is connected to the omnidirectional antenna 312 and the multiple directional antennas 314. The antenna control unit 306 can acquire the azimuth and elevation angles, antenna transmit power, RSSI, etc., of the omnidirectional antenna 312 and the multiple directional antennas 314. The antenna control unit 306 can control the omnidirectional antenna 312 and the multiple directional antennas 314 to transmit signals. Specifically, the antenna control unit 306 can control the elevation angle of the omnidirectional antenna 312 and the azimuth and elevation angles of the multiple directional antennas 314, and can control the amplitude and phase of the transmitted signals of each antenna to perform beamforming, so that the beam is pointed towards the user and nulls are aligned with interference.

[0036] Figure 4 A schematic block diagram illustrating a system 400 including an AP and a STA with multiple switched beam antennas according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 4 As shown, system 400 includes AP 402 and STA 404. AP 402 may include a switching beam antenna 403, a transceiver 407, and a beam controller 408. STA 404 may also include a switching beam antenna 405, a transceiver 409, and a beam controller 411. Transceiver 407 includes a beam combination selector 407, and transceiver 409 includes a beam combination selector 410. AP 402 and STA 404 are configured to select beam combinations. Beam combination selectors 407 and 409 support the Media Access Control (MAC) layer procedure for beam combination selection. In some embodiments, antenna 403 is N omnidirectional antennas and antenna 405 is M switching beam antennas. In other embodiments, AP 402 includes only switching beam antennas. The number of beam combinations NUM depends on the type of switching beam antennas to be used. For example, when using N triangular antennas, there are 3N beam combinations. If two triangular antennas are used, there are nine beam combinations. The antenna selection described herein can include choosing the most appropriate beam combination from NUM beam combinations for data transmission.

[0037] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating an antenna configuration selection method 500 for an AP device according to an embodiment of this disclosure is provided. Figure 5 The antenna configuration selection method 500 shown includes steps S502-S516.

[0038] In step S502, the AP executes an antenna selection procedure. As described above, the antenna selection procedure may include the AP traversing all candidate antenna configurations, sending training frames to the STA, the STA replying with corresponding response frames, the AP measuring the communication performance with the STA under each candidate antenna configuration from the response frames, and the AP selecting the target antenna configuration with the best communication performance with the STA based on the training test results. Each time an antenna selection is performed, the AP records the selected antenna configuration, the corresponding channel state, and the matching channel state conditions (i.e., the matching threshold), forming an antenna matching database. In other words, the antenna matching database is updated each time an antenna selection is performed, step S504. The channel state may include at least one of Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI), Channel State Information (CSI), or antenna polarization information. CSI may include Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) and multipath information. For example, multipath information can be extracted from the CSI matrix. Multipath information may include multipath delay, multipath amplitude / power, multipath phase, angle of arrival / angle of departure (further, angular power spectrum), space planning information, etc. An implementation of the antenna matching database is shown in Table 1 below, where the channel state index is RSSI and different antenna configurations correspond to different RSSI thresholds (e.g., determined by the algorithm of the antenna selection procedure).

[0039] Table 1 Antenna Matching Database

[0040]

[0041] In step S506, the AP preempts the transmission opportunity (TXOP). Upon preempting the TXOP, the AP sends a fast training frame (also called a fast measurement frame) to the STA, step S508; after receiving the fast training frame sent by the AP, the STA replies with a corresponding fast training frame, step S510. The fast training frame sent by the AP to the STA can be called the first measurement frame, and the corresponding fast training frame replied by the STA to the AP can be called the second measurement frame. Figure 5 As shown, the fast training frame sent by the AP to the STA can be a Request to Send (RTS) frame, and the corresponding fast training frame replied by the STA to the AP can be a Send Acknowledgment (CTS) frame. Furthermore, as mentioned above, the fast training frame sent by the AP to the STA can be an Initial Control Frame (ICF), a Quality of Service Null (QoSNull) frame, a QoS data frame, or a Sounding Frame, and the corresponding fast training frame replied by the STA to the AP can be a corresponding Initial Control Response (ICR) frame, an ACK frame, a QoS Null frame, or a Sounding Feedback frame.

[0042] The AP can measure the channel state from the fast training frames replied by the STA, and match the detected channel state with entries in the antenna matching database (step S512). In some implementations, the STA can measure the channel state from the fast training frames sent by the AP, and feed the channel state back to the AP via the replied fast training frames. If the detected channel state matches an entry in the antenna matching database, the AP selects the matching antenna configuration within the TXOP for data transmission with the STA (step S514); if the detected channel state does not match any entries in the antenna matching database, the AP selects an omnidirectional antenna for data transmission with the STA within the TXOP (step S514). Data transmission between the AP and the STA may include the AP sending data frames to the STA, and the STA replying with an ACK. Alternatively, data transmission between the AP and the STA may include the STA sending data frames to the AP, and the AP replying with an ACK.

[0043] If the detected channel state does not match any entries in the antenna matching database, it indicates that none of the antenna configurations in the database are suitable for the current channel state, and a new antenna configuration needs to be selected. Therefore, if the AP uses an omnidirectional antenna to transmit data with the STA within the TXOP, the antenna selection procedure, step S516, will be triggered. The triggered antenna selection procedure will select the optimal antenna configuration suitable for the current channel state and store it in the antenna matching database to update the database. Furthermore, when the AP uses a matched antenna configuration to transmit data with the STA within the TXOP, the AP will also evaluate the communication state of each data transmission to update the antenna matching database.

[0044] Figure 5 The antenna configuration selection method 500 utilizes an antenna matching database to quickly and easily match the optimal antenna configuration. As the antenna matching database becomes more comprehensive, the AP can select the best antenna more and more accurately.

[0045] Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating an antenna configuration selection method 600 for an AP device according to an embodiment of this disclosure is provided. Figure 6 As shown, the antenna configuration selection method 600 includes steps S602-S616.

[0046] In step S602, the AP executes an antenna selection procedure. As described above, the antenna selection procedure may include the AP traversing all candidate antenna configurations, sending training frames to the STA, the STA replying with corresponding response frames, the AP measuring the communication performance with the STA under each candidate antenna configuration from the response frames, and the AP selecting the target antenna configuration with the best communication performance with the STA based on the training test results. During antenna selection, the AP records the selected antenna configuration, the corresponding channel state, and the matching channel state conditions (i.e., the matching threshold).

[0047] In step S606, the AP preempts the transmission opportunity (TXOP). Upon preempting the TXOP, the AP sends a fast training frame (also called a fast measurement frame) to the STA, step S608; after receiving the fast training frame sent by the AP, the STA replies with a corresponding fast training frame, step S610. The fast training frame sent by the AP to the STA can be called the first measurement frame, and the corresponding fast training frame replied by the STA to the AP can be called the second measurement frame. Figure 6 As shown, the fast training frame sent by the AP to the STA can be a Request to Send (RTS) frame, and the corresponding fast training frame replied by the STA to the AP can be a Send Acknowledgment (CTS) frame. Furthermore, as mentioned above, the fast training frame sent by the AP to the STA can be an Initial Control Frame (ICF), a Quality of Service Null (QoSNull) frame, a QoS data frame, or a Sounding Frame, and the corresponding fast training frame replied by the STA to the AP can be a corresponding Initial Control Response (ICR) frame, an ACK frame, a QoS Null frame, or a Sounding Feedback frame.

[0048] The AP can measure the channel state from the fast training frames replied by the STA, and check whether the detected channel state matches the current antenna configuration (step S612). In other words, it checks whether the channel state change exceeds a threshold. In some implementations, the STA can measure the channel state from the fast training frames sent by the AP and feed the channel state back to the AP through the replied fast training frames. If the detected channel state matches the current antenna configuration (i.e., does not exceed the matching threshold), the AP uses the current antenna configuration to transmit data with the STA within the TXOP (step S614); if the detected channel state does not match the current antenna configuration, the AP uses an omnidirectional antenna to transmit data with the STA within the TXOP (step S614). Data transmission between the AP and the STA may include the AP sending data frames to the STA, and the STA replying with an ACK. Alternatively, data transmission between the AP and the STA may include the STA sending data frames to the AP, and the AP replying with an ACK.

[0049] If the detected channel state does not match the current antenna configuration, it indicates that the current antenna configuration is not suitable for the current channel state, and a new antenna configuration needs to be selected. Therefore, if the AP uses an omnidirectional antenna to transmit data with the STA within the TXOP, the antenna selection procedure, step S616, will be triggered. The triggered antenna selection procedure will select the optimal antenna configuration suitable for the current channel state.

[0050] Figure 6 The antenna configuration selection method 600 utilizes a matching threshold to quickly and easily verify whether the current antenna configuration is still valid, and can trigger the antenna selection procedure in a timely manner.

[0051] Figure 7 A flowchart illustrating an antenna configuration selection method 700 for an AP device according to an embodiment of this disclosure is provided. Figure 7 As shown, the AP device includes steps S702-S716.

[0052] In step S702, the AP executes an antenna selection procedure. As described above, the antenna selection procedure may include the AP traversing all candidate antenna configurations, sending training frames to the STA, the STA replying with corresponding response frames, the AP measuring the communication performance with the STA under each candidate antenna configuration from the response frames, and the AP selecting the target antenna configuration with the best communication performance with the STA based on the training test results. Each time an antenna selection is performed, the AP records the selected antenna configuration, the corresponding channel state, and the matching channel state conditions (i.e., the matching threshold), forming an antenna matching database. In other words, the antenna matching database is updated each time an antenna selection is performed, step S704. The channel state may include at least one of Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI), Channel State Information (CSI), or antenna polarization information. CSI may include Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) and multipath information. For example, multipath information can be extracted from the CSI matrix. Multipath information may include multipath delay, multipath amplitude / power, multipath phase, angle of arrival / angle of departure (further, angular power spectrum), space planning information, etc.

[0053] In step S706, the AP preempts the transmission opportunity (TXOP). Upon preempting the TXOP, the AP sends a fast training frame (also called a fast measurement frame) to the STA, step S708; after receiving the fast training frame sent by the AP, the STA replies with a corresponding fast training frame, step S710. The fast training frame sent by the AP to the STA can be called the first measurement frame, and the corresponding fast training frame replied by the STA to the AP can be called the second measurement frame. Figure 7As shown, the fast training frame sent by the AP to the STA can be a Request to Send (RTS) frame, and the corresponding fast training frame replied by the STA to the AP can be a Send Acknowledgment (CTS) frame. Furthermore, as mentioned above, the fast training frame sent by the AP to the STA can be an Initial Control Frame (ICF), a Quality of Service Null (QoSNull) frame, a QoS data frame, or a Sounding Frame, and the corresponding fast training frame replied by the STA to the AP can be a corresponding Initial Control Response (ICR) frame, an ACK frame, a QoS Null frame, or a Sounding Feedback frame.

[0054] The AP can measure the channel state from the fast training frames replied by the STA and check whether the detected channel state matches the current antenna configuration (step S711). In other words, it checks whether the channel state change exceeds a threshold. In some implementations, the STA can measure the channel state from the fast training frames sent by the AP and feed the channel state back to the AP through the replied fast training frames. If the detected channel state matches the current antenna configuration (i.e., does not exceed the matching threshold), the antenna configuration selection method 700 proceeds to step S714, where the AP selects the current antenna configuration to transmit data with the STA within the TXOP. If the detected channel state does not match the current antenna configuration, the antenna configuration selection method 700 proceeds to step S712, matching the detected channel state with entries in the antenna matching database. If the detected channel state matches one entry in the antenna matching database, the AP selects the matching antenna configuration to transmit data with the STA within the TXOP (step S714); if the detected channel state does not match any entries in the antenna matching database, the AP selects an omnidirectional antenna to transmit data with the STA within the TXOP (step S714). Data transmission between the AP and STA can include the AP sending a data frame to the STA, and the STA replying with an ACK. Alternatively, data transmission between the AP and STA can include the STA sending a data frame to the AP, and the AP replying with an ACK.

[0055] If the detected channel state does not match any entries in the antenna matching database, it indicates that none of the antenna configurations in the database are suitable for the current channel state, and a new antenna configuration needs to be selected. Therefore, if the AP uses an omnidirectional antenna to transmit data with the STA within the TXOP, the antenna selection procedure, step S716, will be triggered. The triggered antenna selection procedure will select the optimal antenna configuration suitable for the current channel state and store it in the antenna matching database to update the antenna matching database. Furthermore, when the AP uses a matched antenna configuration to transmit data with the STA within the TXOP, the AP will also evaluate the communication state of each data transmission to update the antenna matching database.

[0056] Figure 7 The antenna configuration selection method 700 combines the advantages of antenna configuration selection methods 500 and 600. It quickly verifies whether the current antenna configuration is effective, prioritizes keeping the current antenna configuration, avoids excessive antenna switching costs, and can still quickly match a suitable antenna configuration if it is invalid.

[0057] Figure 8 This is an exemplary block diagram illustrating a computing device 800 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0058] It should be noted that Figure 8 The computing device described in the text can correspond to, for example, Figure 1-2 and Figure 4 The AP and AP device described herein can be used to perform actions involved in the antenna configuration selection method, such as methods 200 and 500-700 as described above.

[0059] refer to Figure 8 The computing device 800 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include one or more processors 810 and a memory 820. Instructions are stored in the memory 810. At least one of the one or more processors 810 is coupled to the memory 820, and when the instructions are executed by at least one of the one or more processors 810, the computing device 800 performs the aforementioned antenna configuration selection methods 200 and 500-700.

[0060] Examples of processor 810 may include microcontrollers, digital signal processors (DSPs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), state machines, gated logic, discrete hardware circuits, and other hardware circuits capable of performing instruction-level operations, signal processing, or control functions. Processor 810 can execute software. Software should be broadly understood as instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subroutines, software modules, application programs, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executable files, threads of execution, procedures, functions, etc., whether referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description languages, or other forms. This software may be stored in memory 820.

[0061] Memory 820 may be a non-volatile computer-readable medium. For example, non-volatile computer-readable media include magnetic storage devices (such as hard disks, floppy disks, magnetic stripes), optical disks (such as optical discs (CDs) or digital versatile optical discs (DVDs)), smart cards, flash memory devices (such as cards, flash memory sticks, or USB flash drives), random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), registers, removable disks, and any other suitable medium that can be used to store software and / or instructions and is accessible and readable by a computer. One or more processors 810 and memory 820 may be connected via a bus for communicating information. The bus may consist of a single bus or multiple different buses.

[0062] Furthermore, a computer program product is also provided according to embodiments of this disclosure. This computer program product stores instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause one or more steps of the antenna configuration selection methods 200, 500, 600, and / or 700 as described above to be performed. As an example, the computer program product includes a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium having instructions executable by a processor. Memory 820 may reside in processor 810, be external to processor 810, or be distributed across multiple entities including processor 810. Memory 820 may be embodied in the computer program product. For example, the computer program product may include a computer-readable medium within packaging material. Those skilled in the art will recognize how the functionality described throughout this disclosure can be implemented depending on the specific application and the overall design constraints imposed on the system.

[0063] Furthermore, according to another embodiment of this disclosure, a computer program product for antenna configuration selection of an access point (AP) device is disclosed. As an example, the computer program product includes a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having program instructions embodied therein, and the program instructions are executable by a processor. When executed, the program instructions cause the processor to perform one or more of the processes described above, and details are omitted herein for the sake of brevity.

[0064] This disclosure can be a system, method, and / or computer program product at any possible level of technical detail integration. A computer program product may include a computer-readable storage medium (or medium) having computer-readable program instructions thereon for causing a processor to perform aspects of this disclosure.

[0065] Unless specifically stated otherwise, references to singular elements are not intended to mean “one and only one,” but rather “one or more.” Similarly, unless specifically stated otherwise or contradicting descriptions elsewhere, references to plural elements are not intended to mean “more than one,” but rather “one or more.” Terms such as “if,” “when,” and “when…” should be interpreted as meaning “under the condition of” rather than implying an immediate temporal relationship or response. That is, these phrases (e.g., “when”) do not imply an immediate action in response to or during the occurrence of an action, but simply imply that an action will occur if a condition is met, without requiring a specific or immediate temporal constraint on the occurrence of the action. Combinations such as “at least one of A, B, or C,” “one or more of A, B, or C,” and “at least one of A, B, and C,” “one or more of A, B, and C,” and “A, B, C, or any combination thereof” include any combination of A, B, and / or C, and may include multiple A, multiple B, or multiple C. Combinations such as “at least one of A, B or C”, “one or more of A, B or C”, “at least one of A, B and C”, “one or more of A, B and C” and “A, B, C or any combination thereof” can be only A, only B, only C, A and B, A and C, B and C or A, B and C, wherein any such combination may contain one or more members of A, B or C.

[0066] It should be noted that the flowcharts and block diagrams in the accompanying drawings illustrate possible architectures, functions, and operations of methods and apparatus according to various embodiments of this application. In this regard, each block in a flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, program segment, or portion of code containing at least one executable instruction for implementing a specified logical function. It should also be noted that in some alternative embodiments, the functions marked in the blocks may occur in a different order than that marked in the drawings. For example, two blocks shown consecutively may actually be executed substantially in parallel, and they may sometimes be executed in reverse order, depending on the functions involved. It should also be noted that each block in the block diagrams and / or flowcharts, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and / or flowcharts, may be implemented by a system based on dedicated hardware that performs the specified function or operation, or by a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions.

Claims

1. A method for selecting antenna configuration for an access point (AP) device, comprising: Before each transmission opportunity TXOP to perform data transmission, the channel status of the AP device is detected; as well as Based on the matching result between the channel state and the antenna configuration, the corresponding antenna configuration is selected for data transmission in the TXOP.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The detection of the channel status of the AP device includes: Send the first measurement frame to the client device; Receive a second measurement frame from the client device; and The channel state of the AP device is detected based on the received second measurement frame.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein, The first measurement frame is a request to send (RTS) frame, and the second measurement frame is a send acknowledgment (CTS) frame; or The first measurement frame is an Initial Control Frame (ICF), and the second measurement frame is an Initial Control Response Frame (ICR); or The first measurement frame is a Quality of Service (QoS) Null frame or a QoS Data frame, and the second measurement frame is an Acknowledgment (ACK) frame or a QoS Null frame; or The first measurement frame is a probe frame, and the second measurement frame is a probe feedback frame.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The channel state includes at least one of the following: Received Signal Strength (RSSI), Channel State Information (CSI), or Antenna Polarization Information.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The step of selecting the corresponding antenna configuration for data transmission in the TXOP includes: In response to the channel state matching the antenna configuration in the antenna matching database, the matching antenna configuration is selected for data transmission in the TXOP; The antenna matching database includes multiple antenna configurations and their corresponding channel state conditions.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein, The step of selecting the corresponding antenna configuration for data transmission in the TXOP also includes: In response to a mismatch between the channel state and all antenna configurations in the antenna matching database, an omnidirectional antenna is selected for data transmission in the TXOP.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein, The method further includes: In response to data transmission via an omnidirectional antenna in the TXOP, an antenna selection procedure is triggered to update the antenna matching database.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The step of selecting the corresponding antenna configuration for data transmission in the TXOP includes: In response to the channel state matching the current antenna configuration, the current antenna configuration is selected for data transmission in the TXOP.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein, The step of selecting the corresponding antenna configuration for data transmission in the TXOP also includes: In response to a mismatch between the channel state and the current antenna configuration, an omnidirectional antenna is selected to transmit data in the TXOP.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein, The method further includes: In response to data transmission via an omnidirectional antenna in the TXOP, an antenna selection procedure is triggered to select a new antenna configuration.

11. The method according to claim 8, wherein, The step of selecting the corresponding antenna configuration for data transmission in the TXOP also includes: In response to a mismatch between the channel state and the current antenna configuration, the channel state is matched against various antenna configurations in the antenna matching database; and In response to the channel state matching the antenna configuration in the antenna matching database, the matching antenna configuration is selected for data transmission in the TXOP; The antenna matching database includes multiple antenna configurations and their corresponding channel state conditions.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The step of selecting the corresponding antenna configuration for data transmission in the TXOP includes: In response to a mismatch between the channel state and all antenna configurations in the antenna matching database, an omnidirectional antenna is selected for data transmission in the TXOP.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein, The method further includes: In response to data transmission via an omnidirectional antenna in the TXOP, an antenna selection procedure is triggered to update the antenna matching database.

14. An access point (AP) device, comprising: One or more processors; as well as A memory coupled to at least one of the one or more processors, the memory storing a set of computer program instructions that, when executed by at least one of the one or more processors, cause the AP device to perform the antenna configuration selection method according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. A computer program product having instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, cause an access point device to perform the antenna configuration selection method according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

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