Method and apparatus for performing a sounding protocol for applying beamforming during spatial modulation applications in a wireless LAN system

Abstract

A method and apparatus for performing a sounding protocol for applying beamforming during spatial modulation application in a wireless LAN system are proposed. Specifically, a receiving STA receives an NDPA frame from a transmitting STA. The receiving STA receives an NDP frame from the transmitting STA. The receiving STA transmits a feedback frame to the transmitting STA. The NDPA frame includes a first field to a third field. The first field includes information about whether to indicate beamforming for spatial modulation. The second field includes information about a modulation order for spatial modulation. The third field includes information about a number of active antenna elements for spatial modulation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This specification relates to a scheme for performing a detection protocol for applied beamforming when spatial modulation is applied in a wireless LAN system, and more specifically, to a method and apparatus for performing spatially modulated beamforming by configuring NDPA frames and compressed beamforming / CQI frames. Background Technology

[0002] Wireless local area networks (WLANs) have been improved in various ways. For example, the IEEE 802.11ax standard proposes an improved communication environment using orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) and downlink multiple user multiple input multiple output (DLMU MIMO) technologies.

[0003] This specification proposes technical features that can be utilized in new communication standards. For example, a new communication standard could be the currently discussed Extremely High Throughput (EHT) standard. The EHT standard could utilize newly proposed increased bandwidth, enhanced PHY layer Protocol Data Unit (PPDU) structures, enhanced sequencing, Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) schemes, etc. The EHT standard could be referred to as the IEEE 802.11be standard.

[0004] New wireless LAN standards may use an increased number of spatial streams. In this case, to properly utilize the increased number of spatial streams, it may be necessary to improve the signaling technology in the WLAN system. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Technical issues

[0006] This specification provides a method and apparatus for executing a detection protocol for applied beamforming when spatial modulation is applied in a wireless LAN system.

[0007] Technical solution

[0008] The examples in this specification present a method for executing a probe protocol for applied beamforming when applying spatial modulation.

[0009] This implementation can be performed in network environments that support next-generation wireless LAN systems (Ultra-High Reliability (UHR) wireless LAN systems or next-generation Wi-Fi). Next-generation wireless LAN systems are wireless LAN systems that improve upon the 802.11be system and meet backward compatibility requirements with the 802.11be system.

[0010] This implementation is performed in a receiving STA, which may correspond to at least one station (STA) or beamforming receiver. The transmitting STA may correspond to an access point (AP) or beamforming transmitter.

[0011] This embodiment proposes a method for performing beamforming by applying spatial modulation, a technique that improves transmission rate by notifying specific antennas whether they are on or off. Specifically, this specification proposes a signaling method for feeding back all component V matrices.

[0012] The receiving station (STA) receives null data packet advertisement (NDPA) frames from the sending STA.

[0013] Based on the receipt of the NDPA frame, the receiving STA receives a null data packet (NDP) frame from the transmitting STA.

[0014] Based on the receipt of the NDP frame, the receiving STA sends a feedback frame to the sending STA.

[0015] The NDPA frame configures the first to third fields.

[0016] The first field includes information about whether beamforming for spatial modulation is indicated. For example, a setting of 1 to the first field indicates that spatial modulation has been applied. A setting of 0 to the first field indicates that spatial modulation has not been applied.

[0017] The second field includes information about the modulation order of the spatial modulation. The modulation order of the spatial modulation can be determined based on the number of transmit antennas of the transmitting STA and the number of active antenna elements (described later). The spatial modulation can be a technique based on ensuring transmission flow by activating antenna elements to notify the transmit antennas whether they are on / off, thereby increasing the transmission rate.

[0018] This third field includes information about the number of activated antenna elements used for spatial modulation. The dimensions of the beamforming matrix fed back by the beamforming receiver can be specified based on this third field.

[0019] Beneficial effects

[0020] This embodiment proposes a probe-feedback mechanism that allows beamforming transmitters / receivers intending to apply spatial modulation to obtain an appropriate beamforming matrix. To this end, a signaling method for feeding back the V-matrix of all components is proposed, based on modifying the NDPA frame and feedback frame (or compressed beamforming / channel quality indicator (CQI) frame) in a conventional probe-feedback mechanism. Accordingly, beamforming gain can be obtained even when operating with spatial modulation, thereby improving the overall system throughput. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 Examples of transmitting and / or receiving devices are shown in this specification.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating the structure of a wireless local area network (WLAN).

[0023] Figure 3 The diagram illustrates the typical link establishment process.

[0024] Figure 4 An example of multi-link (ML) is shown.

[0025] Figure 5 Examples of Physical Protocol Data Units or Physical Layer (PHY) Protocol Data Units (PPDUs) transmitted / received by the STA of this disclosure are shown.

[0026] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating the layout of a resource unit (RU) for a 20 MHz PPDU.

[0027] Figure 7 The layout of a resource unit (RU) for a 40 MHz PPDU is illustrated.

[0028] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating the layout of a resource unit (RU) for an 80 MHz PPDU.

[0029] Figure 9 The operation related to UL-MU is shown.

[0030] Figure 10 The illustration shows an example of a channel used / supported / defined within the 2.4 GHz band.

[0031] Figure 11 The illustration shows an example of a channel used / supported / defined within the 5 GHz band.

[0032] Figure 12 The illustration shows an example of a channel used / supported / defined within the 6 GHz band.

[0033] Figure 13 An example of a MAC frame header is shown.

[0034] Figure 14 An example of a modification to the transmitting and / or receiving apparatus described herein is illustrated.

[0035] Figure 15 An example of EHT non-TB probe is shown.

[0036] Figure 16 An example of EHT TB detection is shown.

[0037] Figure 17 An example of an EHT NDP notification frame format is shown.

[0038] Figure 18 An example block diagram of a TX device that implements spatial modulation is shown.

[0039] Figure 19 An example of the detection feedback mechanism proposed in this specification is shown.

[0040] Figure 20 An example of the STA information field of NDPA as presented in this specification is shown.

[0041] Figure 21 Another example of the STA information field of NDPA as presented in this specification is shown.

[0042] Figure 22 An example of the MIMO control field presented in this specification is shown.

[0043] Figure 23 An example of a spatial modulation-based compressed beamforming report presented in this specification is illustrated.

[0044] Figure 24 Another example of the MIMO control field presented in this specification is shown.

[0045] Figure 25 This illustrates another example of a spatially modulated compressed beamforming report presented in this specification.

[0046] Figure 26 An example of a PPDU is shown in this specification.

[0047] Figure 27 An example is given of the process by which a transmitting device based on this embodiment executes a detection protocol for application spatial modulation.

[0048] Figure 28 An example is given of the process by which a receiving device based on this embodiment executes a detection protocol for application spatial modulation.

[0049] Figure 29 The overall process of a detection protocol for application spatial modulation based on this embodiment is illustrated.

[0050] Figure 30 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the transmitting device based on this embodiment.

[0051] Figure 31 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the receiving device based on this embodiment.

[0052] Figure 32This is a flowchart illustrating the process of transmitting a STA to perform a detection protocol for application beamforming based on application spatial modulation according to this embodiment.

[0053] Figure 33 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of a receiving STA executing a detection protocol for application beamforming based on application spatial modulation according to this embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0054] 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".

[0055] 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".

[0056] 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".

[0057] 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".

[0058] 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".

[0059] 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”.

[0060] The technical features described individually in one of the accompanying drawings of this disclosure may be implemented individually or simultaneously.

[0061] 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. Furthermore, the examples of this disclosure can also be applied to new WLAN standards enhanced from EHT standards or IEEE 802.11 be 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.

[0062] In the following text, for the purpose of describing the technical features of this disclosure, technical features applicable to this disclosure will be described.

[0063] Figure 1 Examples of transmitting and / or receiving devices of this disclosure are shown.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] In addition to the IEEE 802.11 standard, the STAs 110 and 120 of this disclosure can support various communication standards together. 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 as various devices such as mobile phones, vehicles, and personal computers. Additionally, the STAs of this disclosure can support various communication services such as voice calls, video calls, data communications, and autonomous driving.

[0067] 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.

[0068] The following will refer to Figure 1 The subgraph (a) is used to describe STA 110 and 120.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.).

[0071] 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).

[0072] 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.).

[0073] 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).

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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 (e.g., information related to fields / subfields / control fields / parameters / power, etc.) used by various STAs to determine / obtain / configure / calculate / decode / decode the TX / RX signal may be stored in the STA's memory. Figure 1 In memory 112 and 122.

[0077] 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.

[0078] For example, Figure 1The transceivers 113 and 123 shown in subgraph (b) can perform operations with Figure 1 The transceiver shown in sub-diagram (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.

[0079] 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 be... 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 a STA can be understood as being achieved through... Figure 1 The transceiver 113 shown in sub-diagrams (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).

[0080] 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).

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] Figure 2 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating the structure of a wireless local area network (WLAN).

[0085] Figure 2 The upper part of the diagram illustrates the structure of the Infrastructure Basic Services Set (BSS) of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11.

[0086] Figure 2 The upper part of the diagram illustrates the structure of the Infrastructure Basic Services Set (BSS) of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11.

[0087] 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.

[0088] BSS may include at least STA, APs 255 and 230 that provide distributed services, and a distributed system (DS) 210 that connects multiple APs.

[0089] 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).

[0090] Portal 220 can be used as a bridge to connect a wireless LAN network (IEEE 802.11) to another network (e.g., 802.X).

[0091] 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).

[0092] Figure 2 The lower part of the diagram shows a concept map, illustrating IBSS.

[0093] refer to Figure 2The 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.

[0094] Figure 3 The diagram illustrates the typical link establishment process.

[0095] 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.

[0096] Figure 3 The diagram illustrates the network discovery process in active scanning. In active scanning, the STA performing the scan sends a probe request frame and waits for a response to it, in order to identify which APs are nearby while moving to a new channel. The responder sends a probe response frame to the STA that sent the probe request frame as a response. 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, move to the next channel (e.g., channel 2), and perform a scan in the same way (e.g., sending a probe request and receiving a probe response via channel 2).

[0097] Although Figure 3As 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 a scan on the next channel using the same method.

[0098] 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.

[0099] 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.

[0100] 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.

[0101] 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.

[0102] 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).

[0103] Figure 4 An example of multi-link (ML) is shown.

[0104] 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 affiliated APs (i.e., AP STAs), and a non-AP MLD may include affiliated STAs (i.e., non-AP STAs or user STAs).

[0105] A multi-link system may include a first link and a second link, and different channel / subchannel / frequency resources may be allocated to the first link and the second link. The first and second multi-link systems 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.

[0106] Figure 4 The AP MLD includes three affiliated 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.

[0107] 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).

[0108] 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.

[0109] Figure 5 Examples of Physical Protocol Data Units or Physical Layer (PHY) Protocol Data Units (PPDUs) transmitted / received by the STA of this disclosure are shown.

[0110] The STA (e.g., AP STA, non-AP STA, AP MLD, non-AP MLD) disclosed herein can send and / or receive. Figure 5 The PPDU described in this disclosure may have, for example... Figure 5 The structure is as follows. Furthermore, the PPDU described in this disclosure may be referred to by various names, such as transmit PPDU, receive PPDU, type 1 or type N PPDU, etc. The PPDU described in this disclosure can be used in WLAN systems defined according to IEEE 802.11bn and / or in next-generation WLAN systems that improve upon IEEE 802.11bn.

[0111] Figure 5 The PPDU can encompass various PPDU types used in UHR systems. For example, Figure 5 Examples can be used for at least one of the following modes related to channel detection: single-user (SU) mode / type / transmission, multi-user (MU) mode / type / transmission, and null packet (NDP) mode / type / transmission. For example, if Figure 5 If the example involves NDP, the data fields shown can be omitted. Figure 5 The PPDU is used in trigger-based (TB) mode and can be omitted. Figure 6 The UHR-SIG. In other words, a STA that has received a trigger frame for uplink-MU (UL-MU) communication can send a UHR-SIG. Figure 5 The UHR-SIG PPDU is omitted in the example.

[0112] exist Figure 5In this context, L-STF or UHR-LTF can be referred to as a preamble or physical preamble, and can be generated / transmitted / received / acquired / decoded at the physical layer (including in the transmit / receive STA).

[0113] Figure 5 The blocks shown in the diagram can be referred to as fields / subfields / signals, etc. These fields / subfields / signals can be named as Traditional Short Training Field (L-STF), Traditional Long Training Field (L-LTF), Traditional Signal (L-SIG), Repeated L-SIG (RL-SIG), Universal Signal (U-SIG), UHR Signal (UHR-SIG), etc. Figure 5 As shown in the diagram.

[0114] Figure 5 The subcarrier spacing of the L-STF, L-LTF, L-SIG, RL-SIG, U-SIG, and UHR-SIG fields can be determined to be 312.5 kHz, and the subcarrier spacing of the UHR-STF, UHR-LTF, and Data fields can be determined to be 78.125 kHz. That is, the tone index (or subcarrier index) of the L-STF, L-LTF, L-SIG, RL-SIG, U-SIG, and UHR-SIG fields can be represented in units of 312.5 kHz, and the tone index (or subcarrier index) of the UHR-STF, UHR-LTF, and Data fields can be represented in units of 78.125 kHz.

[0115] exist Figure 5 In the PPDU, the L-LTF and L-STF can be the same as those in the conventional domain (e.g., non-HT LTF and non-HT STF defined in conventional WLAN standards).

[0116] Figure 5The L-SIG field can include, for example, 24 bits of bit information. For instance, the 24 bits could include a 4-bit rate field, a 1-bit reserved bit, a 12-bit length field, a 1-bit parity bit, and a 6-bit tail bit. For example, the 12-bit length field could include information related to the length or duration of the PPDU. For example, the 12-bit length field can be determined based on the type of PPDU. For example, when the PPDU is a Non-High Throughput (HT), High Throughput (HT), Very High Throughput (VHT) PPDU, Extremely High Throughput (EHT) PPDU, or UHR PPDU, the value of the length field can be determined to be a multiple of 3. For example, when the PPDU is an HE PPDU, the length field can be determined to be a multiple of 3 + 1 or a multiple of 3 + 2. In other words, for non-HT, HT, VHT, EHT, or UHR PPDUs, the length field value can be set to a multiple of 3, and for high-efficiency (HE) PPDUs, the length field value can be set to either a multiple of 3 + 1 or a multiple of 3 + 2. In other words, the LENGTH field in a UHR PPDU is set to a value that satisfies the condition that LENGTH divided by 3 leaves a remainder of 0.

[0117] For example, a (non-AP and AP) STA can apply BCC encoding based on a 1 / 2 coding rate to the 24-bit information of the L-SIG field. The transmitting STA then obtains 48 bits of BCC compiled bits. BPSK modulation can be applied to these 48 compiled bits to generate 48 BPSK symbols. The transmitting STA can map these 48 BPSK symbols to positions other than the pilot subcarriers {subcarrier indices -21, -7, +7, +21} and the DC subcarrier {subcarrier index 0}. As a result, the 48 BPSK symbols can be mapped to subcarrier indices -26 to -22, -20 to -8, -6 to -1, +1 to +6, +8 to +20, and +22 to +26. The transmitting STA can additionally map the signal {-1, -1, -1, 1} to subcarrier indices {-28, -27, +27, +28}. The aforementioned signals can be used for channel estimation in the frequency domain corresponding to {-28, -27, +27, +28}.

[0118] For example, a (non-AP and AP) STA can generate an RL-SIG in the same way as the L-SIG. BPSK modulation can be applied to the RL-SIG. Based on the presence of the RL-SIG, the (non-AP and AP) STA can know that the RX PPDU is an HE PPDU, EHT PPDU, or UHR PPDU. In other words, if the RL-SIG is present, the receiving (non-AP and AP) STA can know that the received PPDU is one of an HE PPDU, EHT PPDU, or UHR PPDU. In other words, if the RL-SIG is not present, the receiving (non-AP and AP) STA can know that the received PPDU is one of a non-HT PPDU, HT PPDU, or VHT PPDU. In other words, the RL-SIG field is a repetition of the L-SIG field and is used to distinguish UHR PPDUs from non-HT PPDUs, HT PPDUs, and VHT PPDUs.

[0119] Universal SIG (U-SIG) can be inserted in Figure 6 Following RL-SIG, U-SIG can be referred to by various terms such as First SIG Field, First SIG, First Type SIG, Control Signal, Control Signal Field, First (Type) Control Signal, Common Control Field, Common Control Field, etc.

[0120] U-SIG can include N bits of information and may include information to identify the type of EHT PPDU. For example, U-SIG can be configured based on two symbols (e.g., two consecutive OFDM symbols). Each symbol used for U-SIG (e.g., an OFDM symbol) can have a duration of 4 μs. Each symbol of U-SIG can be used to transmit 26 bits of information. For example, each symbol of U-SIG can be transmitted / received based on 52 data tones and 4 pilot tones.

[0121] Through U-SIG, for example, A bits of information (e.g., 52 uncompiled bits) can be transmitted. The first symbol of U-SIG can transmit the first X bits of the A bits of information (e.g., 26 uncompiled bits), and the second symbol of U-SIG can transmit the remaining Y bits of the A bits of information (e.g., 26 uncompiled bits). For example, the transmitting STA can obtain the 26 uncompiled bits included in each U-SIG symbol. The transmitting STA can perform convolutional coding (i.e., BCC coding) based on a rate of R=1 / 2 to generate 52 compiled bits, and can perform interleaving on the 52 compiled bits. The transmitting STA can perform BPSK modulation on the interleaved 52 compiled bits to generate 52 BPSK symbols to be assigned to each U-SIG symbol. A U-SIG symbol can be transmitted based on 65 tones (subcarriers) from subcarrier index -28 to subcarrier index +28, except for DC index 0. The 52 BPSK symbols generated by the transmitting STA can be transmitted based on the remaining tones (subcarriers) other than the pilot tone, namely tones -21, -7, +7, and +21.

[0122] For example, the A-bit information generated by U-SIG (e.g., 52 uncompiled bits) may include a CRC field (e.g., a 4-bit field) and a tail field (e.g., a 6-bit field). The CRC and tail fields can be sent via a second symbol of U-SIG. The CRC field can be generated based on the 26 bits allocated to the first symbol of U-SIG and the remaining 16 bits from the second symbol excluding the CRC / tail field, and can be generated based on a standard CRC calculation algorithm. Additionally, the tail field can be used to terminate the trellis of the convolutional decoder and can be set to, for example, "000000".

[0123] The A-bit information (e.g., 52 uncompiled bits) sent by U-SIG (or the U-SIG field) can be divided into version-independent bits and version-dependent bits. For example, version-independent bits can have a fixed or variable size. For example, version-independent bits can be assigned only to the first symbol of U-SIG, or version-independent bits can be assigned to both the first and second symbols of U-SIG. For example, version-independent bits and version-dependent bits can be referred to using various terms such as first control bit, second control bit, etc.

[0124] For example, the version-independent bits of the U-SIG can include a 3-bit PHY version identifier. For example, the 3-bit PHY version identifier can include information related to the PHY version of the TX / RX PPDU. For example, the first value of the 3-bit PHY version identifier (e.g., a value of 000) can indicate that the TX / RX PPDU is an EHT PPDU. Furthermore, the second value of the 3-bit PHY version identifier (e.g., a value of 001) can indicate that the TX / RX PPDU is a UHR PPDU.

[0125] In other words, when an (AP / non-AP) STA sends an EHT PPDU, the 3-bit PHY version identifier can be set to a first value, and when an (AP / non-AP) STA sends a UHR PPDU, the 3-bit PHY version identifier can be set to a second value. In other words, the receiving (AP / non-AP) STA can determine that the received PPDU is an EHT PPDU based on the PHY version identifier with the first value, and can determine that the received PPDU is a UHR PPDU based on the PHY version identifier with the second value.

[0126] For example, the version-independent bits of U-SIG may include a 1-bit UL / DL flag field. The first value of the 1-bit UL / DL flag field is related to UL communication, and the second value of the UL / DL flag field is related to DL communication.

[0127] For example, the version-independent bits of U-SIG can include information related to the transmission opportunity (TXOP) length and information related to the BSS color ID.

[0128] For example, if the UHR PPDU is classified into various types (e.g., types related to SU transmission (based on UL or DL), types related to DL transmission, types related to NDP transmission, types related to DL non-MU-MIMO, types related to DL MU-MIMO, types related to multi-AP operation, types related to Co-BF beamforming (Co-BF), spatial reuse (SR), types related to Co-OFDMA (C-OFDMA), and types related to Co-TDMA (Co-TDMA), then information about the type of UHR PPDU (e.g., 2-bit or 3-bit information) can be included in the version-related bits of the U-SIG.

[0129] For example, U-SIG may include: 1) a bandwidth field including information related to bandwidth; 2) a field including information related to the modulation and demodulation scheme (MCS) applied to UHR-SIG; 3) an indication field including information related to whether a dual subcarrier modulation (DCM) scheme is applied to UHR-SIG; 4) a field including information related to the number of symbols used for UHR-SIG; 5) a field including information related to whether UHR-SIG is generated across the entire frequency band; 6) a field including information related to the type of UHR-LTF / STF; and 7) information related to fields indicating the length of UHR-LTF and the length of CP.

[0130] Can be Figure 5 The PPDU uses a preamble puncturing. A preamble puncturing means that the puncturing is applied to a portion of the full frequency band (e.g., the secondary 20 MHz band). For example, when transmitting an 80 MHz PPDU, the STA can apply puncturing to the secondary 20 MHz band within the 80 MHz band, and can transmit the PPDU only through the primary 20 MHz band and the secondary 40 MHz band.

[0131] For example, the pattern of the preamble perforation can be pre-configured. For example, when applying the first perforation pattern, perforation can be applied only to the secondary 20 MHz band within the 80 MHz band. For example, when applying the second perforation pattern, perforation can be applied only to any one of the two secondary 20 MHz bands within the secondary 40 MHz band included in the 80 MHz band. For example, when applying the third perforation pattern, perforation can be applied only to the secondary 20 MHz band within the primary 80 MHz band included in the 160 MHz band (or 80+80 MHz band). For example, when applying the fourth perforation pattern, perforation can be applied to at least one 20 MHz channel that does not belong to the primary 40 MHz band, provided that the primary 40 MHz band within the 80 MHz band included in the 160 MHz band (or 80+80 MHz band) is present.

[0132] Information related to the prelead puncture applied to the PPDU can be included in the U-SIG and / or UHR-SIG. For example, the first field of the U-SIG may include information related to continuous bandwidth, and the second field of the U-SIG may include information related to the prelead puncture applied to the PPDU.

[0133] For example, based on the following method, U-SIG and UHR-SIG can include information related to prelead punctures. When the bandwidth of the PPDU exceeds 80 MHz, U-SIG can be configured individually in 80 MHz units. For example, when the bandwidth of the PPDU is 160 MHz, the PPDU can include a first U-SIG for a first 80 MHz band and a second U-SIG for a second 80 MHz band. In this case, the first field of the first U-SIG can include information related to the 160 MHz bandwidth, and the second field of the first U-SIG can include information related to prelead punctures applied to the first 80 MHz band (i.e., information related to the prelead puncture pattern). Additionally, the first field of the second U-SIG can include information related to the 160 MHz bandwidth, and the second field of the second U-SIG can include information related to prelead punctures applied to the second 80 MHz band (i.e., information related to the prelead puncture pattern). Meanwhile, the UHR-SIG consecutive with the first U-SIG may include information related to the prelead via applied to the second 80 MHz band (i.e., information related to the prelead via pattern), and the UHR-SIG consecutive with the second U-SIG may include information related to the prelead via applied to the first 80 MHz band (i.e., information related to the prelead via pattern).

[0134] Additionally or alternatively, U-SIG and UHR-SIG may include information related to the preamble puncture, based on the following method: U-SIG may include information related to the preamble puncture for all frequency bands (i.e., information related to the preamble puncture pattern). That is, UHR-SIG may not include information related to the preamble puncture, while only U-SIG may include information related to the preamble puncture (i.e., information related to the preamble puncture pattern).

[0135] U-SIGs can be configured in 20 MHz units. For example, when an 80 MHz PPDU is configured, U-SIGs can be duplicated. That is, four identical U-SIGs can be included in an 80 MHz PPDU. PPDUs with bandwidths exceeding 80 MHz can include different U-SIGs.

[0136] Figure 5 The UHR-SIG can include control information for receiving STAs. The UHR-SIG can be transmitted using at least one symbol, and a symbol can have a length of 4 μs. Information related to the number of symbols used for the UHR-SIG can be included in the U-SIG.

[0137] UHR-SIG provides additional signals to the U-SIG field to enable the STA to interpret / decode the UHR PPDU. The UHR-SIG field may include U-SIG overflow bits that are typically applied to all users. In addition, the UHR-SIG field includes resource allocation information, allowing the STA to locate resources used in fields including the data field / UHR-STF / UHR-LTF (i.e., the UHR modulation field of the UHR PPDU).

[0138] It can be determined based on the RU (Resource Unit) defined by multiple subcarriers / tones. Figure 5 The diagram illustrates the frequency resources of the UHR-LTF, UHR-STF, and data fields. In other words, the UHR-LTF, UHR-STF, and data fields of this disclosure can be transmitted / received via RUs (Resource Units) defined by multiple subcarriers / tones.

[0139] Figure 6 This diagram illustrates the layout of a resource unit (RU) for a 20 MHz PPDU. Specifically, the UHR-LTF, UHR-STF, and / or data fields included in the 20 MHz PPDU can be accessed via... Figure 6 At least one of the various RUs defined in the code is used to send / receive.

[0140] like Figure 6 The topmost diagram shows a configuration that can accommodate 26 units (i.e., units corresponding to 26 tones). Six tones can be used for the guard band in the leftmost band of the 20 MHz frequency band, and five tones can be used for the guard band in the rightmost band of the 20 MHz frequency band. Furthermore, seven DC tones can be inserted in the center band (i.e., the DC band), and 26 units corresponding to 13 tones on each of the left and right sides of the DC band can be arranged. Units of 26, 52, and 106 can be allocated to other frequency bands. Individual units can be assigned to receiving STAs (i.e., users).

[0141] at the same time, Figure 6 The RU layout in the diagram can be used not only for multi-user (MU) but also for single-user (SU). In the single-user case, a 242 unit can be used and three DC tones can be inserted, such as... Figure 6 The bottom part is shown in the diagram.

[0142] Although Figure 6Various sizes of RUs have been proposed, namely 26-RU, 52-RU, 106-RU, and 242-RU, but RUs of a specific size can be expanded or increased. Therefore, this embodiment is not limited to individual RUs of a specific size (i.e., the number of corresponding tones). In this specification, an N-RU can be represented as an N-tone RU, etc. For example, a 26-RU can be represented as a 26-tone RU.

[0143] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating the layout of a resource unit (RU) for a 40 MHz PPDU.

[0144] With the use of RUs of various sizes Figure 6 Similarly, in Figure 7 Examples of frequencies that can be used include 26-RU, 52-RU, 106-RU, 242-RU, and 484-RU. Additionally, five DC tones can be inserted into the center frequency; 12 tones can be used for the leftmost guard band of the 40 MHz band; and 11 tones can be used for the rightmost guard band of the 40 MHz band.

[0145] like Figure 7 As shown, a 484-RU can be used when the RU layout is for a single user. The specific number of RUs can be similar to... Figure 5 Change.

[0146] Figure 8 This diagram illustrates the layout of resource units (RUs) for an 80 MHz PPDU. The layout of resource units (RUs) used in this specification can vary. For example, the layout of resource units (RUs) used in the 80 MHz band can be varied.

[0147] Figure 9 The operation related to the UL-MU is illustrated. As shown, a transmitting STA (e.g., an AP) can perform channel access through contention (i.e., backoff operation) and transmit a trigger frame 930. That is, the transmitting STA (e.g., an AP) can transmit a PPDU 930 including the trigger frame. When the PPDU including the trigger frame is received, a TB (trigger-based) PPDU is transmitted after a delay of SIFS.

[0148] Multiple TB PPDUs 941, 942 can be transmitted simultaneously and can be transmitted from multiple STAs (e.g., user STAs) whose AIDs are indicated in the trigger frame 930. The ACK frame 950 for the TB PPDU can be implemented in various forms.

[0149] Figure 10 The figure shows an example of a channel used / supported / defined within the 2.4 GHz band.

[0150] The 2.4 GHz band can also be referred to by other names, such as "first band". Furthermore, the 2.4 GHz band can refer to the frequency range used / supported / defined by channels having a center frequency adjacent to 2.4 GHz (e.g., channels having a center frequency between 2.4 GHz and 2.5 GHz).

[0151] The 2.4 GHz band can include multiple 20 MHz channels. Each 20 MHz channel within the 2.4 GHz band can have multiple channel indices (e.g., indices 1 to 14). For example, the center frequency of channel index 1 for a 20 MHz channel allocation could be 2.412 GHz, the center frequency of channel index 2 for a 20 MHz channel allocation could be 2.417 GHz, and the center frequency of channel index N for a 20 MHz channel allocation could be (2.407 + 0.005 GHz). (N) GHz. The channel index can be referenced by various names such as the channel number. The specific values ​​of the channel index and the center frequency can be changed.

[0152] Figure 10 Four channels within a 2.4 GHz frequency band are illustrated exemplarily. The first frequency region 1010 to the fourth frequency region 1040 shown may each include one channel. For example, the first frequency region 1010 may include channel 1 (the 20 MHz channel with index 1). In this case, the center frequency of channel 1 may be set to 2412 MHz. The second frequency region 1020 may include channel 6. In this case, the center frequency of channel 6 may be set to 2437 MHz. The third frequency region 1030 may include channel 11. In this case, the center frequency of channel 11 may be set to 2462 MHz. The fourth frequency region 1040 may include channel 14. In this case, the center frequency of channel 14 may be set to 2484 MHz.

[0153] Figure 11 The figure shows an example of a channel used / supported / defined within the 5 GHz band.

[0154] The 5 GHz band can be referred to by other names, such as second band / band, etc. The 5 GHz band can refer to the frequency range that uses / supports / defines channels with a center frequency greater than or equal to 5 GHz and less than 6 GHz (or less than 5.9 GHz). Alternatively, the 5 GHz band can include multiple channels between 4.5 GHz and 5.5 GHz. Figure 11 The specific figures shown may vary.

[0155] Multiple channels within the 5 GHz band include the unlicensed National Information Infrastructure (UNII)-1, UNII-2, UNII-3, and ISM. UNII-1 may be referred to as the lower UNII. UNII-2 may include frequency ranges referred to as the middle UNII and the extended UNII-2. UNII-3 may be referred to as the upper UNII.

[0156] Within the 5 GHz band, multiple channels can be configured, and the bandwidth of each channel can be configured differently, such as 20 MHz, 40 MHz, 80 MHz, or 160 MHz. For example, the 5170 MHz to 5330 MHz frequency domain / range within UNII-1 and UNII-2 can be divided into eight 20 MHz channels. The 5170 MHz to 5330 MHz frequency domain / range can be divided into four channels using a 40 MHz frequency domain. The 5170 MHz to 5330 MHz frequency domain / range can be divided into two channels using an 80 MHz frequency domain. Alternatively, the 5170 MHz to 5330 MHz frequency domain / range can be divided into one channel using a 160 MHz frequency domain.

[0157] Figure 12 The illustration shows an example of a channel used / supported / defined within the 6 GHz band.

[0158] The 6 GHz band can be referred to by other names, such as the third band / band. The 6 GHz band can refer to the frequency range that uses, supports, and defines channels with center frequencies higher than 5.9 GHz. Figure 12 The specific values ​​shown may change.

[0159] For example, it can be defined starting from 5.940 GHz. Figure 12 The 20 MHz channel. Specifically, Figure 12 The leftmost channel in the 20 MHz channel array can have an index of 1 (or channel index, channel number, etc.) and be assigned a center frequency of 5.945 GHz. In other words, the center frequency of channel index N can be determined as (5.940 + 0.005 GHz). (N) GHz.

[0160] therefore, Figure 12The index (or channel number) of the 20 MHz channel can be 1, 5, 9, 13, 17, 21, 25, 29, 33, 37, 41, 45, 49, 53, 57, 61, 65, 69, 73, 77, 81, 85, 89, 93, 97, 101, 105, 109, 113, 117, 121, 125, 129, 133, 137, 141, 145, 149, 153, 157, 161, 165, 169, 173, 177, 181, 185, 189, 193, 197, 201, 205, 209, 213, 217, 221, 225, 229, 233. Furthermore, according to the above (5.940+0.005) N)GHz rules, Figure 12 The index of the 40 MHz channel can be 3, 11, 19, 27, 35, 43, 51, 59, 67, 75, 83, 91, 99, 107, 115, 123, 131, 139, 147, 155, 163, 171, 179, 187, 195, 203, 211, 219, 227.

[0161] The structure and type / subtype of MAC frames are described below.

[0162] Figure 13 An example of a MAC frame header is shown. As illustrated, a MAC frame may include a 2-octet frame control field / information, a 2-octet duration field / information, a 6-octet receiver address (RA) field / information, and a 6-octet sender address (TA) field / information. Figure 13 As shown, the four fields can be consecutive. They can be modified in various ways. Figure 13 The MAC header, and new fields can be inserted between the four fields shown, or at least one of the fields shown can be omitted.

[0163] Figure 13 The MAC header shown can be placed at the very beginning of the MAC frame. That is, a MAC frame can include, for example... Figure 13 The diagram shows the MAC header and the MAC body fields / information that follow the MAC header. This includes... Figure 13 The MAC frame header is inserted / included in the MAC frame. Figure 5 The data fields of the PPDU shown (e.g., UHR PPDU).

[0164] MAC frames included in the data field of the PPDU of this disclosure can be classified into various types. For example, MAC frames of this disclosure can be classified into control frames, management frames, and data frames.

[0165] For example, management frames include association requests, association responses, reassociation requests, reassociation responses, probe requests, probe responses, beacons, disassociation, authentication, and deauthentication frames / signals defined in a regular WLAN. For management frames, Figure 8 The values ​​of type fields B3 and B2 are set to 00. Additionally, Figure 8 The values ​​of the subtype fields B7, B6, B5, and B4 are as follows: Association Request (0000), Association Response (0001), Re-association Request (0010), Re-association Response (0011), Probe Request (0100), Probe Response (0101), Beacon (1000), Disassociation (1010), Authentication (1011), and Disauthentication (1100).

[0166] For example, control frames include trigger beamforming report polling, NDP announcement (NDPA), control frame extension, control wrapping, block Ack request (BlockAckReq), block Ack (BlockAck), PS-polling, RTS, CTS, Ack, and CF-end frames / signals as defined in traditional WLANs. For control frames, Figure 8 The values ​​of type fields B3 and B2 are set to 01. Furthermore, Figure 8 The values ​​of the subtype fields B7, B6, B5, and B4 are as follows: Trigger (0010), Beamforming Report Poll (0100), NDP Announcement (0101), Control Frame Extension (0110), Control Wrapper (0111), BlockAckReq (1000), BlockAck (1001), PS-Polling (1010), RTS (1011), CTS (1100), Ack (1101), and CF-End (1110).

[0167] For example, data frames include (QoS) data, (QoS) space, etc., as defined in a regular WLAN. For management frames, Figure 13 The values ​​of type fields B3 and B2 are set to 10.

[0168] The MAC frames / signals used in this disclosure can be identified by the aforementioned type field / information and subtype field / information. For example, a "trigger frame" in this disclosure may refer to a MAC frame in which type bits B3 and B2 in the frame control field of the MAC header are set to 01, and subtype bits B7, B6, B5, and B4 in the frame control field are 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).

[0169] Figure 14Examples of modifications to the transmitting and / or receiving apparatus of this disclosure are shown.

[0170] It is possible Figure 14 Modifications shown Figures 1 to 4 The device shown (e.g., AP STA, non-AP STA). Figure 14 The transceiver 630 can be used with Figure 1 The transceivers 113 and 123 are the same. Figure 14 The transceiver 630 may include a receiver and a transmitter.

[0171] Figure 14 The processor 610 can be with Figure 1 The processors 111 and 121 are the same. Alternatively, Figure 14 The processor 610 can be with Figure 1 The processing chips 114 and 124 are the same.

[0172] Figure 14 The memory 150 can be with Figure 1 The memory modules 112 and 122 are identical. Alternatively, Figure 14 The memory 150 can be different Figure 1 Separate external memories for memories 112 and 122.

[0173] Reference Figure 14 The power management module 611 manages the power of the processor 610 and / or transceiver 630. The battery 612 supplies power to the power management module 611. The display 613 outputs the results processed by the processor 610. The keyboard 614 receives input to be used by the processor 610. The keyboard 614 may be displayed on the display 613. The SIM card 615 may be an integrated circuit for securely storing the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) and its associated keys, used for identifying and authenticating users in mobile devices such as mobile phones and computers.

[0174] Reference Figure 14 The speaker (640) can output the sound-related results processed by the processor 610. The microphone (641) can receive sound-related inputs to be used by the processor 610.

[0175] 1. EHT Detection Protocol

[0176] Transmit beamforming and DL MU-MIMO (Downlink Multiple User Multiple Input Multiple Output) require knowledge of the channel conditions to calculate the steering matrix applied to the transmitted signal, thereby optimizing reception at one or more receivers. EHT STA uses the EHT probe protocol to determine channel state information. The EHT probe protocol provides explicit feedback mechanisms defined as EHT non-trigger-based (non-TB) probe and EHT trigger-based (TB) probe. Here, the EHT beamforming receiver measures the channel using a training signal (i.e., EHT probe NDP) transmitted by the EHT beamforming transmitter and transmits back a transformation estimate of the channel state. The EHT beamforming transmitter uses this estimate to derive the steering matrix.

[0177] The EHT beamforming transmitter returns an estimate of the channel state in an EHT compressed beamforming / CQI report included in one or more EHT compressed beamforming / CQI frames. There are three types of EHT compressed beamforming / CQI reports.

[0178] - SU Feedback: The EHT Compressed Beamforming / CQI report includes the EHT Compressed Beamforming report field.

[0179] - MU Feedback: The EHT Compressed Beamforming / CQI report includes EHT Compressed Beamforming report fields and EHT MU-specific beamforming report fields.

[0180] - CQI Feedback: EHT Compressed Beamforming / CQI Report includes EHT CQI report fields.

[0181] For reference, using EHT TB probing does not necessarily imply MU feedback. EHT TB probing has also been used to obtain SU feedback and CQI feedback.

[0182] Figure 15 An example of EHT non-TB probe is shown.

[0183] The EHT non-TB probe sequence is initiated by the EHT beamforming transmitter using a separately addressed EHT NDP announcement frame, which contains exactly one STA information field, and performs the EHT probe NDP after SIFS. The EHT beamforming transmitter responds with an EHT compressed beamforming / CQI frame after SIFS.

[0184] The AID11 subfield of the STA information field must be set to the AID of the STA identified by the RA field of the EHT NDP advertisement frame, or set to 0 if the STA identified by the RA field is a mesh STA, AP, or IBSS STA.

[0185] An example of an EHT non-TB detector sequence with a single EHT beamforming receiver is shown in Figure 15 .

[0186] Figure 16 An example of EHT TB detection is shown.

[0187] An EHT TB probe sequence is initiated by the EHT beamforming transmitter using a broadcast EHT NDP announcement frame with two or more STA information fields. An EHT probe NDP is sent after the SIFS, and a BFRP (Beamforming Report) trigger frame is sent after the SIFS. The BFRP trigger frame sent within the EHT TB probe sequence must request an EHT TB PPDU.

[0188] An example of an EHT TB detector sequence with two or more EHT beamforming receivers is shown in Figure 16 .

[0189] The EHT beamforming transmitter that initiates the EHT TB probe sequence must send an EHT NDP announcement frame that includes two or more STA information fields and has the RA field set to the broadcast address.

[0190] The EHT beamforming transmitter can initiate an EHT TB probe sequence to request SU, MU, or CQI feedback.

[0191] Figure 17 An example of the EHT NDP notification frame format is shown.

[0192] The VHT / HE / EHT NDP announcement frame has three variants: VHT NDP announcement frame, HE NDP announcement frame, and EHT NDP announcement frame. Each variant is distinguished by the configuration of the HE subfield and the ranging subfield within the probe dialogue token field.

[0193] VHT / HE / EHT NDP advertisement frames include at least one STA information field. If a VHT / HE / EHT NDP advertisement frame includes only one STA information field, the RA field is set to the address of the STA capable of providing feedback. If a VHT / HE / EHT NDP advertisement frame includes one or more STA information fields, the RA field is set to the broadcast address.

[0194] The TA field is set to the address of the STA that sends VHT / HE / EHT NDP advertisement frames, or to the bandwidth signaling TA of the STA that sends VHT / HE / EHT NDP advertisement frames.

[0195] The Resolution subfield of the BW information subfield indicates the resolution bandwidth used for each bit of the feedback bitmap subfield. The feedback bitmap subfield represents a request for each resolution bandwidth from the lowest to the highest frequency, with B1 representing the lowest resolution bandwidth. When feedback is requested in the corresponding resolution bandwidth, each bit in the feedback bitmap subfield is set to 1.

[0196] Some BW information subfields are Figure 17 The format definition at the bottom. The Resolution bit indicates the feedback resolution bandwidth. When the BW subfield is set to 0 through 3, the Resolution bit is set to 0 to indicate a resolution of 20 MHz, and when the BW subfield is set to 4, the Resolution bit is set to 1 to indicate a resolution of 40 MHz. The Feedback Bitmap subfield indicates each resolution bandwidth for which the beamforming transmitter requests feedback. If feedback is requested for the corresponding bandwidth, each bit in the Feedback Bitmap subfield is set to 1; otherwise, it is set to 0.

[0197] If the bandwidth of the EHT NDP advertisement frame is less than 320 MHz, the Resolution bit B0 is set to 0 to indicate a resolution of 20 MHz.

[0198] - When the bandwidth of the EHT NDP announcement frame is 20 MHz, B1 is set to 1 to indicate a feedback request to the 242 tone RU. B2-B8 are reserved and set to 0.

[0199] - When the bandwidth of the EHT NDP announcement frame is 40 MHz, B1 and B2 indicate feedback requests for each of the two 242-tone RUs from low to high frequency. B3-B8 are reserved and set to 0.

[0200] - When the bandwidth of the EHT NDP announcement frame is 80 MHz, B1 through B4 indicate feedback requests for each of the four 242-tone RUs from low to high frequency. B5 through B8 are reserved and set to 0. If all of B1 through B4 are set to 1, it indicates a feedback request for 996-tone RUs.

[0201] - When the bandwidth of the EHT NDP announcement frame is 160 MHz, B1-B8 represent feedback requests for each of the eight 242-tone RUs from low to high frequency. If all of B1 to B4 are set to 1, it indicates a feedback request for the lower 996-tone RU, and if all of B5 to B8 are set to 1, it indicates a feedback request for the higher 996-tone RU.

[0202] When the bandwidth of the EHT NDP announcement frame is 320 MHz, the resolution bit B0 is set to 1 to indicate a resolution of 40 MHz. B1 through B8 represent feedback requests for each of the eight 484-tone RUs from low to high frequency. When both B1 and B2 are set to 1, a feedback request is indicated for the lowest 996-tone RU; when both B3 and B4 are set to 1, a feedback request is indicated for the second lowest 996-tone RU; when both B5 and B6 are set to 1, a feedback request is indicated for the second highest 996-tone RU; and when both B7 and B8 are set to 1, a feedback request is indicated for the highest 996-tone RU.

[0203] 1. Spatial Modulation

[0204] Spatial modulation is a technique that increases transmission rate by notifying whether antennas are on or off. Specifically, it is highly practical in situations where the number of transmitting antennas exceeds the number of transmission streams, as it can be applied without loss of transmission rate. However, a drawback is the need for a highly complex receiver based on log-likelihood ratio (LLR) to detect which antenna is active.

[0205] Based on the application of beamforming in spatial modulation systems, correct channel estimation can only be performed if the LTF symbols of the channel, which can estimate all possible component matrices, are included in the PPDU and transmitted. Here, the component matrix refers to the four possible HV matrices when performing 2-bit spatial modulation coding, for example, when attempting to apply spatial modulation with only two antennas active in the presence of four AP TX antennas and two STA RX antennas (where there may be six types of 2×2 HV matrices (4C2 = (4 x 3) / (2 x 1) = 6)). Furthermore, beamforming itself can only be applied when feedback of the compressed beamforming matrix for all component matrices (2×2 V matrices) is received. Alternatively, based on feedback up to all contents of the U matrix and gamma matrix, it may not be necessary to feed back all component matrices, but there are utilizations that reduce the feedback overhead of the component matrices depending on the antenna combination (2×3, 2×4 channel cases, etc.). Meanwhile, in the uplink (UL) case (based on the fact that the dimension of the U matrix is ​​much higher than that of the V matrix), feeding back all components of the V matrix is ​​more resource-efficient than feeding back the U matrix in terms of feedback overhead in more cases. However, in this case, it can only be applied when transport flow is sacrificed, and therefore it is only advantageous when the spatial modulation transmission rate is higher than the flow loss. Considering such LTF overhead or probe feedback overhead, it may be tempting not to perform beamforming, but based on the attempt to apply it to long packets, the throughput gain may outweigh the corresponding loss, and beamforming can be applied for this purpose.

[0206] However, this problem remains unresolved in current standards because a single user does not need to estimate multiple channel matrices. Based on channel sounding in this case, conventionally, only the beamforming V matrix needs to be fed back using all transmit antennas. However, based on the application of beamforming in spatial modulation, feedback for multiple component V matrices must be received. (The cases of feedback U matrices and gamma matrices are not addressed in this specification.) Therefore, this specification proposes a method for feeding back multiple component V matrices and the signaling required in this case.

[0207] Figure 18 An example block diagram of a TX device that implements spatial modulation is shown.

[0208] based on Figure 18 Spatial modulation (SM) can be achieved by introducing the space-antenna stream (SAS) into the wireless LAN system. On the TX side, the spatial stream (SS) is mapped to the space-antenna stream, and the space-antenna stream is mapped to the TX antenna.

[0209] At this point, the spatial stream (SS) is aligned according to the transmission rank and is less than or equal to the number of RX. The spatial stream is mapped to the spatial-antenna stream (SAS) through the introduced SM. The SAS can be mapped to the TX antenna using a scheme where the number of TX antennas is greater than or equal to the number of SAS.

[0210] CSD (Cyclic Shift Diversity) can be applied to SS.

[0211] The number of LTFs follows the number of available SASs, not the number of SSs. LTF extensions can be applied based on P matrix extensions (e.g., in the case of 4 SASs, a 4x4 or 4x8 P matrix can be applied).

[0212] The linear operating range of the TX power amplifier must be flexible enough to support current division between SS and SAS based on the maximum TX power.

[0213] Conventional standard beamforming can be based on, for example Figure 15 This is an example of a non-trigger-based (non-TB) probe protocol. Figure 16 Triggered-based (TB) probing is employed. Specifically, the beamforming transmitter sends a Null Data PPDU (NDPA) to deliver indication information related to feedback, followed by a Null Data PPDU (NDP) after SIFS. The beamforming receiver estimates the channel based on this NDP and then delivers the estimated channel information via a compressed beamforming / CQI frame. The beamforming transmitter can then send beamforming-applied PPDUs to the beamforming receiver based on the delivered channel information.

[0214] However, based on the conventional standard detection feedback mechanism, only the beamforming matrix with all antennas active is fed back. Therefore, the beamforming transmitter cannot obtain the beamforming matrix based on the application of spatial modulation.

[0215] Therefore, this specification aims to propose a probe feedback mechanism that allows a STA intending to apply spatial modulation to obtain an appropriate beamforming matrix. To this end, it is suggested that... Figure 19 The modified NDPA frame and compressed beamforming / CQI frame are shown.

[0216] Figure 19 An example of the detection feedback mechanism proposed in this specification is shown.

[0217] The scope of this specification is not limited to the names of NDPA (or modified NDPA) frames and / or compressed beamforming / CQI (or modified compressed beamforming / CQI) frames. For example, the scope of this specification may include frames with any names for the characteristic fields / information of the NDPA / compressed beamforming / CQI frames described below. For example, NDPA may be referred to as a spatial modulation information request frame, and compressed beamforming / CQI may be referred to as a spatial modulation information report frame.

[0218] In this specification, the beamforming transmitter is not limited to an AP, and can be applied based on a non-AP STA as the beamforming transmitter. Similarly, the beamforming receiver is not limited to a non-AP STA, and can be applied based on an AP. For example, the examples in this specification primarily describe downlink beamforming applied for downlink transmission from an AP to a non-AP STA to aid understanding; however, this specification includes examples, to be described later, of uplink beamforming that can also be applied for uplink transmission from a non-AP STA to an AP.

[0219] 2. Proposed detection feedback mechanism

[0220] 1) Spatial modulation detection and feedback request based on NDPA

[0221] The beamforming transmitter must transmit information via NDPA to indicate that the corresponding probe and feedback sequences are spatially modulated. Furthermore, it must deliver the information the beamforming receiver needs to generate feedback information. Therefore, it is recommended that the following fields be included in the NDPA.

[0222] A. Spatial modulation indication

[0223] This is a field requesting the beamforming receiver to feed back the beamforming matrix used for spatial modulation. One bit can be used. For example, a spatial modulation indicator of 1 indicates that spatial modulation has been applied, and a spatial modulation indicator of 0 indicates that spatial modulation has not been applied.

[0224] B. Spatial modulation order

[0225] This is a field indicating the modulation order of the spatial modulation. It delivers how many bits are used for the spatial modulation configuration applied to a subcarrier. A maximum of 3 bits can be used. (Based on using 4 elements with 8 antennas, a maximum of 7 bits can be configured, and since the minimum number of bits to express 7 types is 3.) For example, the field can be configured as shown in Table 1. In some cases, to reduce complexity, based on the system design so that the modulation order can be naturally determined based on the number of TX antennas and the determined number of active antennas, this field may not be necessary, but this may be an undesirable direction because the appropriate transmission rate cannot be selected based on the SNR condition. Table 1 shows an example of the spatial modulation order digital field configuration.

[0226] [Table 1]

[0227] C. Activate the antenna element #

[0228] This is a field indicating the number of active antenna elements. Submit this field to specify the beamforming matrix dimension of the beamforming receiver. Two bits can be used, allowing the corresponding field to indicate 1 through 4. Table 2 shows an example of the # field configuration for active antenna elements.

[0229] [Table 2]

[0230] The corresponding fields can be as follows Figure 20 The information is shown in the STA information field of NDPA.

[0231] Figure 20 An example of the STA information field of NDPA as presented in this specification is shown.

[0232] Alternatively, for requests for multiple spatial modulation information at once, the configuration can be as follows. For example, for systems that want to operate with different modulation orders based on signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) or channel quality, signaling fields for multiple spatial modulation orders and the number of active antennas may be needed. For example, the two fields mentioned above can be designed to exist multiple times within the STA information field.

[0233] D. Spatial modulation indication

[0234] It is set to be the same as A. Spatial Modulation Indication. For example, this is a field that requests the beamforming receiver to feed back the beamforming matrix used for spatial modulation. One bit can be used. For example, a spatial modulation indicator of 1 can indicate that spatial modulation has been applied, and a spatial modulation indicator of 0 can indicate that spatial modulation has not been applied.

[0235] E. Spatial modulation mode #

[0236] This is a field indicating the number of # fields for notifying the spatial modulation order digital segments and activating antenna elements.

[0237] F. Spatial modulation order

[0238] It is set to be the same as the spatial modulation order of B, but the # field value can exist multiple times depending on the spatial modulation mode.

[0239] G. Activate the antenna element #

[0240] It is set to be the same as the # for C. Activating the antenna element, but the # field value can exist multiple times depending on the spatial modulation mode.

[0241] The corresponding fields can be as follows Figure 21 The STA information field shown exists in NDPA. However, since the STA information field only has 4 reserved bits, it needs to be expanded to apply the proposed technique.

[0242] Figure 21 Another example of the STA information field of NDPA as presented in this specification is shown.

[0243] 2) Spatial Modulation Beamforming Matrix Feedback Based on Compressed Beamforming / CQI Frames

[0244] Assume the value of # for activating the antenna element is N. Furthermore, assume the spatial modulation order is M. These values ​​can be the result of interpreting the NDPA field, or they can be values ​​independently selected by the beamforming receiver. This is because, while feedback indicated by the beamforming transmitter can be executed, other feedback determined by the beamforming receiver itself can also be executed for reasons such as unmanageable decoding complexity. The corresponding decision can be indicated in the MIMO control field.

[0245] At this point, since the candidate configuration is expected to be a power of 2 for symbol coding, the number of beamforming matrices that the beamforming receiver must feed back is 2^M, and the corresponding matrix dimension is N times Nr. Here, Nr is the number of receiving antennas.

[0246] Based on this, it is recommended to configure the fields of the compressed beamforming / CQI frame as follows.

[0247] A. MIMO control

[0248] i. Spatial modulation indication

[0249] This is a field that notifies the beamforming transmitter of the beamforming matrix used for spatial modulation. One bit can be used.

[0250] ii. Spatial modulation order

[0251] This is a field indicating the modulation order of the spatial modulation. It delivers how many bits are used to configure the spatial modulation for a subcarrier. Up to 3 bits can be used (based on using 4 elements with 8 antennas, up to 6 bits of modulation can be configured, and since the minimum number of bits to express 6 types is 3).

[0252] iii. Activate the antenna element #

[0253] This is a field indicating the number of active antenna elements. This field is passed to specify the beamforming matrix dimension of the beamforming receiver. Two bits can be used, allowing the corresponding field to indicate 1 to 4.

[0254] The corresponding fields can be as follows Figure 22 The MIMO control field is shown. Since the MIMO control field only has 6 reserved bits, it needs to be extended to apply the proposed scheme.

[0255] Figure 22 An example of the MIMO control field presented in this specification is shown.

[0256] B. Report on Compressed Beamforming Based on Spatial Modulation

[0257] This is the field that delivers phi and psi information obtained by performing Givens rotations on 2^M N×Nr beamforming matrices. The order of the beamforming matrices can be determined in advance by agreement. For example, by pre-agreeing on the order in which the beamforming matrices for a given antenna combination will follow, unnecessary signaling can be avoided.

[0258] The above fields can be as follows Figure 23 The field shown exists in the spatial modulation-based compressed beamforming report field.

[0259] Figure 23 An example of a spatial modulation-based compressed beamforming report presented in this specification is illustrated.

[0260] Alternatively, if you want to deliver multiple spatial modulation information at once, you can configure it as follows. In this case, based on the existence of multiple spatial modulation order values, each is defined as M_i (i=1, 2, ..., K).

[0261] C. MIMO control (based on the desire to request multiple spatial modulation information at once)

[0262] iv. Spatial modulation indication

[0263] This is a field that notifies the beamforming transmitter of the beamforming matrix used for spatial modulation. One bit can be used.

[0264] v. Spatial modulation mode #

[0265] This is a field indicating the number of # fields for notifying the spatial modulation order digital segments and activating antenna elements.

[0266] vi. Spatial modulation order

[0267] It is set to be the same as the modulation order in section ii., but the field value of the # field can exist multiple times depending on the spatial modulation mode.

[0268] vii. Activate the antenna element #

[0269] It is set to be the same as # for iii. Activating the antenna element, but the field value of the # field can exist multiple times depending on the spatial modulation mode.

[0270] The corresponding fields can be as follows Figure 24 The example shown exists in the MIMO control field.

[0271] Figure 24 Another example of the MIMO control field presented in this specification is shown.

[0272] D. Compressed beamforming report based on spatial modulation (based on the desire to request multiple spatial modulation information at once)

[0273] This is a field that delivers phi and psi information obtained by performing Givens rotation on an N-by-Nr beamforming matrix whose quantity is equal to the sum of 2^(M_i) from i=1 to K. The order of the beamforming matrices can be determined by prior agreement.

[0274] The corresponding fields can be as follows Figure 25 The field shown exists in the spatial modulation-based compressed beamforming report field.

[0275] Figure 25 This illustrates another example of a spatially modulated compressed beamforming report presented in this specification.

[0276] 3. The apparatus / method for the example operation of this specification.

[0277] 2.1. Methods for transmitting / receiving signals as described in this manual

[0278] Figure 26 An example of a PPDU is shown in this specification.

[0279] Figure 26 An example of a PPDU that can be used in a UHR system is shown, and all or part of all shown parts (e.g., fields) can be divided into multiple subparts / subfields. Fields other than LTF and data fields can be divided into 4µs. Transmitted in units of N (N is an integer). In the case of LTF and data fields, they may not be in units of 4µs, depending on the GI length combination. Common subcarrier frequency spacing value (delta_f = 312.5 kHz / N or 312.5 kHz) N (N = integer) is applied to all instance fields, or the first delta_f is applied to the first part (e.g., all of the traditional part, all / part of the SIG part), and the second delta_f (e.g., a value less than the first delta_f) can be applied to all / part of the remaining part.

[0280] The exemplified conventional-part (100) may include at least one of the conventional non-HT short training field (L-STF), non-HT long training field (L-LTF), and non-HT signal field (L-SIG).

[0281] The SIG section (200) shown may include various control information for the transmitted PPDU. For example, it may include control information for decoding the STF section (300), LTF section (400), and data (500).

[0282] The illustrated STF-part (300) may include an STF sequence.

[0283] The exemplified LTF-part (400) may include training fields (e.g., LTF sequences) for channel estimation.

[0284] The data field (500) includes user data and may include groupings for higher-level processing. For example, it may include MPDUs (MAC frames).

[0285] According to this specification, an NDPA frame including new fields (e.g., spatial modulation indication, # of spatial modulation mode, spatial modulation order, number of antenna elements) may be included in the data field (500) of the first PPDU.

[0286] According to this specification, a UHR compressed beamforming / CQI frame that includes new fields (e.g., spatial modulation indication, spatial modulation order, # for active antenna elements, spatial modulation-based compressed beamforming report) can be included in the data field (500) of the second PPDU.

[0287] Beamforming can be applied to the LTF symbols of NDP.

[0288] In addition, due to Figure 26 It is based on predictive instances, some of the instances' fields can be omitted, and the order of the fields can be changed in various ways.

[0289] 2.2. Method of this disclosure

[0290] 1) Sending method

[0291] Figure 27 An example is given of the process by which a transmitting device based on this embodiment executes a detection protocol for application spatial modulation.

[0292] Figure 27 Examples can be performed in the transmitting device (AP and / or non-AP STA).

[0293] Figure 27 Some of the steps in the example (or detailed sub-steps to be described later) may be omitted or changed.

[0294] S100: The transmitting device (transmitting STA or beamforming transmitter) can generate an MPDU that includes an NDPA frame, which includes one or more of the following fields: spatial modulation indication, # for spatial modulation mode, spatial modulation order, and # for activating antenna elements.

[0295] The transmitting device can configure / generate a PPDU based on the generated MPDU. The steps of configuring / generating a PPDU may include configuring / generating each field of the PPDU. For example, step S300 includes configuring the U-SIG and UHR SIG fields. Furthermore, step S300 may include generating an STF / LTF sequence. The STF / LTF sequence can be generated based on a preset STF generation sequence / LTF generation sequence.

[0296] The transmitting device can send a configured PPDU to the receiving device.

[0297] In PPDU transmission, the transmitting device can perform at least one of the following operations: beamforming, CSD, spatial mapping, IDFT / IFFT operation, and GI insertion.

[0298] For example, beamforming can be performed based on the V-matrix most recently received from the receiving device (or beamforming receiver). In this case, it can be performed by selecting an appropriate V-matrix from the feedback-received V-matrix.

[0299] The signals / fields / sequences configured according to this instruction manual can be used as follows: Figure 26 Send in the form of.

[0300] S200: The transmitting device may send one or more NDPs to the receiving device after a predetermined time (e.g., SIFS) following the NDPA transmission.

[0301] S300: The transmitting device can receive compressed beamforming / CQI frames from the receiving device.

[0302] For example, the transmitting device can receive all or part of the PPDU. The received signal can be in... Figure 26 In the form of... For example, the transmitting device can perform operations to recover the results of CSD, spatial mapping, IDFT / IFFT operations, and GI insertion operations applied to the received PPDU.

[0303] For example, the transmitting device decodes the L-SIG, U-SIG, and UHR-SIG of the PPDU based on conventional STF / LTF, and can obtain the information included in the L-SIG, U-SIG, and UHR-SIG fields. Based on the corresponding information, the transmitting device can decode the remaining part of the PPDU.

[0304] For example, the transmitting device can perform processing operations to deliver decoded data to a higher layer (e.g., the MAC layer). Furthermore, subsequent operations can be performed based on a signal generated from the higher layer to the PHY layer in response to the data delivered to the higher layer.

[0305] For example, the transmitting device can decode / parse the obtained MPDU.

[0306] For example, the transmitting device can obtain an MPDU including compressed beamforming / CQI based on decoding the PPDU from the receiving device. Information can be obtained through decoding / parsing the MPDU by using fields included in the compressed beamforming / CQI frame (e.g., spatial modulation indication, # of spatial modulation mode, spatial modulation order, # of active antenna element, and / or compressed beamforming report based on spatial modulation).

[0307] The compressed beamforming / CQI frame can be transmitted by the receiving device based on a request / trigger from the transmitting device. Alternatively, it can be transmitted by the receiving device even without a request / trigger from the compressed beamforming / CQI transmitting device.

[0308] The transmitting device can apply spatial modulation for subsequent data transmissions to the corresponding receiving device based on information obtained from fields included in the compressed beamforming / CQI frame. For example, the transmitting device receives the compressed beamforming / CQI frame and can store the V matrix required for spatial modulation to be used in the next PPDU transmission in its memory.

[0309] S400: The transmitting device can perform the optimizations of this disclosure based on the compressed beamforming / CQI. For example, a diagonal phase rotation matrix to be multiplied by the beamforming matrix can be obtained.

[0310] S500: The transmitting device can apply optimized parameters to subsequent beamforming transmissions to the corresponding receiving device based on information obtained from fields included in the compressed beamforming / CQI frame. For example, the transmitting device receives the compressed beamforming / CQI frame and can generate a beamforming vector to be used for the next PPDU transmission and store it in memory.

[0311] 2) Receiving method

[0312] Figure 28 An example is given of the process by which a receiving device based on this embodiment executes a detection protocol for application spatial modulation.

[0313] The above PPDU can be based on Figure 28 The example is used to receive.

[0314] Figure 28 Examples can be implemented in receiving devices (AP and / or non-AP STA).

[0315] Figure 28 Some of the steps in the example (or detailed sub-steps to be described later) can be omitted.

[0316] S400: For example, the receiving device can receive all or part of the PPDU. The received signal can be in... Figure 26 In the form of... For example, the receiving device can perform operations to recover the results of CSD, spatial mapping, IDFT / IFFT operations, and GI insertion operations applied to the received PPDU.

[0317] For example, the receiving device decodes the L-SIG, U-SIG, and UHR-SIG of the PPDU based on conventional STF / LTF, and can obtain the information included in the L-SIG, U-SIG, and UHR-SIG fields. Based on the corresponding information, the receiving device can decode the remaining part of the PPDU.

[0318] For example, the receiving device can perform processing operations to deliver the decoded data to a higher layer (e.g., the MAC layer). Furthermore, subsequent operations can be performed based on a signal generated from the higher layer to the PHY layer in response to the data delivered to the higher layer.

[0319] For example, the receiving device can decode / parse the obtained MPDU.

[0320] According to the receiving apparatus (receiving STA or beamforming receiver) of this disclosure, information included in the NDPA frame regarding spatial modulation indication, spatial modulation mode, spatial modulation order, and / or activation antenna element can be obtained through PPDU decoding or the like.

[0321] S500: The receiving device can perform channel estimation after receiving an NDPA frame and subsequently receiving one or more NDPA frames.

[0322] S600: The receiving device can determine parameters for optimization based on the channel estimation results. The receiving device can generate an MPDU including a compressed beamforming / CQI frame based on the determined optimization parameters according to this disclosure. The compressed beamforming / CQI frame includes new fields (e.g., spatial modulation indication, # of spatial modulation mode, spatial modulation order, # of active antenna element, and / or a compressed beamforming report field based on spatial modulation).

[0323] The receiving device can configure / generate a PPDU based on the generated MPDU. The steps for configuring / generating a PPDU may include configuring / generating each field of the PPDU. For example, PPDU configuration / generation may include steps for configuring the U-SIG and UHRSIG fields, generating an STF / LTF sequence, etc. The STF / LTF sequence can be generated based on a preset STF generation sequence / LTF generation sequence.

[0324] The receiving device can send the configured PPDU to the transmitting device.

[0325] In PPDU transmission, the receiving device can perform at least one of the following operations: beamforming, CSD, spatial mapping, IDFT / IFFT operation, and GI insertion.

[0326] The signals / fields / sequences configured according to this instruction manual can be used as follows: Figure 26 Send in the form of.

[0327] The compressed beamforming / CQI frame can be transmitted by the receiving device based on a request / trigger from the transmitting device. Alternatively, it can be transmitted by the receiving device even without a request / trigger from the compressed beamforming / CQI transmitting device.

[0328] The receiving device can anticipate that subsequent beamforming transmissions from the transmitting device will be performed based on the information indicated by the fields included in the compressed beamforming / CQI frame.

[0329] 3.3. Equipment in this manual

[0330] 1) Transmitting device

[0331] The transmitting device may include a memory (1920), a processor (1910), and a transceiver (1930).

[0332] This processor (1910) can execute Figure 27 All / part of the operations illustrated in .

[0333] The illustrated transceiver (1930) includes an antenna and can perform analog signal processing. Specifically, the processor (1910) can control the transceiver (1930) to transmit PPDUs generated by the processor (1910).

[0334] Alternatively, the processor (1910) can generate a transmit PPDU and store information about the transmit PPDU in the memory (1920).

[0335] The processor (1910) can generate a first PPDU including an NDPA, which includes one or more of the following fields: spatial modulation indication, # of spatial modulation mode, spatial modulation order, and # of active antenna element, and transmit the first PPDU through the transceiver (1930).

[0336] In addition, the processor (1910) can send NDPs through the transceiver (1930).

[0337] In addition, the processor (1910) can transmit PPDUs with spatial modulation through the transceiver (1930).

[0338] 2) Receiving device

[0339] The receiving device may include a memory (2020), a processor (2010), and a transceiver (2030).

[0340] The transceiver (2030) can receive PPDUs based on the control of the processor (2010). For example, the transceiver (2030) may include multiple detailed units. For example, the transceiver (2030) includes at least one receiving antenna and may include filters for the corresponding receiving antenna.

[0341] The PPDU received by the transceiver (2030) can be stored in the memory (2020). The processor (2010) can process the decoding of the received PPDU through the memory (2020). The processor (2010) can obtain the control information (e.g., EHT-SIG) about the tone plan / RU included in the PPDU and store the obtained control information in the memory (2020).

[0342] The processor (2010) can perform decoding of the received PPDU. Specifically, it can perform operations to recover the results of CSD, spatial mapping, IDFT / IFFT operations, and GI insertion applied to the PPDU. The operations to recover the results of CSD, spatial mapping, IDFT / IFFT operations, and GI insertion can be performed by multiple processing units (not shown) implemented separately in the processor (2010).

[0343] In addition, the processor (2010) can decode the data fields of the PPDU received through the transceiver (2030).

[0344] Furthermore, the processor (2010) can process the decoded data. For example, the processor (2010) can perform processing operations to deliver information about the decoded data fields to a higher layer (e.g., the MAC layer). Additionally, subsequent operations can be performed based on a signal generated from the higher layer to the PHY layer in response to the data delivered to the higher layer.

[0345] The processor (2010) can receive and decode a first PPDU including an NDPA, which includes one or more of a spatial modulation indication, a spatial modulation mode #, a spatial modulation order and / or an active antenna element #, and store it in the memory (2020).

[0346] The receiving device can obtain channel information based on the received NDP and store it in the memory (2020).

[0347] The transceiver (2030) can transmit a second PPDU including a UHR compressed beamforming / CQI frame, which includes one or more of the following: spatial modulation indication, # of spatial modulation mode, spatial modulation order, # of active antenna element, and / or compressed beamforming report field based on spatial modulation.

[0348] 3.4. Operating Examples of this Manual

[0349] Figure 29 The overall process of a detection protocol for application spatial modulation based on this embodiment is illustrated.

[0350] NDPA frame generation (2900) refers to the process of generating NDPA frames. Field value settings can vary depending on whether they are based on beamforming transmitter instructions or beamforming receiver autonomy.

[0351] NDPA transmission (2910) refers to the process of delivering the NDPA frame generated in (2900) via the first PPDU.

[0352] NDP transmit (2920) refers to transmitting empty data PPDU, which enables the beamforming receiver to estimate the channel.

[0353] Channel estimation (2930) refers to the process by which a beamforming receiver estimates the channel matrix from the received NDP.

[0354] Compressed beamforming / CQI frame generation (2940) refers to generating a frame containing information required for creating a spatially modulated signal for beamforming (e.g., spatial modulation indication, # of spatial modulation mode, spatial modulation order, # of active antenna elements, and / or spatially modulated compressed beamforming report field).

[0355] Compressed beamforming / CQI frame transmission (2950) refers to transmitting the compressed beamforming / CQI frame generated in (2940) via PPDU.

[0356] Spatial modulation (2960) refers to the process of generating a PPDU with spatial modulation applied based on information obtained from compressed beamforming / CQI frames (e.g., spatial modulation indication, # of spatial modulation mode, spatial modulation order, # of active antenna elements and / or compressed beamforming report field based on spatial modulation).

[0357] Data transmission (2970) refers to sending the data PPDU generated in (2960).

[0358] Figure 30 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the transmitting device based on this embodiment.

[0359] Figure 30 Examples can be performed by the transmitting device (AP and / or non-AP STA).

[0360] Figure 30 Some steps in each step of the example (or detailed sub-steps to be described later) can be skipped / omitted.

[0361] Through step S3010, the transmitting device (transmitting STA) can obtain information about the aforementioned tone plan. As described above, the information about the tone plan includes the size and location of the RU, control information related to the RU, information about the frequency band including the RU, and information about the STA receiving the RU, etc.

[0362] In step S3020, the transmitting device can construct / generate a PPDU based on the acquired control information. Constructing / generating a PPDU may include constructing / generating each field of the PPDU. Specifically, step S3020 includes constructing an EHT-SIG field that includes control information regarding the tone plan. Specifically, step S3020 includes constructing a field that includes control information (e.g., an N-bitmap) indicating the size / location of the RU; and / or constructing a field that includes an identifier (e.g., an AID) of the STA receiving the RU.

[0363] In addition, step S3020 may include generating an STF / LTF sequence to be transmitted via a specific RU. The STF / LTF sequence may be generated based on a preset STF generation sequence / LTF generation sequence.

[0364] In addition, step S3020 may include generating a data field (i.e., MPDU) sent through a specific RU.

[0365] The transmitting device can send the PPDU constructed in step S3020 to the receiving device based on step S3030.

[0366] During step S3030, the transmitting device may perform at least one of operations such as CSD, spatial mapping, IDFT / IFFT operation, and GI insertion.

[0367] The signals / fields / sequences constructed according to this specification can be used as follows: Figure 5 Send in the form of.

[0368] Figure 31 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the receiving device based on this embodiment.

[0369] The above PPDU can be based on Figure 31 The example is used to receive.

[0370] Figure 31 Examples can be performed by the receiving device / app (AP and / or non-AP STA).

[0371] Figure 31 Some steps in each step of the example (or detailed sub-steps to be described later) can be skipped / omitted.

[0372] The receiving device (receiving STA) can receive all or part of the PPDU through step S3110. The received signal can be in Figure 5 In the form of.

[0373] The sub-steps of step S3110 can be based on Figure 30Step S3030 is determined. That is, in step S3110, the results of the CSD, spatial mapping, IDFT / IFFT operations and GI insertion operations applied in step S3030 can be recovered.

[0374] In step S3120, the receiving device can perform decoding of all or part of the PPDU. Furthermore, the receiving device can obtain control information related to the tone plan (i.e., RU) from the decoded PPDU.

[0375] More specifically, the receiving device can decode the L-SIG and EHT-SIG of the PPDU based on conventional STF / LTF and obtain the information included in the L-SIG and EHT-SIG fields. Information on the various tone schemes (i.e., RUs) described in this specification can be included in the EHT-SIG, and the receiving STA can obtain information about the tone scheme (i.e., RU) through the EHT-SIG.

[0376] In step S3130, the receiving device can decode the remaining portion of the PPDU based on the information about the tone plan (i.e., RU) obtained in step S3120. For example, the receiving STA can decode the STF / LTF field of the PPDU based on the information about a plan (i.e., RU). Furthermore, the receiving STA can decode the data field of the PPDU based on the information about the tone plan (i.e., RU) and obtain the MPDU included in the data field.

[0377] Furthermore, the receiving device can perform a processing operation to deliver the data decoded in step S3130 to a higher layer (e.g., the MAC layer). Additionally, when a generation signal is indicated from the higher layer to the PHY layer in response to data sent to the higher layer, subsequent operations can be performed.

[0378] The following will refer to Figures 1 to 31 The above implementation method is described.

[0379] Figure 32 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of transmitting a STA to perform a detection protocol for application beamforming based on application spatial modulation according to this embodiment.

[0380] Figure 32 The example can be implemented in network environments that support next-generation wireless LAN systems (Ultra-High Reliability (UHR) wireless LAN systems or next-generation Wi-Fi). Next-generation wireless LAN systems are improved versions of the 802.11be system and meet backward compatibility requirements with the 802.11be system.

[0381] Figure 32The example is performed at the transmitting STA, which can correspond to a beamforming transmitter or an access point (AP). Figure 32 The receiving STA can correspond to a beamforming receiver or at least a STA (station).

[0382] This embodiment proposes a method for performing beamforming by applying spatial modulation, a technique that improves transmission rate by notifying specific antennas whether they are on or off. Specifically, this specification proposes a signaling method for feeding back all component V matrices.

[0383] In step S3210, the transmitting station (STA) sends a Null Data Packet Advertisement (NDPA) frame to the receiving STA.

[0384] In step S3220, the transmitting STA sends an NDP frame to the receiving STA.

[0385] In step S3230, the transmitting STA receives a feedback frame from the receiving STA.

[0386] The NDPA frame includes fields one through three.

[0387] The first field includes information about whether beamforming for spatial modulation is indicated. For example, a setting of 1 to the first field indicates that spatial modulation has been applied. A setting of 0 to the first field indicates that spatial modulation has not been applied.

[0388] The second field includes information about the modulation order of the spatial modulation. The modulation order of the spatial modulation can be determined based on the number of transmit antennas of the transmitting STA and the number of active antenna elements (described later). The spatial modulation can be a technique based on ensuring transmission flow by activating antenna elements to notify the transmit antennas whether they are on / off, thereby increasing the transmission rate.

[0389] This third field includes information about the number of active antenna elements used for spatial modulation. The dimensions of the beamforming matrix fed back by the beamforming receiver can be specified based on this third field.

[0390] Based on multiple times at once requests for information about the spatial modulation, the NDPA frame may further include a fourth field.

[0391] The fourth field may include information about the number of the second and third fields. Based on the fourth field, at least one or more of the second and third fields may be present in the STA information field of the NDPA frame.

[0392] For example, if the transmitting STA wants to request information about the spatial modulation twice at the same time, the fourth field can indicate that the number of the second field and the third field are each 2, and the two second fields and the two third fields can be included in the STA information field of the NDPA frame.

[0393] The feedback frame may include the first to fourth fields and the fifth field.

[0394] The first through fourth fields included in the feedback frame can be included in the Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) control field.

[0395] The fifth field may include quantization information about the beamforming matrix used for spatial modulation. Specifically, the fifth field may include phi and psi information obtained by rotating the beamforming matrix.

[0396] Based on the fact that the number of active antenna elements is N and the modulation order of the spatial modulation is M, the number of beamforming matrices is 2^M, the dimension of the beamforming matrix is ​​N x Nr, and Nr can be the number of receiving antennas of the receiving STA.

[0397] The fifth field may include a compressed beamforming report field for each of the beamforming matrices. For example, the fifth field may be set to provide feedback on all the components of the beamforming matrix, the V matrix.

[0398] For example, this embodiment proposes a probe feedback mechanism that allows beamforming transmitters / receivers intending to apply spatial modulation to obtain an appropriate beamforming matrix. To this end, a signaling method for feeding back the V-matrix of all components is proposed, based on modifying the NDPA frame and feedback frame (or compressed beamforming / channel quality indicator (CQI) frame) in a conventional probe feedback mechanism. Accordingly, beamforming gain can be obtained even when operating spatial modulation, thereby improving the overall system throughput.

[0399] The feedback frame can be configured based on the NDPA frame and the NDP frame.

[0400] Furthermore, the receiving STA receives beamforming data from the transmitting STA. This beamforming data can be generated based on the spatial modulation applied according to the feedback frame.

[0401] Since the receiving STA is a single STA, a non-TB (trigger-based) probing scheme as described in steps S3210 to S3230 is used. However, since the receiving STA is multiple STAs (e.g., in the case of MU feedback), a TB probing scheme can be used between steps S3220 and S3230 to trigger the feedback frame using a Beamforming Report Polling (BFRP) trigger frame. Specifically, the transmitting STA can transmit the BFRP trigger frame after transmitting the NDP frame and receive the feedback frame triggered by the BFRP trigger frame. The BFRP trigger frame includes at least one user information field, and only the receiving STA identified by the user information field can transmit the feedback frame.

[0402] The NDP frame and the feedback frame can be transmitted in the same frequency band as the NDPA frame. The NDP frame can be defined as a modification of the UHR multi-user (MU) PPDU.

[0403] Figure 33 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of a receiving STA executing a detection protocol for application beamforming based on application spatial modulation according to this embodiment.

[0404] Figure 33 The example can be implemented in network environments that support next-generation wireless LAN systems (Ultra-High Reliability (UHR) wireless LAN systems or next-generation Wi-Fi). Next-generation wireless LAN systems are improved versions of the 802.11be system and meet backward compatibility requirements with the 802.11be system.

[0405] Figure 33 The example is performed at the receiving STA, which may correspond to a beamforming receiver or at least a STA (station). Figure 33 The transmitting STA can correspond to a beamforming transmitter or an AP (access point).

[0406] This embodiment proposes a method for performing beamforming by applying spatial modulation, a technique that improves transmission rate by notifying specific antennas whether they are on or off. Specifically, this specification proposes a signaling method for feeding back all component V matrices.

[0407] In step S3310, the receiving station (STA) receives a null data packet announcement (NDPA) frame from the sending STA.

[0408] In step S3320, the receiving STA receives an NDP frame from the transmitting STA.

[0409] In step S3330, the receiving STA sends a feedback frame to the transmitting STA.

[0410] The NDPA frame includes fields one through three.

[0411] The first field includes information about whether beamforming for spatial modulation is indicated. For example, a setting of 1 to the first field indicates that spatial modulation has been applied. A setting of 0 to the first field indicates that spatial modulation has not been applied.

[0412] The second field includes information about the modulation order of the spatial modulation. The modulation order of the spatial modulation can be determined based on the number of transmit antennas of the transmitting STA and the number of active antenna elements (described later). The spatial modulation can be a technique based on ensuring transmission flow by activating antenna elements to notify the transmit antennas whether they are on / off, thereby increasing the transmission rate.

[0413] This third field includes information about the number of active antenna elements used for spatial modulation. The dimensions of the beamforming matrix fed back by the beamforming receiver can be specified based on this third field.

[0414] Based on multiple times at once requests for information about the spatial modulation, the NDPA frame may further include a fourth field.

[0415] The fourth field may include information about the number of the second and third fields. Based on the fourth field, at least one or more of the second and third fields may be present in the STA information field of the NDPA frame.

[0416] For example, if the transmitting STA wants to request information about the spatial modulation twice at the same time, the fourth field can indicate that the number of the second field and the third field are each 2, and the two second fields and the two third fields can be included in the STA information field of the NDPA frame.

[0417] The feedback frame may include the first to fourth fields and the fifth field.

[0418] The first through fourth fields included in the feedback frame can be included in the Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) control field.

[0419] The fifth field may include quantization information about the beamforming matrix used for spatial modulation. Specifically, the fifth field may include phi and psi information obtained by rotating the beamforming matrix.

[0420] Based on the fact that the number of active antenna elements is N and the modulation order of the spatial modulation is M, the number of beamforming matrices is 2^M, the dimension of the beamforming matrix is ​​N x Nr, and Nr can be the number of receiving antennas of the receiving STA.

[0421] The fifth field may include a compressed beamforming report field for each of the beamforming matrices. For example, the fifth field may be set to provide feedback on all the components of the beamforming matrix, the V matrix.

[0422] For example, this embodiment proposes a probe feedback mechanism that allows beamforming transmitters / receivers intending to apply spatial modulation to obtain an appropriate beamforming matrix. To this end, a signaling method for feeding back the V-matrix of all components is proposed, based on modifying the NDPA frame and feedback frame (or compressed beamforming / channel quality indicator (CQI) frame) in a conventional probe feedback mechanism. Accordingly, beamforming gain can be obtained even when operating spatial modulation, thereby improving the overall system throughput.

[0423] The feedback frame can be configured based on the NDPA frame and the NDP frame.

[0424] Furthermore, the receiving STA receives beamforming data from the transmitting STA. This beamforming data can be generated based on the spatial modulation applied according to the feedback frame.

[0425] Since the receiving STA is a single STA, a non-TB (trigger-based) probing scheme as described in steps S3310 to S3330 is used. However, since the receiving STA is multiple STAs (e.g., in the case of MU feedback), a TB probing scheme can be used between steps S3320 and S3330 to trigger the feedback frame using a Beamforming Report Polling (BFRP) trigger frame. Specifically, the transmitting STA can transmit the BFRP trigger frame after transmitting the NDP frame and receive the feedback frame triggered by the BFRP trigger frame. The BFRP trigger frame includes at least one user information field, and only the receiving STA identified by the user information field can transmit the feedback frame.

[0426] The NDP frame and the feedback frame can be transmitted in the same frequency band as the NDPA frame. The NDP frame can be defined as a modification of the UHR multi-user (MU) PPDU.

[0427] <Device Configuration>

[0428] The technical features of this disclosure can be applied to various apparatuses and methods. For example, the technical features of this disclosure can be used through... Figure 1 and / or Figure 14 The device is used to perform / support this. For example, the technical features of this disclosure can be applied only to... Figure 1 and / or Figure 14 Part of it. For example, the technical features of this disclosure may be based on Figure 1Implemented using processing chips 114 and 124, or based on Figure 1 Implemented by processors 111 and 121 and memories 112 and 122, or based on Figure 14 The processor 610 and memory 620 are used to implement this. For example, the apparatus according to this disclosure receives a null data packet announcement (NDPA) frame from a transmitting station (STA); receives an NDP frame from the transmitting STA; and sends a feedback frame to the transmitting STA.

[0429] The technical features of this disclosure can be implemented based on a computer-readable medium (CRM). For example, the CRM according to this disclosure is at least one computer-readable medium including instructions designed to be executed by at least one processor.

[0430] The CRM can store instructions that perform operations including: receiving a Null Data Packet Advertisement (NDPA) frame from a transmitting station (STA); receiving an NDP frame from the transmitting STA; and sending a feedback frame to the transmitting STA. At least one processor can execute the instructions stored in the CRM according to this disclosure. The at least one processor associated with the CRM of this disclosure may be... Figure 1 Processors 111 and 121, Figure 1 Processing chips 114, 124, or Figure 14 The processor 610. Meanwhile, the CRM disclosed herein can be... Figure 1 The memory 112, 122, Figure 14 The memory 620, or a separate external memory / storage medium / disk.

[0431] The aforementioned technical features in this specification 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).

[0432] 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.

[0433] 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.

[0434] 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.

[0435] 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.

[0436] 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.

[0437] Machine learning can be divided into supervised learning, unsupervised learning, and reinforcement learning.

[0438] 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.

[0439] 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.

[0440] The aforementioned technical features can be applied to wireless communication for robots.

[0441] 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.

[0442] 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.

[0443] The aforementioned technical features can be applied to devices that support extended reality.

[0444] 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.

[0445] 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.

[0446] 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.

[0447] The claims disclosed in this specification can be combined in various ways. For example, the technical features in the method claims of this specification can be combined to be implemented as a device, and the technical features in the device claims of this specification can be combined to be implemented by a method. Furthermore, the technical features in the method claims and device claims of this specification can be combined to be implemented as a device, and the technical features in the method claims and device claims of this specification can be combined to be implemented by a method.

Claims

1. A method in a wireless local area network (WLAN) system, the method comprising: The receiving station (STA) receives an NDPA (Notification of Empty Data Packet) frame from the sending station (STA). The receiving STA receives the NDP frame from the transmitting STA; as well as The receiving STA sends a feedback frame to the sending STA. The NDPA frame includes a first field to a third field. The first field includes information about whether beamforming for spatial modulation is indicated. The second field includes information about the modulation order of the spatial modulation, and The third field includes information about the number of active antenna elements used for the spatial modulation.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, Based on the simultaneous multiple requests for information about the spatial modulation, the NDPA frame also includes a fourth field. The fourth field includes information about the quantity of the second and third fields, and Specifically, based on the fourth field, at least one or more of the second field and the third field exist in a STA information field of the NDPA frame.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The feedback frame includes the first field to the fourth field and the fifth field. Wherein, the first to fourth fields included in the feedback frame are included in the multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) control field, and The fifth field includes quantization information about the beamforming matrix used for the spatial modulation.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein, Given that the number of activated antenna elements is N and the modulation order of the spatial modulation is M, the number of beamforming matrices is 2^M. Wherein, the dimension of the beamforming matrix is ​​N x Nr, Wherein, Nr is the number of receiving antennas of the receiving STA, and The fifth field includes a compressed beamforming report field for each beamforming matrix in the beamforming matrix.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The feedback frame is configured based on the NDPA frame and the NDP frame.

6. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: The receiving STA receives beamforming data from the transmitting STA, and The beamforming data is generated based on the spatial modulation applied according to the feedback frame.

7. A receiving station (STA) in a wireless local area network (WLAN) system, the receiving STA comprising: Memory; transceiver; as well as A processor operatively connectable to the memory and the transceiver. The processor is configured as follows: Receive empty data packet announcement (NDPA) frames from the transmitting STA; Receive NDP frames from the transmitting STA; and Send a feedback frame to the sending STA. The NDPA frame includes a first field to a third field. The first field includes information about whether beamforming for spatial modulation is indicated. The second field includes information about the modulation order of the spatial modulation, and The third field includes information about the number of active antenna elements used for the spatial modulation.

8. A method in a wireless local area network (WLAN) system, the method comprising: The transmitting station (STA) sends an empty data packet announcement (NDPA) frame to the receiving station (STA). The transmitting STA sends an NDP frame to the receiving STA; as well as The sending STA receives a feedback frame from the receiving STA. The NDPA frame includes a first field to a third field. The first field includes information about whether beamforming for spatial modulation is indicated. The second field includes information about the modulation order of the spatial modulation, and The third field includes information about the number of active antenna elements used for the spatial modulation.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein, Based on the simultaneous multiple requests for information about the spatial modulation, the NDPA frame also includes a fourth field. The fourth field includes information about the quantity of the second and third fields, and Specifically, based on the fourth field, at least one or more of the second field and the third field exist in a STA information field of the NDPA frame.

10. The method according to claim 8, wherein, The feedback frame includes the first field to the fourth field and the fifth field. Wherein, the first to fourth fields included in the feedback frame are included in the multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) control field, and The fifth field includes quantization information about the beamforming matrix used for the spatial modulation.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein, Given that the number of activated antenna elements is N and the modulation order of the spatial modulation is M, the number of beamforming matrices is 2^M. Wherein, the dimension of the beamforming matrix is ​​N x Nr, Wherein, Nr is the number of receiving antennas of the receiving STA, and The fifth field includes a compressed beamforming report field for each beamforming matrix in the beamforming matrix.

12. The method according to claim 8, wherein, The feedback frame is configured based on the NDPA frame and the NDP frame.

13. The method according to claim 8, further comprising: The transmitting STA sends beamforming data to the receiving STA, and The beamforming data is generated based on the spatial modulation applied according to the feedback frame.

14. A transmitting station (STA) in a wireless local area network (WLAN) system, the transmitting STA comprising: Memory; transceiver; as well as A processor operatively connectable to the memory and the transceiver. The processor is configured as follows: Send an empty data packet announcement (NDPA) frame to the receiving STA; Send an NDP frame to the receiving STA; and Receive feedback frames from the receiving STA. The NDPA frame includes a first field to a third field. The first field includes information about whether beamforming for spatial modulation is indicated. The second field includes information about the modulation order of the spatial modulation, and The third field includes information about the number of active antenna elements used for the spatial modulation.

15. A computer-readable medium comprising instructions executable by at least one processor and for performing a method comprising the steps of: Receive an Empty Data Packet Announcement (NDPA) frame from the transmitting station STA; Receive NDP frames from the transmitting STA; as well as Send a feedback frame to the sending STA. The NDPA frame includes a first field to a third field. The first field includes information about whether beamforming for spatial modulation is indicated. The second field includes information about the modulation order of the spatial modulation, and The third field includes information about the number of active antenna elements used for the spatial modulation.

16. An apparatus in a wireless local area network (WLAN) system, the apparatus comprising: Memory; as well as A processor, operatively connected to the memory. The processor is configured as follows: Receive an Empty Data Packet Announcement (NDPA) frame from the transmitting station STA; Receive NDP frames from the transmitting STA; and Send a feedback frame to the sending STA. The NDPA frame includes a first field to a third field. The first field includes information about whether beamforming for spatial modulation is indicated. The second field includes information about the modulation order of the spatial modulation, and The third field includes information about the number of active antenna elements used for the spatial modulation.

Images