Out-of-coverage relay channel measurement in wireless lan systems

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to out-of-coverage relay channel measurement in a wireless LAN system. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method including receiving, by a relay station (STA), a trigger frame from an access point (AP), the trigger frame being used to trigger a channel measurement between the relay STA and a terminal STA; in response to receiving the trigger frame, transmitting, by the relay STA to the terminal STA, information for the channel measurement between the relay STA and the terminal STA included in the trigger frame; after transmitting the information for the channel measurement between the relay STA and the terminal STA, transmitting, by the relay STA to the terminal STA, a probe frame for the channel measurement; receiving, by the relay STA from the terminal STA, channel information including a result of a channel measurement performed based on the probe frame; and transmitting, by the relay STA to the AP, the channel information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to out-of-coverage relay channel measurements in wireless local area network (WLAN) systems. Background Technology

[0002] Next-generation Wi-Fi (e.g., IEEE 802.11be and / or later) is designed to support ultra-reliable signaling to STAs and is considering various technologies to support high throughput, low latency, and extended range. For example, relay operation can enable signal transmission and reception between an AP and a terminal STA outside the coverage area. For this, measurements of the relay channel outside the coverage area may be necessary. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Technical issues

[0004] One aspect of this disclosure is intended to provide a method and apparatus for measuring out-of-coverage relay channels in WLAN systems.

[0005] Technical solution

[0006] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a method is provided, comprising: receiving a trigger frame from an access point (AP) by a relay station (STA), the trigger frame being used to trigger channel measurement between the relay STA and a terminal STA; in response to receiving the trigger frame, sending information included in the trigger frame for channel measurement between the relay STA and the terminal STA to the terminal STA; after sending the information for channel measurement between the relay STA and the terminal STA, sending a probe frame for channel measurement to the terminal STA by the relay STA; receiving channel information from the terminal STA by the relay STA, the channel information including the result of the channel measurement performed based on the probe frame; and sending the channel information to the AP by the relay STA.

[0007] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a method is provided, comprising: sending a trigger frame from an access point (AP) to a relay station (STA) for triggering channel measurement between the relay STA and a terminal STA; wherein, in response to receiving the trigger frame, the relay STA sends information included in the trigger frame for channel measurement between the relay STA and the terminal STA to the terminal STA; wherein, after sending the information for channel measurement between the relay STA and the terminal STA, the relay STA sends a probe frame for channel measurement to the terminal STA; and wherein the relay STA receives channel information from the terminal STA including the result of the channel measurement performed based on the probe frame; and the AP receiving the channel information from the relay STA.

[0008] In various embodiments, an apparatus for implementing the above method is provided.

[0009] Beneficial effects

[0010] This disclosure can have a variety of beneficial effects.

[0011] For example, in relay operations, channel state / channel information between the relay STA and the terminal STA can be identified by probing. The relay STA can then send signals to the terminal STA by applying efficient transmission parameters, thereby improving throughput and reducing latency.

[0012] The beneficial effects that can be obtained through specific embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to those listed above. For example, various technical effects can exist that can be understood and / or obtained by those skilled in the art from this disclosure. Therefore, the specific effects of this disclosure are not limited to those explicitly described herein, but can include various effects that can be understood or obtained from the technical features of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 Examples of transmitting and / or receiving devices of this disclosure are shown.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating the structure of a wireless local area network (WLAN).

[0015] Figure 3 This illustrates a typical link establishment process.

[0016] Figure 4 An example of multi-link (ML) is shown.

[0017] Figure 5 Examples of modifications to the transmitting and / or receiving apparatus of this disclosure are shown.

[0018] Figure 6 The operation related to UL-MU is shown.

[0019] Figure 7 An example of a MAC frame header is shown.

[0020] Figure 8 The trigger frame format is illustrated.

[0021] Figure 9 An example of the channel detection process is shown.

[0022] Figure 10 An example of relay transmission / operation is shown.

[0023] Figure 11 An example of relay signal transmission / reception based on AP coverage is shown.

[0024] Figure 12An example of a method for relay channel measurement performed by a STA according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0025] Figure 13 An example of signal flow for relay channel measurement between an AP and a STA according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0026] Figure 14 A first example of a process for channel measurement between a relay STA and a terminal STA according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0027] Figure 15 A second example of a process for channel measurement between a relay STA and a terminal STA according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0028] In this disclosure, "A or B" can mean "A only", "B only", or "both A and B". In other words, in this disclosure, "A or B" can be interpreted as "A and / or B". For example, in this disclosure, "A, B or C" can mean "A only", "B only", "C only", or "any combination of A, B, and C".

[0029] The forward slash ( / ) or comma used in this disclosure can represent "and / or". For example, "A / B" can mean "A and / or B". Therefore, "A / B" can mean "A only", "B only", or "both A and B". For example, "A, B, C" can mean "A, B, or C".

[0030] In this disclosure, "at least one of A and B" can mean "only A", "only B" or "both A and B". Additionally, in this disclosure, the expression "at least one of A or B" or "at least one of A and / or B" can be interpreted as "at least one of A and B".

[0031] The brackets used in this disclosure may indicate "for example". Specifically, when indicated as "control information (UHR-signal field)", it may indicate that the "UHR-signal field" is cited as an example of "control information". In other words, the "control information" of this disclosure is not limited to the "UHR-signal field", and the "UHR-signal field" may also be cited as an example of "control information". Furthermore, when indicated as "control information (i.e., UHR-signal field)", it may also indicate that the "UHR-signal field" is cited as an example of "control information".

[0032] Furthermore, as used in this disclosure, "a" can mean "at least one" or "one or more". Additionally, terms ending in "(s)" can mean "at least one" or "one or more".

[0033] Furthermore, as used in this disclosure, the expressions “based on”, “on the basis of”, or “according to” mean “at least partially based on”, and not “based on only”.

[0034] The technical features described individually in one of the accompanying drawings of this disclosure may be implemented individually or simultaneously.

[0035] The following examples of this disclosure can be applied to various wireless communication systems. For example, the following examples of this disclosure can be applied to wireless local area network (WLAN) systems. For example, this disclosure can be applied to the IEEE 802.11 a / g / n / ac / ax / be / bn standards. Furthermore, the examples of this disclosure can also be applied to next-generation wireless LAN standards such as enhanced Ultra High Reliability (UHR) standards or IEEE 802.11 bn. Additionally, the examples of this disclosure can be applied to new WLAN standards enhanced from EHT standards or IEEE 802.11be standards. Furthermore, the examples of this disclosure can be applied to mobile communication systems. For example, it can be applied to mobile communication systems based on Long Term Evolution (LTE), which relies on 3GPP standards and is based on LTE evolution. Furthermore, the examples of this disclosure can be applied to communication systems based on the 5G NR standard of 3GPP standards.

[0036] In the following text, for the purpose of describing the technical features of this disclosure, technical features applicable to this disclosure will be described.

[0037] Figure 1 Examples of transmitting and / or receiving devices of this disclosure are shown.

[0038] exist Figure 1 In the example, the various technical features described below can be implemented. Figure 1 At least one station (STA) is involved. For example, STA 110 and 120 of this disclosure may also be referred to by various terms such as mobile terminal, wireless device, wireless transceiver unit (WTRU), user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), mobile subscriber unit, or simply user. STA 110 and 120 of this disclosure may also be referred to by various terms such as network, base station, Node B, access point (AP), repeater, router, relay, etc. STA 110 and 120 of this disclosure may also be referred to by various names such as receiving device, transmitting device, receiving STA, transmitting STA, receiving device, transmitting device, etc.

[0039] For example, STA 110 and 120 can be used as AP or non-AP. That is, STA 110 and 120 of this disclosure can be used as AP and / or non-AP. In this disclosure, AP can be indicated as AP STA.

[0040] In addition to the IEEE 802.11 standard, the STAs 110 and 120 of this disclosure can together support various communication standards. For example, they can support communication standards based on 3GPP standards (e.g., LTE, LTE-A, 5G NR standards). Furthermore, the STAs of this disclosure can be implemented in various devices such as mobile phones, vehicles, and personal computers. Additionally, the STAs of this disclosure can support communication for various communication services such as voice calls, video calls, data communication, and autonomous driving.

[0041] The STA 110 and 120 disclosed herein may include media access control (MAC) conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard and a physical layer interface for radio media.

[0042] The following will refer to Figure 1 The subgraph (a) is used to describe STA 110 and 120.

[0043] The first STA 110 may include a processor 111, a memory 112, and a transceiver 113. The illustrated processor, memory, and transceiver may be implemented as separate chips, or at least two blocks / functions may be implemented as a single chip.

[0044] The transceiver 113 of the first STA performs signal transmission / reception operations. Specifically, it can transmit / receive IEEE 802.11 packets (e.g., IEEE 802.11a / b / g / n / ac / ax / be, etc.).

[0045] For example, the first STA 110 can perform the operations expected by the AP. For example, the AP's processor 111 can receive signals via transceiver 113, process receive (RX) signals, generate transmit (TX) signals, and provide control over signal transmission. The AP's memory 112 can store signals received via transceiver 113 (e.g., RX signals) and can store signals to be transmitted via transceiver 113 (e.g., TX signals).

[0046] For example, the second STA 120 can perform operations not expected of an AP STA. For example, a non-AP transceiver 123 performs signal transmission / reception operations. Specifically, it can transmit / receive IEEE 802.11 packets (e.g., IEEE 802.11a / b / g / n / ac / ax / be packets, etc.).

[0047] For example, a non-AP STA processor 121 can receive signals via transceiver 123, process RX signals, generate TX signals, and provide control over signal transmission. A non-AP STA memory 122 can store signals received via transceiver 123 (e.g., RX signals) and can store signals to be transmitted via transceiver 123 (e.g., TX signals).

[0048] For example, the operation of a device designated as an AP in the disclosure described below can be performed in either the first STA 110 or the second STA 120. For instance, if the first STA 110 is an AP, the operation of the device designated as an AP can be controlled by the processor 111 of the first STA 110, and related signals can be transmitted or received via a transceiver 113 controlled by the processor 111 of the first STA 110. Additionally, control information related to the operation of the AP or the AP's TX / RX signals can be stored in the memory 112 of the first STA 110. Similarly, if the second STA 120 is an AP, the operation of the device designated as an AP can be controlled by the processor 121 of the second STA 120, and related signals can be transmitted or received via a transceiver 123 controlled by the processor 121 of the second STA 120. Furthermore, control information related to the operation of the AP or the AP's TX / RX signals can be stored in the memory 122 of the second STA 120.

[0049] For example, in the disclosure described below, the operation of a device indicated as a non-AP (or user STA) can be performed in either the first STA 110 or the second STA 120. For instance, if the second STA 120 is a non-AP, the operation of the device indicated as a non-AP can be controlled by the processor 121 of the second STA 120, and related signals can be transmitted or received via a transceiver 123 controlled by the processor 121 of the second STA 120. Additionally, control information related to the operation of a non-AP or non-AP TX / RX signals can be stored in the memory 122 of the second STA 120. Similarly, if the first STA 110 is a non-AP, the operation of the device indicated as a non-AP can be controlled by the processor 111 of the first STA 110, and related signals can be transmitted or received via a transceiver 113 controlled by the processor 111 of the first STA 110. Additionally, control information related to the operation of a non-AP or non-AP TX / RX signals can be stored in the memory 112 of the first STA 110.

[0050] In the disclosure described below, devices referred to as (transmitting / receiving) STA, first STA, second STA, STA1, STA2, AP, first AP, second AP, AP1, AP2, (transmitting / receiving) terminal, (transmitting / receiving) device, (transmitting / receiving apparatus), network, etc., may implicitly refer to Figure 1 STAs 110 and 120. For example, devices indicated as (but without specific labels) (transmitting / receiving) STA, First STA, Second STA, STA1, STA2, AP, First AP, Second AP, AP1, AP2, (transmitting / receiving) terminal, (transmitting / receiving) device, (transmitting / receiving) device, network, etc., can be implied. Figure 1 STAs 110 and 120. For example, in the following example, the operation of various STA transmit / receive signals (e.g., PPDU) can be... Figure 1 The operation is performed in transceivers 113 and 123. Additionally, in the following examples, various STAs can generate TX / RX signals or perform data processing and calculations on TX / RX signals in advance. Figure 1 The operations are executed in processors 111 and 121. Examples of operations for generating TX / RX signals or performing prior data processing and calculations may include: 1) operations to determine / obtain / configure / calculate / decode / encode bit information of subfields (SIG, STF, LTF, data) included in the PPDU; 2) operations to determine / configure / obtain time resources or frequency resources (e.g., subcarrier resources) for the subfields (SIG, STF, LTF, data) included in the PPDU; 3) operations to determine / configure / obtain specific sequences (e.g., pilot sequences, STF / LTF sequences, additional sequences applied to SIG) for the subfields (SIG, STF, LTF, data) included in the PPDU; 4) power control operations and / or power-saving operations applied to the STA; and 5) operations related to the determination / obtaining / configuration / decoding / encoding of the ACK signal. Additionally, in the following examples, various information used by various STAs to determine / obtain / configure / calculate / decode / decode the TX / RX signal (e.g., information related to fields / subfields / control fields / parameters / power, etc.) may be stored in the STA. Figure 1 In memory 112 and 122.

[0051] Figure 1 The aforementioned device / STA in subgraph (a) can be as follows Figure 1 The subgraph (b) is modified as shown below. In the following text, the modifications will be based on... Figure 1 The subgraph (b) is used to describe STA 110 and STA 120 of this disclosure.

[0052] For example, Figure 1The transceivers 113 and 123 shown in subgraph (b) can perform operations with Figure 1 The transceiver shown in subgraph (a) has the same function as the aforementioned transceiver. For example, Figure 1 The processing chips 114 and 124 shown in sub-figure (b) may include processors 111 and 121 and memories 112 and 122. Figure 1 The processors 111 and 121 and the memories 112 and 122 shown in sub-figure (b) can perform operations related to Figure 1 The processors 111 and 121 and the memories 112 and 122 shown in sub-figure (a) have the same functions.

[0053] The mobile terminal, wireless device, wireless transceiver unit (WTRU), user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), mobile subscriber unit, user, user STA, network, base station, node B, access point (AP), repeater, router, relay, receiving unit, transmitting unit, receiving STA, transmitting STA, receiving device, transmitting device, receiving device and / or transmitting device described below may mean Figure 1 The STA 110 and 120 shown in subgraphs (a) / (b) may mean, or Figure 1 The processing chips 114 and 124 are shown in sub-figure (b). That is, the technical features of this disclosure can... Figure 1 It can be performed in STA 110 and 120 as shown in subgraphs (a) / (b), or it can be performed only in... Figure 1 The processing chips 114 and 124 shown in sub-diagram (b) are executed Figure 1 Transceivers 113 and 123 are shown in sub-diagrams (a) and (b). For example, the technical features of transmitting control signals by the STA can be understood as being through... Figure 1 The transceiver 113 illustrated in subgraphs (a) / (b) transmits in Figure 1 The technical features of the control signals generated in processors 111 and 121 are illustrated in sub-figures (a) and (b). Alternatively, the technical features of the STA transmitting control signals can be understood as follows: Figure 1 The technical features of generating control signals to be transmitted to transceivers 113 and 123 in processing chips 114 and 124 are shown in sub-figure (b).

[0054] For example, the technical characteristics of receiving STA control signals can be understood as through... Figure 1 The technical features of transceivers 113 and 123 receiving control signals are shown in sub-figure (a). Alternatively, the technical features of receiving STA control signals can be understood as being achieved through... Figure 1 Processors 111 and 121 shown in subgraph (a) obtain Figure 1The technical features of the control signals received in transceivers 113 and 123 shown in sub-figure (a) are illustrated. Alternatively, the technical features of receiving control signals by the STA can be understood as being achieved through... Figure 1 The processing chips 114 and 124 shown in sub-figure (b) obtain Figure 1 Technical features of the control signals received in transceivers 113 and 123 as shown in sub-figure (b).

[0055] refer to Figure 1 Subgraph (b), software codes 115 and 125 can be included in memories 112 and 122. Software codes 115 and 125 can include instructions for controlling the operation of processors 111 and 121. Software codes 115 and 125 can be included in various programming languages.

[0056] Figure 1 The processors 111 and 121 or processing chips 114 and 124 may include application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), other chipsets, logic circuits, and / or data processing devices. The processor may be an application processor (AP). For example, Figure 1 The processors 111 and 121 or processing chips 114 and 124 may include at least one of the following: a digital signal processor (DSP), a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), and a modulator and demodulator (modem). For example, Figure 1 The processors 111 and 121 or the processor chips 114 and 124 may be SNAPDRAGON® series processors manufactured by Qualcomm®, EXYNOS® series processors manufactured by Samsung®, A series processors manufactured by Apple®, HELIO® series processors manufactured by MediaTek®, ATOM® series processors manufactured by Intel®, or processors enhanced from these processors.

[0057] In this disclosure, an uplink can mean a link used for communication from a non-AP STA to an AP STA, and uplink PPDUs / packets / signals, etc., can be transmitted via the uplink. Similarly, in this disclosure, a downlink can mean a link used for communication from an AP STA to a non-AP STA, and downlink PPDUs / packets / signals, etc., can be transmitted via the downlink.

[0058] Figure 2 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating the structure of a wireless local area network (WLAN).

[0059] Figure 2 The upper part illustrates the structure of the Infrastructure Basic Services Set (BSS) of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11.

[0060] refer to Figure 2 The upper part of the wireless LAN system may include one or more infrastructure BSS 200 and 205 (hereinafter referred to as BSS). BSS 200 and 205, as a set of APs and STAs (e.g., access point (AP) 225 and station (STA1) 200-1) that have successfully synchronized to communicate with each other, are not concepts indicating a specific area. BSS 205 may include one or more STAs 205-1 and 205-2 that can join an AP 230.

[0061] A BSS may include at least one STA, an AP that provides distributed services, and a distributed system (DS) 210 that connects multiple APs.

[0062] Distributed system 210 can implement an Extended Service Set (ESS) 240 that is expanded by connecting multiple BSSs 200 and 205. ESS 240 can be used as a term to refer to a network configured by connecting one or more APs 225 or 230 via distributed system 210. APs included in an ESS 240 can have the same Service Set Identifier (SSID).

[0063] Portal 220 can be used as a bridge to connect a wireless LAN network (IEEE 802.11) to another network (e.g., 802.X).

[0064] exist Figure 2 The BSS shown at the top allows for networking between APs 225 and 230, as well as between APs 225 and 230 and STAs 200-1, 205-1, and 205-2. However, it also allows for networking between STAs to perform communication even without APs 225 and 230. Networks that enable communication between STAs by configuring networks even without APs 225 and 230 are defined as self-organizing networks or Independent Basic Service Sets (IBSS).

[0065] Figure 2 The lower part illustrates a concept diagram, exemplifying IBSS.

[0066] refer to Figure 2 The lower part of the IBSS is a BSS that operates in a self-organizing mode. Since the IBSS does not include access points (APs), there is no centralized management entity performing management functions at the center. That is, in the IBSS, STAs 250-1, 250-2, 250-3, 255-4, and 255-5 are managed in a distributed manner. In the IBSS, all STAs 250-1, 250-2, 250-3, 255-4, and 255-5 can be composed of mobile STAs, and access to DS to form a self-contained network is not permitted.

[0067] Figure 3 This example illustrates the typical link establishment process.

[0068] In S310, the STA can perform network discovery operations. Network discovery operations can include scanning operations by the STA. That is, in order to access a network, the STA needs to discover participating networks. The process of identifying compatible networks before joining a wireless network and identifying networks existing in a specific area is called scanning. Scanning methods include active scanning and passive scanning.

[0069] Figure 3 An example of network discovery operations including active scanning is provided. In active scanning, the STA performing the scan sends a probe request frame and waits for a response to the probe request frame in order to identify which APs are present nearby while moving to a channel. The responder sends a probe response frame to the STA that sent the probe request frame as a response to the probe request frame. Here, the responder can be the STA in the BSS of the channel being scanned that sent the last beacon frame. In the BSS, the AP is the responder because it sends the beacon frame. In the IBSS, the responder is not fixed because the STAs in the IBSS take turns sending beacon frames. For example, when an STA sends a probe request frame via channel 1 and receives a probe response frame via channel 1, the STA can store the BSS-related information included in the received probe response frame, can move to the next channel (e.g., channel 2), and can perform a scan in the same way (e.g., sending a probe request and receiving a probe response via channel 2).

[0070] Although Figure 3 As not shown, scanning can be performed using a passive scanning method. In passive scanning, the STA performing the scan can wait for beacon frames while moving to a channel. Beacon frames are one of the management frames in IEEE 802.11 and are periodically sent to indicate the presence of a wireless network and enable the STA performing the scan to find and join the wireless network. In a BSS, the AP periodically sends beacon frames. In an IBSS, STAs in the IBSS take turns sending beacon frames. Upon receiving a beacon frame, the STA performing the scan stores information about the BSS included in the beacon frame and records the beacon frame information for each channel, while moving to another channel. The STA receiving the beacon frame can store the BSS-related information included in the received beacon frame, can move to the next channel, and can perform scanning on the next channel using the same method.

[0071] After network discovery, the STA can perform authentication processing in S320. This authentication processing can be referred to as the first authentication processing to clearly distinguish it from the subsequent security establishment operation in S340. The authentication processing in S320 may include the STA sending an authentication request frame to the AP and the AP sending an authentication response frame to the STA in response. The authentication frame used for the authentication request / response is a management frame.

[0072] An authentication frame may include information about the authentication algorithm number, authentication transaction sequence number, status code, challenge text, robust security network (RSN), and finite cyclic group.

[0073] The STA can send an authentication request frame to the AP. The AP can determine whether to allow the STA's authentication based on the information included in the received authentication request frame. The AP can then provide the authentication processing result to the STA via an authentication response frame.

[0074] When a STA is successfully authenticated, it can perform association processing in S330. Association processing includes the STA sending an association request frame to the AP, and the AP responding by sending an association response frame to the STA. For example, the association request frame may include information about various capabilities, beacon listening interval, service set identifier (SSID), supported rates, supported channels, RSN, mobile domain, supported operation classes, service indication map (TIM) broadcast request, and interoperability service capabilities. Similarly, the association response frame may include information about various capabilities, status codes, association ID (AID), supported rates, enhanced distributed channel access (EDCA) parameter set, received channel power indicator (RCPI), received signal-to-noise ratio indicator (RSNI), mobile domain, timeout interval (association recovery time), overlapping BSS scan parameters, TIM broadcast response, and QoS map.

[0075] In the S340, the STA can perform security establishment processes. The security establishment processes in the S340 may include the process of establishing a private key via a four-way handshake (e.g., via Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAPOL) frames over the LAN).

[0076] Figure 4 An example of multi-link (ML) is shown.

[0077] like Figure 4 As illustrated, multiple multi-link devices (MLDs) can communicate via a remote link. MLDs can be classified as AP MLDs, which include multiple AP STAs, and non-AP MLDs, which include multiple non-AP STAs. That is, an AP MLD may include a member AP (i.e., an AP STA), and a non-AP MLD may include a member STA (i.e., a non-AP STA or a user STA).

[0078] Multiple links can include a first link and a second link, and different channel / subchannel / frequency resources can be allocated to the first link and the second link. The first and second multiple links can be identified by a 4-bit (or other n-bit) link ID. The first and second links can be configured in the same 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, or 6 GHz frequency band. Alternatively, the first and second links can be configured in different frequency bands.

[0079] Figure 4 The AP MLD includes three subordinate APs. Figure 4 In the example, AP1 can operate in the 2.4 GHz band, AP2 can operate in the 5 GHz band, and AP3 can operate in the 6 GHz band. Figure 4 In the example, the first link in which AP1 and non-AP1 operate can be defined as a channel / subchannel / frequency resource within the 2.4 GHz band. Furthermore, in Figure 4 In the example, the second link in which AP2 and non-AP2 operate can be defined as a channel / subchannel / frequency resource within the 5 GHz band. Furthermore, in Figure 4 In the example, the third link in which AP3 and non-AP3 operate can be defined as a channel / subchannel / frequency resource within the 6GHz band.

[0080] exist Figure 4 In the example, AP1 can initiate the multi-link establishment process (ML establishment process) by sending an association request frame to a non-AP STA1. Figure 4 In the example, a non-AP STA1 can send an association response frame in response to an association request frame. Figure 4 The individual APs shown (e.g., AP1 / 2 / 3) can be compared with... Figure 1 and / or Figure 2 The APs shown are the same, and Figure 4 The various non-APs shown (e.g., non-AP1 / 2 / 3) can be compared with... Figure 1 and / or Figure 2 The STAs shown are the same (i.e., user STAs or non-AP STAs).

[0081] The specific features of this disclosure are not limited to Figure 4 The specific characteristics are as follows. That is, the number of links can be defined in various ways, and multiple links can be defined in at least one frequency band in various ways.

[0082] Figure 5 Examples of modifications to the transmitting and / or receiving apparatus of this disclosure are shown.

[0083] Figures 1 to 4The devices shown (e.g., AP STA, non-AP STA) can be as follows: Figure 5 The modifications shown are as follows. Figure 5 The 530 transceiver can be used with Figure 1 The transceivers 113 and 123 are the same. Figure 5 The transceiver 530 may include a receiver and a transmitter.

[0084] Figure 5 The processor 510 can be used with Figure 1 The processors 111 and 121 are the same. Alternatively, Figure 5 The processor 510 can be used with Figure 1 The processing chips 114 and 124 are the same.

[0085] Figure 5 The memory 150 can be connected with Figure 1 The memory modules 112 and 122 are identical. Alternatively, Figure 5 The memory 150 can be with Figure 1 The memory 112 and 122 are different separate external memories.

[0086] Reference Figure 5 The power management module 511 manages the power used by the processor 510 and / or transceiver 530. The battery 512 supplies power to the power management module 511. The display 513 outputs the results processed by the processor 510. The keypad 514 receives input to be used by the processor 510. The keypad 514 may be displayed on the display 513. The SIM card 515 may be an integrated circuit for securely storing an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) and its associated key, which are used to identify and authenticate the user in mobile devices such as mobile phones and computers.

[0087] Reference Figure 5 The speaker (540) can output sound-related results processed by the processor 510. The microphone (541) can receive sound-related inputs that will be used by the processor 510.

[0088] Figure 6 The operation related to the UL-MU is illustrated. As shown, a transmitting STA (e.g., an AP) can obtain TXOP 625 and transmit trigger frame 630 by performing channel access through contention (i.e., backoff operation). That is, the transmitting STA (e.g., an AP) can transmit a PPDU including trigger frame 630. When the PPDU including the trigger frame is received, a trigger-based (TB) PPDU is transmitted after a delay of SIFS.

[0089] TB PPDUs 641 and 642 can be transmitted simultaneously and from multiple STAs (e.g., user STAs) indicated by their AIDs in trigger frame 630. The ACK frame 650 for the TB PPDU can be implemented in various forms. For example, the ACK frame 650 for the TB PPDU can be implemented as a block ACK (BA).

[0090] exist Figure 6 Within TXOP 625, the transmission of trigger frame 630, TB PPDU 641, 642 and / or ACK frame 650 can be performed.

[0091] The structure and types / subtypes of MAC frames are described below.

[0092] Figure 7 This shows an example of a MAC frame header. As shown, a MAC frame may include a 2-byte frame control field / information, a 2-byte duration field / information, a 6-byte receiver address (RA) field / information, and a 6-byte sender address (TA) field / information. Figure 7 As shown, these four fields can be consecutive. Figure 7 The MAC header can be modified in various ways, such as inserting new fields between the four fields shown, or omitting at least one of the fields shown.

[0093] Figure 7 The MAC header shown can be located at the very beginning of the MAC frame. That is, the MAC frame can include, for example,... Figure 7 The MAC header is shown, and the MAC body fields / information can be contiguous with this MAC header. (Includes...) Figure 7 The MAC frame header is inserted into / included in the data field of the PPDU (e.g., UHR PPDU).

[0094] The MAC frames included in the data fields of the PPDU disclosed herein can be classified into various types. For example, the MAC frames disclosed herein can be classified into control frames, management frames, and data frames.

[0095] For example, management frames include association requests, association responses, reassociation requests, reassociation responses, probe requests, probe responses, beacons, disassociation, authentication, and deauthentication frames / signals as defined in a typical WLAN. For management frames, the values ​​of the type fields (B3 and B2) in the MAC header are set to 00. Additionally, the values ​​of the subtype fields (B7, B6, B5, B4) in the MAC header are as follows: association request (0000), association response (0001), reassociation request (0010), reassociation response (0011), probe request (0100), probe response (0101), beacon (1000), disassociation (1010), authentication (1011), and deauthentication (1100).

[0096] For example, control frames include trigger beamforming report polling, NDP announcement (NDPA), control frame extension, control encapsulation, block acknowledgment request (BlockAckReq), block acknowledgment (BlockAck), power saving polling (PS-Poll), request to send (RTS), allow to send (CTS), acknowledgment (Ack), and CF end frame / signal as defined in a conventional WLAN. For control frames, the values ​​of the type fields (B3 and B2) in the MAC header are set to 01. Additionally, the values ​​of the subtype fields (B7, B6, B5, B4) in the MAC header are as follows: trigger (0010), beamforming report polling (0100), NDP announcement (0101), control frame extension (0110), control encapsulation (0111), block acknowledgment request (1000), block acknowledgment (1001), power saving polling (1010), request to send (1011), allow to send (1100), acknowledgment (1101), and CF end (1110).

[0097] For example, the data frame includes (QoS) data, (QoS) null, etc., as defined in a regular WLAN. For this data frame, the values ​​of the type fields (B3 and B2) in the MAC header are set to 10.

[0098] The type of MAC frame used in this disclosure can be identified by the type field / information and subtype field / information included in the frame control field of the MAC frame header (i.e., the MAC header). For example, the "trigger frame" of this disclosure may refer to a MAC frame in which the type bits B3 and B2 in the frame control field of the MAC header are set to 01, and the subtype bits B7, B6, B5, and B4 in the frame control field are also set to 0010. The various MAC frames described in this disclosure are inserted into / included in the data fields of various PPDUs (e.g., HE / VHT / HE / EHT / UHR PPDUs).

[0099] Figure 8This example illustrates the trigger frame format. The trigger frame format can also be referred to as the structure of the trigger frame.

[0100] refer to Figure 8 The trigger frame may include a frame control field, a duration / ID field, a receiver address (RA) field, a transmitter address (TA) field, a common information field, a user information list field, a padding field, and / or a frame check sequence (FCS) field. Optionally, the trigger frame may further include a special user information field between the common information field and the user information list field. The user information list field may include one or more user information fields. The frame control field, duration / ID field, RA field, and TA field may constitute the MAC header.

[0101] For example, the public information field may include a trigger type subfield. The value of the trigger type subfield can indicate a variant of the trigger frame, as shown in Table 1: [Table 1]

[0102] For example, if the value of the trigger type subfield is set to 0, the trigger frame can be a basic trigger frame. For example, if the value of the trigger type subfield is set to 3, the trigger frame can be a multi-user (MU) RTS trigger frame. Channel sounding is described below as an example of channel measurement.

[0103] Figure 9 An example of the channel detection process is shown.

[0104] refer to Figure 9 Channel probing is initiated by a first STA, referred to as the beamforming transmitter. Channel probing can be performed between the beamforming transmitter and a second STA, referred to as the beamforming receiver. For DL ​​channel measurements, the beamforming transmitter can be an AP STA, and the beamforming receiver can be a non-AP STA. For UL channel measurements, the beamforming transmitter can be a non-AP STA, and the beamforming receiver can be an AP STA.

[0105] In step S901, the beamforming transmitter can initiate channel probe by sending a Null Data Packet Advertisement (NDPA) frame to the beamforming receiver to control the channel and identify the beamforming receiver. The number of beamforming receivers can be one or more. If the number of beamforming receivers is N, the NDPA can include N STA information fields. Each STA information field is associated with a corresponding beamforming receiver and can include information for the corresponding beamforming receiver (e.g., information identifying the beamforming receiver). At least one beamforming receiver responds to the NDPA frame. STAs other than the beamforming receivers can postpone channel access until the probe sequence (i.e., the sequential frame exchange for probe) is complete.

[0106] In step S903, after the NDPA frame is transmitted, the beamforming transmitter can transmit a null data packet (NDP) frame. The NDP is defined based on the VHT / HE / EHT / UHR PPDU. For example, an NDP can be a PPDU in which the data field corresponding to the payload signal (or MAC data) is omitted from the VHT / HE / EHT / UHR PPDU. Since the NDP includes multiple OFDM training fields, the beamforming receiver receiving the NDP can calculate the channel response. Additionally, the NDP can be used to calculate the steering matrix (e.g., the Q matrix) associated with beamforming. In some cases, multiple NDPs can be configured for multiple beamforming receivers. As shown, a short inter-frame interval (SIFS) can exist between the NDPA frame and the NDP frame. That is, the NDP frame can be transmitted after the SIFS following the transmission of the NDPA frame.

[0107] In step S905, the beamforming receiver can calculate a feedback matrix / channel quality indicator (CQI) based on the received NDP. In other words, the beamforming receiver can perform channel measurements based on the received NDP and obtain channel information including the results of the channel measurements (e.g., the feedback matrix / CQI). The feedback matrix (expressed using various names such as V matrix) enables the beamforming transmitter to calculate the steering matrix. The beamforming receiver transmits a feedback / report signal containing channel information to the beamforming transmitter. The beamforming transmitter can calculate the steering matrix based on the feedback / report signal, for example, for communication destined for the beamforming receiver. The channel information and / or the feedback / report signal may include compressed beamforming signals, as illustrated.

[0108] If there is only one beamforming receiver, the beamforming receiver can send a feedback / report signal to the beamforming transmitter after passing through SIFS from the time it receives the NDP.

[0109] When multiple beamforming receivers are present, they can sequentially transmit feedback / report signals. The beamforming receiver associated with the first STA information field in the STA information field can transmit a feedback / report signal to the beamforming transmitter after SIFS following the reception of the NDP, without receiving a separate polling frame. Conversely, the remaining beamforming receivers can transmit feedback / report signals to the beamforming transmitter after SIFS following the reception of a polling frame (e.g., a BFRP frame) transmitted by the beamforming transmitter. Here, the polling frame can be transmitted after SIFS following the transmission / reception of the feedback / report signal.

[0110] When multiple beamforming receivers are present, they can simultaneously transmit feedback / report signals via RUs allocated through a trigger frame. For example, the trigger frame could be a Beamforming Report Polling (BFRP) trigger frame. The BFRP trigger frame may include information for identifying the beamforming receivers (e.g., AID / 12 LSB) and information about the frequency resources (i.e., RUs) for each beamforming receiver to transmit feedback / report signals. The beamforming receivers identified by the BFRP trigger frame can transmit feedback / report signals (simultaneously / together) based on the corresponding RU resources. The BFRP trigger frame can be transmitted after SIFS since the NDP was transmitted / received. Feedback / report signals from multiple beamforming receivers can be transmitted after SIFS since the BFRP trigger frame was transmitted / received.

[0111] Simultaneously, in next-generation wireless LAN systems, the use of relay signal transmission and reception (i.e., relay operation) can be considered to ensure stable and / or reliable signal transmission regardless of the location of STAs within the BSS, increasing signal transmission coverage and / or eliminating signal unreachability. Using relay signal transmission and reception can not only improve reliability within the BSS but also extend the BSS's signal transmission coverage. For example, relay signal transmission and reception can be used to provide service to terminals with weak signal reception due to interference and / or obstacles within the AP's coverage area, and / or to provide service to STAs located at the AP's coverage boundary or outside the coverage area.

[0112] For relay operations, a relay STA may be required. A relay STA refers to a device that receives PPDUs (e.g., the aforementioned HT / VHT / HE / EHT / UHR-PPDUs) from a first STA (e.g., an AP STA) and relays the received PPDUs to a second STA (e.g., a non-AP STA).

[0113] The relay functions / operations / procedures performed by the relay STA in this disclosure can be implemented in various ways. For example, the relay STA can receive a first PPDU from a first STA and decode a portion of the received first PPDU. For example, the relay STA can decode the PHY preamble (e.g., L-SIG, U-SIG, EHT-SIG, etc.) included in the first PPDU and decode a portion of the MAC frame (e.g., MAC header) included in the data field of the first PPDU. In this way, the relay STA can obtain the frame body of the MAC frame of the first PPDU and can relay the frame body of the MAC frame to the second STA without performing additional decoding on the obtained frame body of the MAC frame. That is, the relay STA can encode / generate / configure a second PPDU based on the body of the MAC frame and send the second PPDU to the second STA. As a result, the first PPDU and the second PPDU can include the same payload or MAC frame body. For example, the PHY preamble and / or MAC header of the first PPDU received by the relay STA can be the same as or different from the PHY preamble and / or MAC header of the second PPDU sent by the relay STA. For example, a relay STA may not decode the MAC frame (i.e., the frame body) except for the MAC header of the first PPDU, or it may only decode a portion of it.

[0114] The relay STA disclosed herein can be implemented in various ways.

[0115] First, the relay STA disclosed herein can be implemented by including both relay STAs and relay APs. That is, a relay STA can include a relay STA communicating with a root AP and a relay AP communicating with a non-AP. In this case, an upper BSS can be defined between the root AP and the relay STA, and a lower BSS can be defined between the relay AP and the non-AP. The relay function can be implemented between the relay STA and the relay AP within the relay STA.

[0116] Second, the relay STA of this disclosure can be a terminal / device operating as a non-AP STA (i.e., user STA). That is, the relay STA of this disclosure can belong to a BSS defined / configured by the AP STA without needing to define / configure a new BSS itself. The AP STA can assign an ID (e.g., AID) to the relay STA in the same way as a regular non-AP STA (i.e., user STA). That is, the relay STA can be identified like a typical non-AP STA (i.e., user STA) and can additionally support the aforementioned relay functions / operations / procedures. Specifically, the relay STA can receive a first DL PPDU from the AP STA, obtain the MAC frame body of the first DL PPDU, and relay a second DL PPDU including the obtained MAC frame body to a neighboring non-AP STA. Additionally, the relay STA can receive a first UL PPDU from a neighboring non-AP STA, obtain the MAC frame body of the first UL PPDU, and relay a second UL PPDU including the obtained MAC frame body to the AP STA.

[0117] Third, the relay STA disclosed herein can be implemented based on multiple links. For example, the aforementioned relay functions / operations / processes can be based on multiple links (such as... Figure 4 (As described in the text) to perform this. That is, a specific non-AP MLD can operate as a relay STA, and in this case, the first PPDU can be received via a first link included in the non-AP MLD. The relay STA can relay the first PPDU received via the first link to another STA via a second link. For example, the first link can operate as a DL link (or UL link), and the second link can operate as a UL link (or DL ​​link).

[0118] To facilitate relay implementation and reduce operational complexity, next-generation wireless LAN systems could consider AP-controlled relay transmission / operation.

[0119] In this disclosure, the AP-controlled relay STA is referred to as an "AP-controlled relay STA" or simply ACRS. The ACRS performs relay transmission of data received from the AP within the BSS. The AP can control the ACRS to perform relay operations. That is, based on control information received from the AP, the ACRS can transmit signals received from the AP to end users / STAs, or transmit signals received from multiple non-AP STAs to the AP.

[0120] For example, ACRS can be a standalone relay device that only performs relay transmission. Alternatively, ACRS can be a non-AP STA that supports relay operation.

[0121] In this disclosure, the operations performed by ACRS can be performed not only by ACRS, but also by various relay STAs (e.g., relay STAs not controlled by AP).

[0122] Figure 10 An example of relay transmission / operation is shown.

[0123] refer to Figure 10 In next-generation wireless LAN systems, a relay STA can transmit signals to or receive signals from one or more non-AP STAs located at the edge of the BSS or in its extended range via relay operations. Relay operations can be performed using two links (e.g., from an AP to a relay STA and from a relay STA to a non-AP STA (DL relay transmission), or from a non-AP STA to a relay STA and from a relay STA to an AP (UL relay transmission)).

[0124] In this disclosure, a non-AP STA that transmits and receives signals with an AP via a relay STA can be referred to as a terminal STA or a remote STA. A relay STA can be an AP or a non-AP STA.

[0125] Figure 11 An example of relay signal transmission / reception based on AP coverage is shown.

[0126] refer to Figure 11 Regarding terminal STA 1 (e.g., non-AP STA 1), the AP can send / receive signals with terminal STA 1 through a relay STA. Since terminal STA 1 is within the coverage area of ​​the AP, the AP can send / receive signals with terminal STA 1 even without going through a relay STA.

[0127] Regarding terminal STA 2, the AP can send / receive signals with terminal STA 2 via a relay STA. Terminal STA 2 exists at the boundary of the AP's coverage area. Therefore, even without going through a relay STA, the AP may be able to send / receive signals with terminal STA 2, but due to weak signal strength, a significant amount of power from the AP and / or terminal STA 2 may be consumed for signal transmission / reception. In some cases, the AP may not be able to send / receive signals with terminal STA 2 without going through a relay STA.

[0128] Regarding terminal STA 3, signals can be sent / received with terminal STA 3 via relay STA. Since terminal STA 3 is outside the coverage area of ​​the AP, the AP may not be able to send / receive signals with terminal STA 3 without going through the relay STA.

[0129] like Figure 10As shown, the AP can transmit / receive signals with a STA (e.g., terminal STA 3) located outside the AP's coverage area via a relay STA. In order to efficiently transmit / receive signals with a terminal STA located outside the AP's coverage area using the relay as described above, the AP needs to identify the channel information between the relay STA and the terminal STA.

[0130] This disclosure presents a channel probing procedure performed by a relay STA to identify channel information between the relay STA and the terminal STA.

[0131] This disclosure presents various implementations for measuring the channel between a relay STA and a terminal STA in order to maximize transmission efficiency when using relay to transmit / receive signals.

[0132] This disclosure presents various implementations for measuring / estimating the channel between a relay STA and a terminal STA so as to transmit / receive signals using the relay and a terminal STA located outside the coverage area of ​​the AP.

[0133] This disclosure presents a probing procedure for performing channel estimation on terminal STAs located outside the coverage area of ​​an AP.

[0134] In this disclosure, the link between a relay STA and a terminal STA may be named a relay link / channel, but this is exemplary and the relay link / channel may be expressed differently. Additionally, in this disclosure, the link between an AP and a relay STA may be named an AP link / channel.

[0135] In this disclosure, the terms “channel measurement” and “channel estimation” are used interchangeably.

[0136] Figure 12 An example of a method for relay channel measurement performed by a STA according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0137] refer to Figure 12 In step S1201, the relay STA can receive a trigger frame from the AP, which is used to trigger channel measurement between the relay STA and the terminal STA.

[0138] In step S1203, in response to receiving the trigger frame, the relay STA can send the information included in the trigger frame for channel measurement between the relay STA and the terminal STA to the terminal STA.

[0139] In step S1205, after sending information for channel measurement between the relay STA and the terminal STA, the relay STA may send a probe frame for the channel measurement to the terminal STA.

[0140] In step S1207, the relay STA can receive channel information from the terminal STA, the channel information including the results of channel measurements performed based on the probe frame.

[0141] In step S1209, the relay STA can send the channel information to the AP.

[0142] According to various implementation methods, a relay STA can send a trigger frame to a terminal STA, which includes information for channel measurement between the relay STA and the terminal STA.

[0143] According to various implementations, the trigger frame sent by the relay STA may include acknowledgment information indicating that the trigger frame sent by the AP has been received by the relay STA.

[0144] According to various implementations, a relay STA can transmit an NDPA frame that includes information for channel measurements between the relay STA and the terminal STA.

[0145] According to various implementations, an NDPA frame may include acknowledgment information indicating that a trigger frame sent by an AP has been received by a relay STA.

[0146] According to various implementations, after receiving a trigger frame from the AP, the relay STA can send an acknowledgment frame to the AP, indicating that the trigger frame sent by the AP has been received by the relay STA.

[0147] According to various implementations, the information used for channel measurement between a relay STA and a terminal STA may include at least one of the following: the ID of the relay STA, the ID of the terminal STA, bandwidth information for channel measurement, tone group size for channel measurement, or codebook size related to channel information.

[0148] According to various implementation methods, the probe frame may include a null data packet (NDP) frame.

[0149] According to various implementations, the probe frame may include information for instructing the performance of channel measurements between the relay STA and the terminal STA.

[0150] According to various implementations, after sending a probe frame, the relay STA can send an acknowledgment frame to the AP, which includes information indicating that a channel measurement between the relay STA and the terminal STA should be performed.

[0151] According to various implementations, a relay STA can receive a feedback request frame from an AP for requesting channel information. The relay STA can then send this feedback request frame to a terminal STA. Channel information can be received after the feedback request frame has been sent to the terminal STA.

[0152] Depending on the implementation method, the terminal STA may not belong to the BSS to which the AP and relay STA belong.

[0153] According to various implementation methods, uplink transmission to the AP may be unsolicited from trigger frames received from the AP.

[0154] Figure 13 An example of signal flow for relay channel measurement between an AP and a STA according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0155] refer to Figure 13 In step S1301, the AP can send a trigger frame to the STA, which is used to trigger channel measurement between the relay STA and the terminal STA.

[0156] In step S1303, in response to receiving the trigger frame, the relay STA may send the information included in the trigger frame for channel measurement between the relay STA and the terminal STA.

[0157] In step S1305, after sending information for channel measurement between the relay STA and the terminal STA, the relay STA may send a probe frame for the channel measurement to the terminal STA.

[0158] In step S1307, the relay STA can receive channel information from the terminal STA, the channel information including the results of channel measurements performed based on the probe frame.

[0159] In step S1309, the AP can receive the channel information from the relay STA.

[0160] According to various implementations, the AP can receive an acknowledgment frame from the relay STA, which includes information indicating the performance of channel measurements between the relay STA and the terminal STA.

[0161] Depending on the implementation method, the terminal STA may not belong to the BSS to which the AP and relay STA belong.

[0162] The following section describes the detailed implementation for relay channel measurements.

[0163] Channel measurement between a relay STA and a terminal STA can be initiated by the AP, and the AP can send a trigger frame to the relay STA to trigger the channel measurement between the relay STA and the terminal STA (e.g., a STA outside the AP's coverage area, and / or a STA not belonging to the BSS to which the AP / relay STA belongs). In this case, since the trigger frame is not sent to the terminal STA, the relay STA that receives the trigger frame can send the received trigger frame to the terminal STA to instruct the execution of the channel measurement between the relay STA and the terminal STA.

[0164] The trigger frame sent by the AP may include at least one of the following information: - The ID of the relay STA that performs channel measurements; - The ID of the terminal STA that performed the channel measurement; - Bandwidth (BW) used for channel measurements: The BW used to perform channel measurements. It can indicate 20 / 40 / 80 / 160 / 320MHz; - Pitch grouping value (e.g., Ng): The size of the pitch group used to perform the measurement. It can indicate 4 / 8 / 16 / 32; - Codebook size: Indicates codebook configuration information used for reporting measurement feedback (e.g., channel information); - Signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) and / or channel quality indicator (CQI); - TX / RX indication: Indicates the role of the STA during channel probing / channel measurement, and indicates whether it is the STA that transmits NDP or the STA that receives NDP to perform channel measurement; - RU Allocation: This RU allocation field / subfield can be reserved when the TX / RX or relay STA indication subfield is set to 1 to indicate a TX or relay STA. When a TX or relay STA is not indicated (e.g., when the TX / RX or relay STA indication subfield is set to 0 to indicate that it is not a TX or relay STA), this RU allocation field / subfield can indicate the subchannel / resource to be measured.

[0165] The RU allocation field / subfield can be 9 bits in size. For example, the RU allocation field / subfield may include / be configured with 1 bit for resolution and 8 bits for channel indication. Here, the 1 bit can be either the most significant bit (MSB) or the least significant bit (LSB) and can indicate a 20 / 40MHz channel. For example, when the BW is 320MHz, the 1 bit can be set to indicate 40MHz. The remaining 8 bits indicate the subchannel to be measured, and the bit corresponding to the subchannel to be measured can be set to 1; and / or

[0166] - Spatial Flow (SS) Allocation: Indicates the number of spatial flows allocated for each STA for the measurement.

[0167] For example, the aforementioned fields / subfields can be included in the user information field for each STA in the trigger frame.

[0168] A relay STA that receives a trigger frame from an AP to perform channel measurements identifies information about the channel measurements (e.g., information for channel measurements between the relay STA and a terminal STA) in the received trigger frame and can send / relay the information about the channel measurements to the terminal STA.

[0169] In some implementations, the AP can identify when a trigger frame is sent by listening to the relay STA relay and the trigger frame it sends.

[0170] In other implementations, to explicitly indicate to the AP that a trigger frame has been received by a relay STA, the trigger frame sent by the relay STA may include acknowledgment information indicating whether the trigger frame sent by the AP has been received. For example, the acknowledgment information regarding receipt can be indicated by being configured as a separate user information field, and the user information field used for the acknowledgment information may include and / or indicate a specific AID. As another example, the acknowledgment information may include and / or indicate bits used for acknowledgment indication.

[0171] The trigger frame relayed from the relay STA to the terminal STA can be configured to be the same as the trigger frame received by the relay STA, and / or may include some / all of the information included in the trigger frame received by the relay STA, and optionally also include other information.

[0172] After passing through SIFS from the relay trigger frame to the terminal STA, the relay STA can send a probe PPDU (e.g., a probe frame) to the terminal STA for channel measurement between the relay STA and the terminal STA.

[0173] In some implementations, the probe PPDU can be configured in either EHT NDP or the newly defined UHR NDP format. When using the UHR NDP format, the probe PPDU / UHR NDP can be configured by including information / fields in the UHR-SIG indicating that the NDP is being sent by the relay STA. The SIG field of the UHR NDP frame can be configured to include information indicating that a probe is being performed between the relay STA and the terminal STA, and with this information, the AP can explicitly identify that a probe is being performed.

[0174] In other implementations, it can be indicated that the probe PPDU is performed after it is sent. In this case, to explicitly indicate to the AP that the probe PPDU was sent after receiving the trigger frame, the relay STA can send an acknowledgment frame to the AP after SIFS from the time the probe frame was sent. Upon receiving the acknowledgment frame, the AP can recognize that a channel measurement initiated by the AP between the relay STA and the terminal STA is being performed.

[0175] For example, a confirmation frame may include at least one of the following: - Sending probe PPDU / frame: Indicates whether a probe PPDU / frame for probe has been sent.

[0176] - Information indicating whether the trigger frame sent by the AP has been received.

[0177] In some implementations, the ACK frame can be used as an acknowledgment frame.

[0178] In some implementations, the sending of the acknowledgment frame can be omitted if the information in the acknowledgment frame is included in the UHR NDP frame used for probing.

[0179] After SIFS has elapsed since the relay STA sent the probe PPDU / frame, or after the AP received the acknowledgment frame from the relay STA, the AP may send a request frame (or feedback request frame) to the relay STA to receive feedback on the measured channel information. The relay STA that receives the request frame sent by the AP may relay the request frame to the terminal STA.

[0180] The terminal STA that receives the feedback request frame can send the measured channel information to the relay STA, and the relay STA can send / feed back the received channel information to the AP after passing through SIFS from the time it receives the channel information.

[0181] As described above, in order to transmit signals from a relay STA to a terminal STA located at or outside the coverage area of ​​an AP, the process for measuring the channel information between the relay STA and the terminal STA can be as follows: Figure 14 As shown.

[0182] Figure 14 A first example of a process for channel measurement between a relay STA and a terminal STA according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0183] refer to Figure 14 In step S1401, the AP may send a trigger frame to the relay STA. The trigger frame may include information for channel measurement between the relay STA and the terminal STA.

[0184] In step S1403, after SIFS has elapsed since the trigger frame was received, the relay STA can send information for channel measurement between the relay STA and the terminal STA. For example, the relay STA can relay a trigger frame received from the AP to the terminal STA. The trigger frame relayed from the relay STA to the terminal STA can be configured to be the same as the trigger frame received by the relay STA, and / or may include some / all of the information included in the trigger frame received by the relay STA, and optionally also include other information.

[0185] In step S1405, after SIFS has elapsed since the transmission of the trigger frame / information for channel measurement, the relay STA can send a probe frame (e.g., a probe PPDU) to the terminal STA for channel measurement between the relay STA and the terminal STA. The terminal STA can perform channel measurement between the relay STA and the terminal STA based on the probe frame and obtain channel information including the results of the channel measurement.

[0186] In step S1407, after SIFS has elapsed since the probe frame was sent, the relay STA can send an acknowledgment frame to the AP. The acknowledgment frame can indicate that the probe frame has been sent and / or that the trigger frame sent by the AP has been received. Upon receiving the acknowledgment frame, the AP can recognize that a channel measurement initiated by the AP between the relay STA and the terminal STA is being performed. In some implementations, an ACK frame can be used as the acknowledgment frame.

[0187] In step S1409, after passing through SIFS (or another IFS) since receiving the acknowledgment frame, the AP may send a feedback request frame to the relay STA for receiving feedback on the measured channel information.

[0188] In step S1411, after SIFS has elapsed since the feedback request frame was received, the relay STA can send / relay the feedback request frame to the terminal STA.

[0189] In step S1413, after SIFS has elapsed since receiving the feedback request frame, the terminal STA can send the measured channel information to the relay STA.

[0190] In step S1415, after passing through SIFS since receiving the channel information, the relay STA can send / feed back the received channel information to the AP.

[0191] Figure 15 A second example of a process for channel measurement between a relay STA and a terminal STA according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 15 An example of using NDPA probes to perform channel measurements between a relay STA and a terminal STA is shown.

[0192] refer to Figure 15 In step S1501, the AP can send a trigger frame to the relay STA to trigger / initiate channel measurement. The trigger frame may include information for channel measurement between the relay STA and the terminal STA.

[0193] In step S1503, after SIFS has elapsed since receiving the trigger frame, the relay STA can send an NDPA to the terminal STA. The relay STA that received the trigger frame from the AP can send an NDPA and / or NDP for channel measurement to one or more terminal STAs identified by the trigger frame. The NDPA may include information for channel measurement between the relay STA and the terminal STA.

[0194] In some implementations, before sending NDPA, the relay STA can send an ACK or acknowledgment frame to the AP to indicate whether a trigger frame has been received from the AP.

[0195] In some implementations, the NDPA frame sent by the relay STA may include information indicating whether a trigger frame has been received from the AP.

[0196] In step S1505, after SIFS since the NDPA was sent, the relay STA can send an NDP for channel measurement between the relay STA and the terminal STA. The terminal STA can perform channel measurement between the relay STA and the terminal STA based on the NDP and obtain channel information including the results of the channel measurement.

[0197] In step S1507, after SIFS has elapsed since the NDP was sent, the relay STA can send an acknowledgment frame to the AP. The acknowledgment frame can indicate that the NDP has been sent and / or that the trigger frame sent by the AP has been received. Upon receiving the acknowledgment frame, the AP can recognize that a channel measurement initiated by the AP between the relay STA and the terminal STA is being performed.

[0198] In some implementations, the ACK frame can be used as an acknowledgment frame.

[0199] In some implementations, the sending of acknowledgment (ACK) frames can be omitted.

[0200] In step S1509, after passing through SIFS (or another IFS) since receiving the acknowledgment frame, the AP may send a feedback request frame to the relay STA for receiving feedback on the measured channel information.

[0201] In step S1511, after SIFS has elapsed since the feedback request frame was received, the relay STA can send / relay the feedback request frame to the terminal STA.

[0202] In step S1513, after SIFS has elapsed since receiving the feedback request frame, the terminal STA can send the measured channel information to the relay STA.

[0203] In step S1515, after passing through SIFS since receiving the channel information, the relay STA can send / feed back the received channel information to the AP.

[0204] The technical features described above in this disclosure can be applied to various apparatuses and methods. For example, the technical features described above in this disclosure can be derived from... Figure 1 and / or Figure 5 The device executes / supports this. For example, the technical features described above in this disclosure can be applied only to... Figure 1 and / or Figure 5 Part of it. For example, the technical features described above in this disclosure can be based on Figure 1 The processing chips 114 and 124 are used to implement this, or based on... Figure 1 Implemented by processors 111 and 121 and memories 112 and 122, or based on Figure 5 This is achieved through a processor 510 and a memory 520.

[0205] For example, Figure 1 The processor 111, the processing chip 114 and / or Figure 5 The processor 510 can be configured to execute instructions stored in memories 112 and 520 to implement the method performed by a relay STA in this disclosure. The method includes: receiving a trigger frame from an access point (AP) for triggering channel measurement between the relay STA and a terminal STA; in response to receiving the trigger frame, sending to the terminal STA information included in the trigger frame for channel measurement between the relay STA and the terminal STA; after sending the information for channel measurement between the relay STA and the terminal STA, sending to the terminal STA a probe frame for the channel measurement; receiving channel information from the terminal STA, the channel information including the result of the channel measurement performed based on the probe frame; and sending the channel information to the AP.

[0206] For example, Figure 1 The processor 121 and / or processing chip 124 may be configured to execute instructions stored in memory 122 to implement the method performed by the AP in this disclosure. The method includes: sending a trigger frame to a relay station (STA) to trigger a channel measurement between the relay STA and a terminal STA; wherein, in response to receiving the trigger frame, the relay STA sends information included in the trigger frame for the channel measurement between the relay STA and the terminal STA to the terminal STA; wherein, after sending the information for the channel measurement between the relay STA and the terminal STA, the relay STA sends a probe frame for the channel measurement to the terminal STA; and wherein the relay STA receives from the terminal STA channel information including the result of the channel measurement performed based on the probe frame; and receiving the channel information from the relay STA.

[0207] The technical features of this disclosure can be implemented based on a computer-readable medium (CRM) (e.g., a non-transitory CRM). For example, the CRM in this disclosure may include at least one CRM storing program code that implements instructions executable by at least one processor.

[0208] For example, CRM can be Figure 1 memory 112, Figure 5 The memory 520, and / or a separate external memory / storage medium / disk. The CRM may store instructions based on those generated by a processor (e.g., Figure 1 The processor 111, the processing chip 114, and / or Figure 5 The processor 510 executes the method performed by a relay STA in this disclosure. The method includes: receiving a trigger frame from an access point (AP) for triggering channel measurement between the relay STA and a terminal STA; in response to receiving the trigger frame, sending to the terminal STA information included in the trigger frame for channel measurement between the relay STA and the terminal STA; after sending the information for channel measurement between the relay STA and the terminal STA, sending to the terminal STA a probe frame for the channel measurement; receiving channel information from the terminal STA, the channel information including the result of the channel measurement performed based on the probe frame; and sending the channel information to the AP.

[0209] For example, CRM can be Figure 1 The memory 122 and / or separate external memory / storage medium / disk. The CRM may store instructions based on those generated by a processor (e.g., Figure 1 The processor 121 and / or processing chip 124 executes the method performed by the AP in this disclosure. The method includes: sending a trigger frame to a relay station (STA) to trigger a channel measurement between the relay STA and a terminal STA; wherein, in response to receiving the trigger frame, the relay STA sends information included in the trigger frame for the channel measurement between the relay STA and the terminal STA to the terminal STA; wherein, after sending the information for the channel measurement between the relay STA and the terminal STA, the relay STA sends a probe frame for the channel measurement to the terminal STA; and wherein the relay STA receives from the terminal STA channel information including the result of the channel measurement performed based on the probe frame; and receiving the channel information from the relay STA.

[0210] The aforementioned technical features of this disclosure are applicable to various applications or business models. For example, the aforementioned technical features can be applied to wireless communication in devices that support artificial intelligence (AI).

[0211] Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to the field of research concerning artificial intelligence or the methods used to create it, while machine learning refers to the field of research concerning methods for defining and solving various problems within the field of AI. Machine learning is also defined as an algorithm that improves operational performance through stable operational experience.

[0212] Artificial neural networks (ANNs) are models used in machine learning, and can refer to models that solve problems in general, including artificial neurons (nodes) that form a network by combining synapses. An artificial neural network can be defined by the connection patterns between neurons in different layers, the learning process that updates model parameters, and the activation function that generates the output value.

[0213] An artificial neural network may include an input layer, an output layer, and optionally one or more hidden layers. Each layer includes one or more neurons, and the artificial neural network may include synapses connecting the neurons. In an artificial neural network, each neuron can output the value of an activation function of the input signal input through synapses, weights, and biases.

[0214] Model parameters refer to the parameters determined through learning, and include the weights of synaptic connections and the biases of neurons. Hyperparameters refer to the parameters that are set before learning in a machine learning algorithm, and include the learning rate, number of iterations, minimum batch size, and initialization function.

[0215] Learning artificial neural networks may aim to determine model parameters used to minimize a loss function. The loss function can be used as a metric for determining the optimal model parameters during the learning process of an artificial neural network.

[0216] Machine learning can be divided into supervised learning, unsupervised learning, and reinforcement learning.

[0217] Supervised learning refers to the method of training an artificial neural network using labels provided for the training data. When the training data is input into the artificial neural network, the labels indicate the correct answer (or result value) that the network should infer. Unsupervised learning refers to the method of training an artificial neural network without providing labels for the training data. Reinforcement learning can be a training method used to train an agent defined in an environment to select actions or sequences of actions to maximize the cumulative reward in each state.

[0218] Machine learning implemented using deep neural networks (DNNs) with multiple hidden layers is called deep learning, and deep learning is a part of machine learning. In the following text, machine learning is interpreted as including deep learning.

[0219] The aforementioned technical features can be applied to wireless communication for robots.

[0220] A robot can be defined as a machine that automatically processes or operates a given task using its own capabilities. In particular, a robot that has the ability to recognize its environment and make autonomous judgments to perform operations can be called an intelligent robot.

[0221] Depending on their application or field, robots can be categorized into industrial, medical, household, and military robots, among others. Robots can include actuators or drives that include motors to perform various physical operations, such as moving robot joints. Additionally, mobile robots can include wheels, brakes, propellers, etc., in their drives to move on the ground or fly in the air.

[0222] The aforementioned technical features can be applied to devices that support extended reality.

[0223] Extended reality is collectively referred to as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR). VR technology is a computer graphics technology that provides real-world objects and backgrounds only in CG images; AR technology is a computer graphics technology that provides virtual CG images on top of real object images; and MR technology is a computer graphics technology that provides virtual objects that are mixed and combined with the real world.

[0224] MR technology is similar to AR technology in that it can display real and virtual objects together. However, in AR technology, virtual objects are used as a supplement to real objects, while in MR technology, virtual and real objects are used as equals.

[0225] XR technology can be applied to head-mounted displays (HMDs), head-up displays (HUDs), mobile phones, tablets, laptops, desktop computers, televisions, digital signage, and more. Devices that utilize XR technology can be referred to as XR devices.

[0226] This disclosure can have various beneficial effects.

[0227] For example, in relay operations, channel state / channel information between relay STAs and terminal STAs is identified by probing. Relay STAs can send signals to terminal STAs by applying efficient transmission parameters during relay operations, thereby improving throughput and reducing latency.

[0228] The beneficial effects that can be obtained through specific embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to those listed above. For example, various technical effects can exist that can be understood and / or obtained by those skilled in the art from this disclosure. Therefore, the specific effects of this disclosure are not limited to those explicitly described herein, but can include various effects that can be understood or obtained from the technical features of this disclosure.

[0229] The claims in this disclosure can be combined in various ways. For example, the technical features in the method claims of this disclosure can be combined to be implemented or performed in an apparatus, and the technical features in the apparatus claims can be combined to be implemented or performed in a method. Furthermore, the technical features in the method claims and apparatus claims can be combined to be implemented or performed in an apparatus, and the technical features in the method claims and apparatus claims can be combined to be implemented or performed in a method.

Claims

1. A method, the method comprising: The relay station STA receives a trigger frame from the access point AP, and the trigger frame is used to trigger channel measurement between the relay STA and the terminal STA; In response to receiving the trigger frame, the relay STA sends the information included in the trigger frame for the channel measurement between the relay STA and the terminal STA to the terminal STA; After sending the information for the channel measurement between the relay STA and the terminal STA, the relay STA sends a probe frame for the channel measurement to the terminal STA; The relay STA receives channel information from the terminal STA, the channel information including the results of the channel measurement performed based on the probe frame; as well as The relay STA sends the channel information to the AP.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, Sending the information for the channel measurement between the relay STA and the terminal STA includes: the relay STA sending the trigger frame to the terminal STA, the trigger frame including the information for the channel measurement between the relay STA and the terminal STA.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein, The trigger frame sent by the relay STA includes an acknowledgment message indicating that the trigger frame sent by the AP has been received by the relay STA.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein, Sending the information for the channel measurement between the relay STA and the terminal STA includes: the relay STA sending a Null Data Packet Advertisement (NDPA) frame, the NDPA frame including the information for the channel measurement between the relay STA and the terminal STA.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein, The NDPA frame includes an acknowledgment message indicating that the trigger frame sent by the AP has been received by the relay STA.

6. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: After receiving the trigger frame from the AP, the relay STA sends an acknowledgment frame to the AP, indicating that the trigger frame sent by the AP has been received by the relay STA.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The information used for the channel measurement between the relay STA and the terminal STA includes at least one of the following: the ID of the relay STA, the ID of the terminal STA, bandwidth information used for the channel measurement, tone group size used for the channel measurement, or codebook size associated with the channel information.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The probe frames include NDP (Null Data Packet) frames.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The probe frame includes information indicating the performance of the channel measurement between the relay STA and the terminal STA.

10. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: After sending the probe frame, the relay STA sends an acknowledgment frame to the AP, the acknowledgment frame including information indicating that the channel measurement between the relay STA and the terminal STA should be performed.

11. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: The relay STA receives a feedback request frame from the AP requesting the channel information; as well as The relay STA sends the feedback request frame to the terminal STA. Specifically, after sending the feedback request frame to the terminal STA, the channel information is received.

12. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The terminal STA does not belong to the Basic Service Set (BSS) to which the AP and the relay STA belong.

13. The method according to claim 1, wherein, Uplink transmission to the AP is not subject to the request of the trigger frame received from the AP.

14. A relay station (STA) in a wireless local area network (LAN) system, the relay station comprising: transceiver; Memory; as well as At least one processor, the at least one processor being operatively coupled to the transceiver and the memory, The memory stores instructions, which perform operations based on execution by the at least one processor, the operations including: A trigger frame is received from the access point (AP), the trigger frame being used to trigger channel measurement between the relay STA and the terminal STA; In response to receiving the trigger frame, the information included in the trigger frame for the channel measurement between the relay STA and the terminal STA is sent to the terminal STA; After sending the information for the channel measurement between the relay STA and the terminal STA, a probe frame for the channel measurement is sent to the terminal STA; Channel information is received from the terminal STA, the channel information including the results of the channel measurement performed based on the probe frame; and The channel information is sent to the AP.

15. A device configured to operate in a wireless local area network (LAN) system, the device comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory, the at least one memory being operatively coupled to the at least one processor. Wherein, the at least one memory stores instructions, the instructions being executed by the at least one processor to perform operations of a relay station (STA), the operations including: A trigger frame is received from the access point (AP), the trigger frame being used to trigger channel measurement between the relay STA and the terminal STA; In response to receiving the trigger frame, the information included in the trigger frame for the channel measurement between the relay STA and the terminal STA is sent to the terminal STA; After sending the information for the channel measurement between the relay STA and the terminal STA, a probe frame for the channel measurement is sent to the terminal STA; Channel information is received from the terminal STA, the channel information including the results of the channel measurement performed based on the probe frame; and The channel information is sent to the AP.

16. A non-transitory computer-readable medium (CRM) storing program code that implements instructions that perform operations based on execution by at least one processor, the operations including: A trigger frame is received from the access point (AP), the trigger frame being used to trigger channel measurement between the relay STA and the terminal STA; In response to receiving the trigger frame, the information included in the trigger frame for the channel measurement between the relay STA and the terminal STA is sent to the terminal STA; After sending the information for the channel measurement between the relay STA and the terminal STA, a probe frame for the channel measurement is sent to the terminal STA; Channel information is received from the terminal STA, the channel information including the results of the channel measurement performed based on the probe frame; as well as The channel information is sent to the AP.

17. A method, the method comprising: The access point (AP) sends a trigger frame to the relay station (STA), which is used to trigger channel measurement between the relay STA and the terminal STA. In response to receiving the trigger frame, the relay STA sends information included in the trigger frame for channel measurement between the relay STA and the terminal STA. Wherein, after the relay STA sends the information for the channel measurement between the relay STA and the terminal STA, it sends a probe frame for the channel measurement to the terminal STA, and The relay STA receives channel information from the terminal STA, including the results of the channel measurement performed based on the probe frame; and The AP receives the channel information from the relay STA.

18. An access point (AP), the AP comprising: transceiver; Memory; as well as At least one processor, said at least one processor being functionally coupled to the transceiver and the memory, The memory stores instructions, which perform operations based on execution by the at least one processor, the operations including: A trigger frame is sent to the relay station (STA), which is used to trigger channel measurement between the relay STA and the terminal STA. In response to receiving the trigger frame, the relay STA sends information included in the trigger frame for channel measurement between the relay STA and the terminal STA. Wherein, after the relay STA sends the information for the channel measurement between the relay STA and the terminal STA, it sends a probe frame for the channel measurement to the terminal STA, and The relay STA receives channel information from the terminal STA, including the results of the channel measurement performed based on the probe frame; and The channel information is received from the relay STA.

19. The AP according to claim 18, wherein, The operation further includes receiving an acknowledgment frame from the relay STA, the acknowledgment frame including information indicating the performance of the channel measurement between the relay STA and the terminal STA.

20. The AP according to claim 18, wherein, The terminal STA does not belong to the Basic Service Set (BSS) to which the AP and the relay STA belong.

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