A method for measuring frame bandwidth negotiation, electronic equipment and storage medium

Abstract

This application provides a method for negotiating frame bandwidth, an electronic device, and a storage medium. The method includes: sending a first information frame to a cooperating access point; receiving a second information frame fed back by the cooperating access point, wherein the second information frame carries second joint beamforming channel information; and determining the channel to be measured based on the second joint beamforming channel information and the first joint beamforming channel information of the initiating access point. This application can improve the application scope of beamforming technology, accurately identify the overlapping portion of working channels, reduce communication overhead, and improve communication quality.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of wireless communication technology, and in particular to a method for negotiating frame bandwidth, an electronic device, and a storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] Interference between multiple Access Points (APs) is a common challenge in wireless LANs. The main cause is that multiple APs operating on the same channel lead to signal interference, affecting network stability and performance. A current feasible solution is joint beamforming of multiple APs, which uses a precoding matrix to reshape the transmitted signal before transmission, reducing interference in the received signal. However, this technology has significant limitations. It can only be used when the working bandwidth of the APs forming the group and the communicating stations (STAs) is equal. Currently, there is a lack of frame exchange mechanisms for situations where the working bandwidths of APs or STAs are unequal. The feedback overhead in the current communication process is also relatively large, and because some bandwidth is not involved in beamforming, the communication effect is not optimal. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a method for negotiating frame bandwidth, an electronic device, and a storage medium, which aim to improve the application scope of beamforming technology, accurately identify the overlapping part of the working channel, reduce communication overhead, and improve communication quality.

[0004] This application provides a method for negotiating frame bandwidth, applied to an initiating access point, the method comprising:

[0005] Send the first information frame to the cooperating access point;

[0006] Receive a second information frame fed back by the cooperative access point, wherein the second information frame carries second joint beamforming channel information;

[0007] The channel to be measured is determined based on the second joint beamforming channel information and the first joint beamforming channel information of the initiating access point.

[0008] This application also provides a method for negotiating frame bandwidth, applied to a cooperative access point, the method comprising:

[0009] Receive the first information frame sent by the initiating access point;

[0010] The second joint beamforming channel information is fed back to the initiating access point based on the second information frame.

[0011] This application also provides an electronic device, wherein the electronic device includes:

[0012] One or more processors;

[0013] Memory, used to store one or more programs;

[0014] When the one or more programs are executed by the one or more processors, the one or more processors implement the measurement frame bandwidth negotiation method as described in any of the embodiments of this application.

[0015] A computer-readable storage medium is characterized in that it stores one or more programs, which are executed by one or more processors to implement the measurement frame bandwidth negotiation method as described in any of the embodiments of this application.

[0016] It should be understood that the description in this section is not intended to identify key or essential features of the embodiments of this application, nor is it intended to limit the scope of this application. Other features of this application will become readily apparent from the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1 This is an example diagram illustrating a problem of mutual interference between multiple access points (APs) provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0019] Figure 2 This is an example diagram of a baseband signal processing method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a communication example diagram of an equivalent complex baseband MIMO channel model provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0021] Figure 4 This is an example diagram of signal modulation based on the water injection principle provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0022] Figure 5 This is an example diagram of information transmission using partial channel beamforming provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0023] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of a method for negotiating frame bandwidth according to an embodiment of this application;

[0024] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of another method for negotiating frame bandwidth provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0025] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of another method for negotiating frame bandwidth provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 9 This is a flowchart of another method for negotiating frame bandwidth provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0027] Figure 10 This is a flowchart of a method for negotiating frame bandwidth according to an embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 11 This is a flowchart of another method for negotiating frame bandwidth provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 12 This is a flowchart of another method for negotiating frame bandwidth provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0030] Figure 13 This is a flowchart of another method for negotiating frame bandwidth provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 14 This is an example diagram of a frame bandwidth negotiation method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 15 This is an example diagram illustrating a working channel determination process provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0033] Figure 16 This is an example diagram of another working channel determination process provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0034] Figure 17 This is an example diagram of another working channel determination process provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0035] Figure 18 This is an example diagram of a bit pattern provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0036] Figure 19 This is an example diagram of how overlapping portions are obtained according to an embodiment of this application;

[0037] Figure 20 This is an example diagram of how overlapping portions are obtained according to an embodiment of this application;

[0038] Figure 21 This is an example diagram illustrating another method for obtaining overlapping portions, as provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0039] Figure 22 This is an example diagram of a frame bandwidth negotiation method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0040] Figure 23This is an example diagram of a frame bandwidth negotiation method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0041] Figure 24 This is an example diagram of a method for determining a channel to be measured provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0042] Figure 25 This is an example diagram of a method for determining a channel to be measured provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0043] Figure 26 This is an example diagram of a method for determining a channel to be measured provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0044] Figure 27 This is a schematic diagram of a frame bandwidth negotiation device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0045] Figure 28 This is a schematic diagram of another frame bandwidth negotiation device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0046] Figure 29 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0047] It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0048] In the following description, the use of suffixes such as “module,” “part,” or “unit” to denote elements is solely for the purpose of illustration in this application and has no particular meaning in itself. Therefore, “module,” “part,” or “unit” may be used interchangeably.

[0049] See Figure 1 AP1 is associated with STA1, and AP2 is associated with STA2. During communication, AP1 sends signals to STA1 while simultaneously interfering with STA2, and AP2 sends signals to STA2 while also interfering with STA2. Taking STA1's reception as an example:

[0050] Y1 = H 11 x1+H 21 x2+n

[0051] Where H 21 x2 represents the interference signal.

[0052] The current solution to the problem of mutual interference between multiple APs is to use joint beamforming of multiple APs. In this case, the transmitted signal is reshaped using a precoding matrix before transmission, as shown below. The received signal of STA1 is then represented as follows:

[0053] Y1 = H 11W1x1+H 21 W2x2+n

[0054] This method uses the precoding matrix W2 to make H 21 W2 = 0, thus ensuring that the interference signal H received by STA1 is not lost. 21 W2x2=0.

[0055] However, the above method can only be used when the operating bandwidth between the APs forming the multi-AP group and the operating bandwidth of the STAs communicating with them are all equal. For example... Figure 1 The operating bandwidth of AP1 is The operating bandwidth of AP2 in the figure is The operating bandwidth of STA1 is The operating bandwidth of STA2 is The premise for using this technology at present is And satisfy In actual commercial use, it can only meet the requirements in very few cases. or More often than not, it will still happen or The current agreement lacks provisions regarding this situation. or This is a more general definition of the multi-AP negotiation process for forming beamforming groups.

[0056] Compared to the original process, the multi-AP beamforming method requires the addition of acquisition of interference channels. Figure 1 For example, existing beamforming technology relies solely on H 11 However, multi-AP beamforming technology still relies on H 21 The feedback. At this point, the amount of data in the feedback information for both STA1 and STA2 is quite large. In fact, when or At that time, only the overlapping parts of the working channels will interfere with each other.

[0057] To minimize feedback overhead, no processing is performed on the bandwidth overlap portion, such as... Figure 2 As shown in the embodiment of this application, a method for processing baseband signals is provided. Since the beamforming matrix is ​​fed back by the STA, the STA can accurately know the starting and ending parts of the beamforming scheme, thereby reducing feedback overhead.

[0058] In this application embodiment, coordinated beamforming is a technique used in wireless communication systems, particularly in multi-antenna systems and cellular networks. Its main purpose is to enhance signal transmission efficiency and quality through cooperation among multiple antennas, while reducing interference. Coordinated beamforming coordinates the transmit beams of multiple base stations or multiple antenna arrays, enabling the receiver to receive a stronger signal and minimizing interference from other users or base stations.

[0059] Beamforming, also known as transmit beamforming or transmit beamforming, is an advanced antenna technology used in wireless communication, primarily to enhance signal transmission efficiency and improve signal coverage. Beamforming optimizes the signal propagation path, reduces interference, and improves signal quality at the receiver by concentrating the energy of the transmitted signal in a specific direction. Beamforming utilizes an array antenna (an antenna group composed of multiple antenna elements) to control the direction of the transmitted signal. By adjusting the phase and amplitude between the individual antenna elements, beamforming can form one or more high-gain beams directly pointed at the target receiver. This precise directional control allows the signal to bypass obstacles, reducing path loss and interference, thereby enhancing the performance of the communication link. In Wi-Fi protocols, this is often referred to as steerable matrixQ. k .

[0060] See Figure 3 The equivalent complex baseband MIMO channel model is modeled as follows:

[0061] Y k =H AB Q steer,k x k +n

[0062] When using beamforming (N) STS ≦N TX ), beamformer uses Q k x k Replace x k The receiving vector can be represented as:

[0063] System Model:

[0064] Y k =H AB Q steer,k x k +n

[0065] in, It is a vector transmitted on subcarrier k; It is the receive vector;

[0066] H k It is a dimension of N RX ×N TX The channel matrix; n is Gaussian white noise.

[0067] Q stter,k This is the beamforming matrix, which generally consists of two parts: a spatial spread matrix and a V matrix. Therefore, it can be written in the following form:

[0068] Q steer,k =Q k V k

[0069] The Beamforming matrix can also be customized by the manufacturer:

[0070] Q steer,k =Q k V k D water-fill

[0071] Q steer,k =V k

[0072] Q k The spatial expansion matrix is ​​defined by the protocol as follows:

[0073] N TX =3,N STS =2,

[0074] V k The V matrix is ​​calculated by the peer device Beamformee, processed through a Sounding process, and then fed back to the AP for use. In this example, if a signal is sent from device A to device B, device B generates the V matrix, which is then fed back to device A through the Sounding process. Since the calculation of the V matrix depends on H... AB Q k The acquisition of the effective channel matrix H as described in the protocol. eff,k And H eff , k由 After receiving the PPDU from device A, device B performs channel estimation using the LTF field. Therefore, device B needs to calculate the V matrix and then feed it back to device A. It's important to note that while the protocol doesn't specifically specify the method for generating the V matrix, manufacturers typically use SVD decomposition to obtain it.

[0075] SVD decomposition process:

[0076] H=UΣV T

[0077] in

[0078]

[0079] Where λ1 to λ n The value reflects the quality of the wireless channel at that time.

[0080] See Figure 4 , water injection principle:

[0081]

[0082] Limited by

[0083] It can be proven that one solution to the above formula problem is as follows:

[0084]

[0085] In practical communication systems where both coding length and modulation order are limited, reverse water injection is often used to achieve better communication performance.

[0086] In this embodiment of the application, before each frame of multi-access point beamforming joint transmission, the device about to start multi-access point beamforming joint transmission is notified to join the group, such as... Figure 5 As shown.

[0087] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for negotiating frame bandwidth according to an embodiment of this application. This embodiment is applicable to scenarios involving partial channel beamforming negotiation of measurement frame bandwidth. The method can be executed by a measurement frame bandwidth negotiation device, typically integrated into the initiating access point, such as... Figure 6 As shown, the method provided in this application embodiment specifically includes the following steps:

[0088] Step 110: Send the first information frame to the cooperating access point.

[0089] The cooperating access point can be an access point that communicates with the initiating access point in beamforming, and the first information frame can be an information frame used to request joint beamforming. Specifically, the first information frame may include a joint beamforming request.

[0090] In this embodiment of the application, the initiating access point may send a first information frame to the cooperating access point to request the cooperating access point to obtain the channel for joint beamforming.

[0091] Step 120: Receive the second information frame fed back by the cooperative access point, wherein the second information frame carries the second joint beamforming channel information.

[0092] The second information frame can be an information frame fed back by the cooperating access point. This second information frame can be a response to the first information frame. The second information frame can carry second joint beamforming channel information; that is, the second information frame can be the corresponding information fed back by the cooperating access point based on the joint beamforming request of the initiating access point. The second joint beamforming channel information can be channel information fed back by the cooperating access point for performing joint beamforming.

[0093] In this embodiment of the application, after the cooperating access point obtains the first information frame, it can determine the second joint beamforming channel information and feed back the second joint beamforming channel information to the initiating access point through the second information frame. The initiating access point can receive the second information frame.

[0094] Step 130: Determine the channel to be measured based on the second joint beamforming channel information and the first joint beamforming channel information of the initiating access point.

[0095] The channel to be measured can be a channel that undergoes beamforming. The channel to be measured can be determined by the initiating access point using first joint beamforming channel information and second joint beamforming channel information. The first joint beamforming channel information can be channel information that supports joint beamforming determined by the initiating access point.

[0096] In this embodiment of the application, the initiating access point determines the channel to be measured based on its own first joint beamforming channel information and the second joint beamforming channel information of the cooperating access points. This determination may include taking the intersection or union of the first joint beamforming channel information and the second joint beamforming channel information as the channel to be measured.

[0097] In this embodiment, by sending a first information frame to a cooperating access point and receiving a second information frame from the cooperating access point carrying second joint beamforming channel information, the channel to be measured is determined based on the second joint beamforming channel information and the first joint beamforming channel information of the initiating access point. This expands the application channels of beamforming, improves the application scope of beamforming technology, and identifies the overlapping parts of the working channels, thereby reducing communication overhead and improving communication quality.

[0098] Furthermore, based on the above-mentioned application embodiments, it also includes: triggering the cooperative access point to perform channel measurement on the channel to be measured based on the third information frame.

[0099] The third information frame can be an information frame used to trigger the cooperative access point to perform channel measurement, and the third information frame can carry the channel to be measured.

[0100] In this embodiment of the application, the initiating access point can send a third information frame to the cooperating access point. The third information frame may include the channel to be measured. After receiving the channel to be measured, the cooperating access point can perform channel measurement on the channel to be measured.

[0101] Based on the above application embodiments, the third information frame includes at least an empty data packet notification frame.

[0102] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of another method for negotiating frame bandwidth according to an embodiment of this application. This embodiment is a refinement based on the above embodiments. See also... Figure 7 The method provided in this application specifically includes the following steps:

[0103] Step 210: Send the first information frame to the cooperating access point.

[0104] Step 220: Receive the second information frame fed back by the cooperative access point, wherein the second information frame carries the second joint beamforming channel information.

[0105] Step 230: Determine the channel to be measured based on the second joint beamforming channel information and the first joint beamforming channel information of the initiating access point.

[0106] Step 240: Perform channel measurement on the channel to be measured to obtain the channel measurement results.

[0107] Step 250: Beamforming is performed on the measurement channel based on the channel measurement results.

[0108] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of another measurement frame bandwidth negotiation method provided in this application embodiment. Based on the above embodiments, this application embodiment describes the process of determining the channel to be measured. See [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 8 The method provided in this application specifically includes the following steps:

[0109] Step 310: Send the first information frame to the cooperating access point.

[0110] Step 320: Receive the second information frame fed back by the cooperative access point, wherein the second information frame carries the second joint beamforming channel information.

[0111] Step 330: Initiate access point and cooperative access point support for partial frequency band beamforming.

[0112] In this embodiment, it can be determined that both the initiating access point and the cooperating access point support partial frequency band beamforming. The method to determine whether the initiating access point supports partial frequency band beamforming can be by checking whether the working channels of the stations participating in joint beamforming within the service set of the initiating access point support partial frequency band beamforming, or whether the channel of the STA to be measured supports partial frequency band beamforming. The method to determine whether the cooperating access point supports partial frequency band beamforming can include determining whether the second joint beamforming channel information exists in the second information frame fed back by the cooperating access point. For example, if the second information frame does not carry the second joint beamforming channel information, or if the second joint beamforming channel information is empty, then it can be considered that the cooperating access point does not support partial frequency band beamforming.

[0113] Step 340: Use the intersection of the second joint beamforming channel information and the first joint beamforming channel information as the channel information to be measured.

[0114] In this embodiment of the application, since both the initiating access point and the cooperating access point support partial channel beamforming procedures, the intersection of the first joint beamforming channel information and the second joint beamforming channel information can be used as the channel information to be tested.

[0115] Figure 9 This is a flowchart of another measurement frame bandwidth negotiation method provided in this application embodiment. Based on the above embodiments, this application embodiment describes the process of determining the channel to be measured. See [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 9 The method provided in this application specifically includes the following steps:

[0116] Step 410: Send the first information frame to the cooperating access point.

[0117] Step 420: Receive the second information frame fed back by the cooperative access point, wherein the second information frame carries the second joint beamforming channel information.

[0118] Step 430: At least one of the initiating access point and the cooperating access point does not support partial frequency band beamforming.

[0119] In the embodiments of this application, neither the initiating access point nor the cooperating access point supports partial frequency band beamforming, or the initiating access point does not support partial frequency band beamforming, or the cooperating access point does not support partial frequency band beamforming.

[0120] Step 440: The union of the second joint beamforming channel information and the first joint beamforming channel information is used as the channel information to be measured.

[0121] Specifically, if both the initiating access point and the cooperating access point support partial channel beamforming procedures, then the union of the first joint beamforming channel information and the second joint beamforming channel information can be used as the channel information to be tested.

[0122] Based on the above-described embodiments, the first joint beamforming channel information includes at least one of the following:

[0123] Before the joint measurement begins, at least one site in the site group participating in the joint beamforming within the service set of the initiating access point must operate on the channel.

[0124] Within a transmission opportunity during each joint measurement process, the site to be measured operates on the channel.

[0125] Based on the above application embodiments, the access point may or may not support beamforming in certain frequency bands, including at least one of the following:

[0126] If all sites participating in joint beamforming within the service set of the initiating access point support partial frequency band beamforming, and the initiating access point also supports partial frequency band beamforming, then the initiating access point is confirmed to support partial frequency band beamforming; otherwise, the initiating access point is confirmed to not support partial frequency band beamforming.

[0127] At the beginning of the joint measurement, if it is determined that the initiating access point supports partial frequency band beamforming, and the next site to be measured by the initiating access point also supports partial frequency band beamforming, then the initiating access point is determined to support partial frequency band beamforming; otherwise, it is determined that the initiating access point does not support partial frequency band beamforming.

[0128] In this embodiment of the application, the initiating access point supports partial frequency band beamforming when it meets at least one of the following conditions: all sites participating in joint beamforming within the service set of the initiating access point support partial frequency band beamforming; the initiating access point supports partial frequency band beamforming; and / or, at the beginning stage of joint measurement, it is determined that the initiating access point supports partial frequency band beamforming; and the next site to be measured by the initiating access point supports partial frequency band beamforming. If the initiating access point does not meet any of the above conditions, then the initiating access point does not support partial frequency band beamforming.

[0129] Based on the above-described embodiments, the second joint beamforming channel information includes at least one of the following methods:

[0130] The start and end positions of the resource block;

[0131] Bit pattern of resource blocks;

[0132] Bit pattern of the sub-channel;

[0133] The start and end sequence numbers of the subcarriers;

[0134] The starting frequency and the ending frequency.

[0135] In this embodiment, the second joint beamforming channel information can be represented by the start and end positions of the resource block. The start and end positions can be determined by the cooperating access point based on the obtained operating class and channel number information. In other embodiments, the second joint beamforming channel information can be determined by the bit pattern of the resource block, or by the start and end sequence numbers of the subcarriers, or by the start and end frequency points.

[0136] It is understandable that the first joint beamforming channel information can also be represented by at least one of the following methods: the start and end positions of the resource block; the bit pattern of the resource block; the start and end sequence numbers of the subcarriers; the start and end frequency points.

[0137] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for negotiating measurement frame bandwidth according to an embodiment of this application. This embodiment is applicable to scenarios involving partial channel beamforming negotiation of measurement frame bandwidth. The method can be executed by a measurement frame bandwidth negotiation device, typically integrated into a cooperative access point, such as... Figure 10 As shown, the method provided in this application embodiment specifically includes the following steps:

[0138] Step 510: Receive the first information frame sent by the initiating access point.

[0139] In this embodiment of the application, the initiating access point can send a first information frame to the cooperating access point to obtain the request from the initiating access point.

[0140] Step 520: Feed back the second joint beamforming channel information to the initiating access point based on the second information frame.

[0141] Specifically, the cooperating access point can determine the second joint beamforming channel information and feed it back to the initiating access point through the second information frame.

[0142] In some embodiments, the method further includes: acquiring a third information frame of the initiating access point; and performing channel measurement based on the channel to be measured in the third information frame.

[0143] In this embodiment of the application, the cooperating access point can receive a third information frame sent by the initiating access point. The third information frame can trigger the cooperating access point to perform channel measurement. The third information frame includes at least the channel to be measured. After the cooperating access point obtains the third information frame, it can perform channel measurement according to the channel to be measured in the third information frame.

[0144] Based on the above-described embodiments, the third information frame includes at least an empty data packet notification frame.

[0145] Figure 11 This is a flowchart of another measurement frame bandwidth negotiation method provided in this application embodiment. Based on the above embodiments, this application embodiment describes the feedback process of the second joint beamforming channel information. See [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 11 The method provided in this application specifically includes the following steps:

[0146] Step 610: Receive the first information frame sent by the initiating access point.

[0147] Step 620: Determine if the cooperative access point supports beamforming in certain frequency bands.

[0148] In the embodiments of this application, it can be determined whether the cooperating access point supports partial frequency band beamforming. The determination method can be to determine whether the cooperating access point meets the following conditions: all sites participating in joint beamforming within the service set of the cooperating access point support partial frequency band beamforming, and the cooperating access point supports partial frequency band beamforming; or, at the beginning stage of joint measurement, it is determined that the cooperating access point supports partial frequency band beamforming, and the next site to be measured by the cooperating access point supports partial frequency band beamforming.

[0149] Step 630: Feed back a second information frame containing the second joint beamforming channel information to the initiating access point.

[0150] Specifically, if it is determined that the cooperative access point supports beamforming in certain frequency bands, the second joint beamforming channel information is fed back to the initiating access point through the second information frame.

[0151] Figure 12 This is a flowchart of another measurement frame bandwidth negotiation method provided in this application embodiment. Based on the above embodiments, this application embodiment describes the feedback process of the second joint beamforming channel information. See [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 12 The method provided in this application specifically includes the following steps:

[0152] Step 710: Receive the first information frame sent by the initiating access point.

[0153] Step 720: Determine that the cooperative access point does not support beamforming in certain frequency bands.

[0154] In the embodiments of this application, it can be determined whether the cooperating access point supports partial frequency band beamforming. The determination method can determine whether the cooperating access point does not meet at least one of the following conditions: all sites participating in joint beamforming within the service set of the cooperating access point support partial frequency band beamforming, and the cooperating access point supports partial frequency band beamforming; or, at the beginning stage of joint measurement, it is determined that the cooperating access point supports partial frequency band beamforming, and the next site to be measured by the cooperating access point supports partial frequency band beamforming.

[0155] Step 730: Send a second information frame to the initiating access point that does not contain information about the second joint beamforming channel, or do not send a reply to the initiating access point that supports partial frequency band beamforming.

[0156] In this embodiment of the application, when it is determined that the cooperating access point does not support beamforming in certain frequency bands, the cooperating access point may not send a second information frame that does not contain the second joint beamforming channel information to the transmitting access point, or it may not send information that supports beamforming in certain frequency bands to the initiating access point.

[0157] In some embodiments of the application, the second joint beamforming channel information includes at least one of the following:

[0158] Before the joint measurement begins, the union of all working channels of all sites in the site group participating in joint beamforming within the service set of the cooperative access point, or at least one of the working channels of a site.

[0159] Within a transmission opportunity during each joint measurement process, the site to be measured operates on the channel.

[0160] In the embodiments of this application, before the joint measurement begins, there may be an initialization / reinitialization phase for media access control layer negotiation. The second joint beamforming channel information may include the union of all site working channels in the site group participating in joint beamforming within the service set of the cooperating access point, or one of at least one site working channel; or, within a transmission opportunity during each joint measurement process, the second joint beamforming channel information may include the site working channel to be measured.

[0161] Based on the above application embodiments, the cooperative access point may or may not support partial frequency band beamforming, including at least one of the following:

[0162] If all sites participating in joint beamforming within the service set of the cooperating access point support partial frequency band beamforming, and the cooperating access point also supports partial frequency band beamforming, then it is determined that the cooperating access point supports partial frequency band beamforming; otherwise, it is determined that the initiating access point does not support partial frequency band beamforming.

[0163] At the beginning of the joint measurement, it is determined that the cooperating access point supports partial frequency band beamforming, and the next site to be measured by the cooperating access point supports partial frequency band beamforming; otherwise, it is determined that the initiating access point does not support partial frequency band beamforming.

[0164] In this embodiment of the application, the initiating access point supports partial frequency band beamforming when at least one of the following conditions is met: all sites participating in joint beamforming within the service set of the initiating access point support partial frequency band beamforming; the initiating access point supports partial frequency band beamforming; and / or, at the beginning stage of joint measurement, it is determined that the initiating access point supports partial frequency band beamforming; and the next site to be measured by the initiating access point supports partial frequency band beamforming. If the initiating access point does not meet any of the above conditions, then the initiating access point does not support partial frequency band beamforming.

[0165] In some embodiments, the second joint beamforming channel information includes at least one of the following:

[0166] The start and end positions of the resource block;

[0167] Bit pattern of resource blocks;

[0168] Bit pattern of the sub-channel;

[0169] The start and end sequence numbers of the subcarriers;

[0170] The starting frequency and the ending frequency.

[0171] Figure 13 This is an example diagram of another method for negotiating frame bandwidth provided in this application embodiment. See also... Figure 13 The measurement frame bandwidth negotiation method provided in this application embodiment specifically includes the following steps:

[0172] Step 1: The initiating AP sends a response request frame, which carries the initiating AP's operating class information and channel number information. Among them,

[0173] Step Two: The cooperating AP sends a response frame in response to the request frame sent by the initiating AP. This response frame carries the cooperating AP's operating class and channel number information. The operating class indicates the operating frequency range and channel bandwidth configuration of the wireless device within a specific area. The operating class is associated with a specific regulatory domain, and it enables channel allocation, bandwidth type, channel characteristics, and area dependence. The channel number identifies the specific channel on which the wireless communication device operates. The channel number is directly related to the actual physical frequency (center frequency); for example, a channel number can indicate 2.4GHz, 5GHz, or 6GHz.

[0174] Step 3: The initiating AP of the joint beamforming group sends the first information frame to the cooperating AP to obtain the channel that the cooperating AP wants to perform joint beamforming on.

[0175] Step 4: The cooperating AP feeds back joint beamforming channel-related messages via the second information frame according to different situations. The channel messages fed back by the cooperating AP are less than or equal to its operating bandwidth. The specific method is as follows:

[0176] First, determine whether the cooperating AP supports beamforming in certain frequency bands:

[0177] If one of the following conditions is met, the cooperating AP will support partial frequency band beamforming; otherwise, it will not support partial frequency band beamforming.

[0178] 1. When all STAs participating in joint beamforming within the BSS where the cooperating AP is located support partial frequency band beamforming and the cooperating AP also supports partial frequency band beamforming.

[0179] 2. At the beginning of the joint measurement phase, the cooperating AP supports partial band beamforming and the next STA to be measured also supports partial band beamforming.

[0180] If the cooperating AP supports partial frequency band beamforming, its response channel will be one of the following:

[0181] (Case 1) During the initialization / reinitialization phase of MAP negotiation, the channel fed back by the cooperating AP is either the union of the working channels of all STAs in the STA group participating in joint beamforming or one of the working channels of the cooperating AP.

[0182] (Scenario 2) At the beginning of the joint measurement, the channel fed back by the cooperating AP is the working channel of the next STA that wants to be measured.

[0183] At this point, the cooperating AP must include a message supporting partial frequency band beamforming in its response.

[0184] If the cooperating AP does not support beamforming in certain frequency bands, its response channel will be one of the following:

[0185] (Case 1) During the initialization / reinitialization phase of MAP negotiation, the channel fed back by the cooperating AP is either the union of the working channels of all STAs in the STA group participating in joint beamforming or one of the working channels of the cooperating AP.

[0186] (Scenario 2) At the beginning of the joint measurement, the channel fed back by the cooperating AP is the working channel of the next STA that wants to be measured.

[0187] At this point, the information replied by the cooperating AP may not include information on supporting partial frequency band beamforming, or it may not reply at all that it supports partial frequency band beamforming.

[0188] At this point, the information replied by the cooperating AP may not include a message supporting beamforming in certain frequency bands, or it may include a message that does not support beamforming in certain frequency bands.

[0189] Step 5: Having learned about the channel-related information of the cooperating APs through Steps 1 and 2, the initiating AP now uses NDPA frames to announce the channels to be measured in the subsequent measurement process, based on the relevant statistical information known within its BSS. Ultimately, the channels to be measured are less than or equal to the union of the working channels of the initiating AP and the cooperating APs. The specific determination method is as follows:

[0190] First, determine whether the initiating AP supports beamforming in certain frequency bands:

[0191] If one of the following conditions is met, AP support for partial frequency band beamforming will be initiated; otherwise, it will not be supported.

[0192] 1. When all STAs participating in joint beamforming within the BSS where the initiating AP is located support partial frequency band beamforming and the initiating AP also supports partial frequency band beamforming.

[0193] 2. At the beginning of the joint measurement phase, the AP initiates partial band beamforming and the next STA to be measured supports partial band beamforming.

[0194] If the initiating AP supports beamforming, and the reply from the feedback AP includes a message supporting partial frequency band beamforming, then the measurement channel field carried in the NDPA frame sent by the initiating AP should satisfy one of the following:

[0195] (Case 1) During the initialization / reinitialization phase of MAP negotiation, the initiating AP can use the union of all STA working channels in its BSS group that participate in joint beamforming, or the intersection of one of its working channels and the working channel of the feedback AP, as the channel to be measured announced in the NDPA frame.

[0196] (Scenario 2) At the beginning of the joint measurement, the initiating AP can use the intersection of the channel of its target STA and the channel in the feedback message as the target channel announced in the NDPA frame.

[0197] If the AP does not support partial frequency band beamforming or the feedback message does not contain a message indicating support for partial frequency band beamforming or does not support partial frequency band beamforming:

[0198] (Case 1) During the initialization / reinitialization phase of MAP negotiation, the channel to be measured announced in the NDPA frame must be greater than or equal to the union of all STA working channels in the STA group participating in joint beamforming within the BSS to which the initiating AP belongs, or the union of one of the working channels of the initiating AP and the working channel of the feedback AP.

[0199] (Case 2) At the beginning of the joint measurement, the channel to be measured announced in the NDPA frame must be greater than or equal to the union of the channel of the STA to be measured associated with the initiating AP and the channel in the feedback message.

[0200] Step 4: The measurement channels announced by the initiating AP and cooperating AP in the NDPA are the same as those announced in the NDPA frame in Step 3. The channels of the NDP frames sent by the initiating AP and cooperating AP are the same as those announced in the NDPA frame.

[0201] Step 5: After the initiating AP or the STA in the cooperating AP receives the NDP frame, it measures the channel corresponding to the NDP frame and integrates the beamforming information to feed back to the transmitting AP.

[0202] Step 6: Initiate and cooperate with the AP to perform beamforming on the corresponding channel based on the beamforming information fed back by the STA.

[0203] Figure 14 This is an example diagram illustrating a measurement frame bandwidth negotiation method provided in an embodiment of this application. During the initialization phase of a multi-AP beamforming group, the initiating AP and cooperating APs exchange information about the bandwidth to be measured. Subsequently, at the beginning of the joint measurement process, the initiating AP announces and initiates the measurement process for the bandwidth overlap portion of the channel in the form of an NDPA frame. See also... Figure 14 The measurement process may include the following steps:

[0204] Step 1: The initiating AP sends a response request frame, which carries the operating class information and channel number information of the initiating AP.

[0205] Step 2: The cooperating AP sends a response frame in response to the request frame sent by the initiating AP, and carries the cooperating AP's operating class information and channel number information in the response frame.

[0206] Step 3: The initiating AP sends the first information frame to the cooperating AP to obtain the channel that the cooperating AP wants to perform joint beamforming on.

[0207] Step 4: The cooperating AP sends a response frame based on the relevant statistical information to respond to the first information frame sent by the initiating AP in Step 1 and carries the channel (resource block) information for which joint beamforming is desired in the response frame.

[0208] Step 5: Initiate AP to construct NDPA frame. The start and end frequency information carried in the constructed NDPA frame is the channel (resource block) information to be jointly measured.

[0209] Step 6: The initiating AP and cooperating APs send measurement NDP frames based on the information in the NDPA frame.

[0210] Step 7: The Non-AP STA device returns channel measurement report information.

[0211] Detailed explanation:

[0212] 1. Regarding the strategies that the cooperating AP may use to generate feedback channel information in step four, there are the following two:

[0213] (1) The current working bandwidth of the cooperating AP.

[0214] (2) The union of the working bandwidths of all STAs associated with the cooperating AP within the BSS.

[0215] Understandably, if the working bandwidth of the cooperating AP has punched holes, the bandwidth after punching holes can be reported.

[0216] The cooperating AP is associated with STA devices operating on 5G channels 20M, 40M, 80M, and 160M. In this case, the AP takes the union of the operating channels of all STAs, as shown below. Figure 15 As shown, the cooperating AP can report the channels consisting of channels 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 58, and 64.

[0217] It is understandable that if 80+80 channels are present, the union of the working channels can also be used as the feedback channel information, see [reference needed]. Figure 16 At this point, the channel information that can be fed back is the channel composed of channels 50, 106, and 122.

[0218] Furthermore, based on the above-described embodiments, the cooperative AP can generate channel information for responses in the following manner:

[0219] a. Globally number all currently available 20M RU resource blocks, and mark them according to the start and end positions of the RU resource blocks during the feedback process, as follows: Figure 17 As shown.

[0220] b. Channel information is marked using specific bit patterns, which are used to identify channel information in 20M resource blocks. For example, if the initiating AP is operating at 160M and the cooperating AP is operating at 80M, the pattern reported by the cooperating AP would be as follows. Figure 18 As shown.

[0221] c. Identification is achieved through the start and end sequence numbers of the subcarrier numbers.

[0222] d. Identify the frequency using the start and end frequencies.

[0223] It is understood that, in the embodiments of this application, the representation of the working channel of the initiating AP can be the same as that of the cooperating AP.

[0224] In some application embodiments, regarding step five above, after the initiating AP obtains the information from the cooperating AP's response in step four, it decides which channels need to be measured through joint sounding. The specific strategy used can be any one or more of the following:

[0225] 1. The initiating AP obtains the overlap between its operating channel and the reporting channel of the cooperating AP in step four, and announces this in subsequent NDPA frames. Taking an initiating AP operating at 160MHz and a cooperating AP operating at 80MHz as an example, the method for obtaining the overlap is as follows: Figure 19 As shown. In Figure 19 The black areas represent the bandwidth overlap, specifically bands 36, 40, 44, and 48. The NDPA frame will announce this band as the band requiring channel measurements in subsequent steps.

[0226] In this embodiment, the trigger frame is used in the same way as step four to announce the start and end frequency points. It can be marked by the start and end positions of the RU resource block or by a specific pattern.

[0227] Understandably, when bandwidth puncturing occurs, the same strategy can be used to select the overlapping bandwidth portion as the frequency band for channel measurement. See also Figure 20 At this point, the bandwidth overlaps between channels 36 and 48.

[0228] 2. The initiating AP obtains the union of its operating channel and the channels reported by the cooperating APs in step four, and announces the corresponding channels in a subsequent NDPA frame. Taking an initiating AP operating at 160MHz and cooperating APs operating at 80MHz as an example, the method for obtaining the union is as follows: Figure 21 As shown in the diagram, the black area represents the union of the channels. The NDPA frame will announce this frequency band as the band for which channel measurements are required in subsequent steps. The method used in the NDPA frame to announce the start and end frequency points is the same as in step four; it can be marked using the start and end positions of the RU resource block or using a specific pattern. Similarly, when a working channel is interrupted, the union of the working channels of the initiating AP and cooperating APs can also be used as the frequency band for channel measurements.

[0229] In the embodiments of this application, when the overlapping portion is used as the announcement channel in the NDPA frame, the joint beamforming aims to minimize mutual interference within the multi-AP system, and the feedback overhead is small at this time.

[0230] When using the union portion as the announcement channel in an NDPA frame, joint beamforming aims to beamform all subcarriers of the STA device's operating channel within each multi-AP beamforming group as much as possible for optimal compatibility.

[0231] In one exemplary implementation, see Figure 22 During the reinitialization phase of the multi-AP beamforming group, the initiating AP and cooperating APs exchange information about the bandwidth to be measured. Then, at the beginning of the joint measurement process, the initiating AP announces and initiates the measurement process for the channels with overlapping bandwidths via NDPA frames. Reinitialization may occur when parameters within the BSS where the initiating AP or cooperating AP is located change, such as when equipment goes offline or the channel of the initiating AP or cooperating AP changes. The negotiation process, after the start of the reinitialization phase, may include the following steps:

[0232] Step 1: The initiating AP sends the first information frame to the cooperating AP to obtain the channel that the cooperating AP wants to perform joint beamforming on.

[0233] Step 2: The cooperating AP sends a response frame based on relevant statistical information to respond to the first information frame sent by the initiating AP in Step 1, and carries the channel (resource block) information for which joint beamforming is desired in the response frame.

[0234] Step 3: Initiate AP to construct NDPA frame. The start and end frequency information carried in the constructed NDPA frame is the channel (resource block) information to be jointly measured.

[0235] Step 4: The initiating AP and cooperating APs send measurement NDP frames based on the information in the NDPA frame.

[0236] Step 5: The Non-AP STA device returns channel measurement report information.

[0237] In another exemplary implementation, see Figure 23 Within a single TXOP during each joint measurement process, the initiating AP and cooperating APs exchange information about the bandwidth to be measured. Subsequently, during the joint measurement process, this information is announced and the measurement procedure for the overlapping bandwidth channels is initiated via a trigger frame. See also... Figure 23 The measurement process may include the following steps:

[0238] Preliminary steps:

[0239] Step 1: The initiating AP sends a response request frame, which carries the operating class information and channel number information of the initiating AP.

[0240] Step 2: The cooperating AP sends a response frame in response to the request frame sent by the initiating AP, and carries the cooperating AP's operating class information and channel number information in the response frame.

[0241] Joint measurement steps:

[0242] Step 1: At the beginning of each joint measurement, the initiating AP sends the first information frame to the cooperating AP to obtain the channel that the cooperating AP wants to perform joint beamforming on.

[0243] Step 2: The cooperating AP sends a response frame based on relevant statistical information to respond to the first information frame sent by the initiating AP in Step 1, and carries the channel information for joint beamforming in the response frame.

[0244] Step 3: Initiate AP to construct NDPA frame. The start and end frequency information carried in the constructed NDPA frame is the channel (resource block) information to be jointly measured.

[0245] Step 4: The initiating AP and cooperating APs send measurement NDP frames based on the information in the NDPA frame.

[0246] Step 5: Non-AP STA devices return report information.

[0247] Based on the above-described embodiments, the first information frame and the second information frame include at least one of the following:

[0248] 1. The first and second information frames are sent at the very beginning of each joint measurement.

[0249] 2. The time interval between the first information frame and the second information frame is one SI FS time slot;

[0250] 3. The time interval between the second and third information frames is one SI FS time slot;

[0251] 4. The time interval between the third information frame and the subsequent measurement process is one SI FS time slot.

[0252] In this embodiment, the channel information fed back by the cooperating AP can be the working channel information of the STA to be scheduled within its BSS, and more specifically, it can be one of the following:

[0253] The STA is the next AP to be scheduled for cooperation, and at this time, the working channel information of the STA is fed back.

[0254] The STA's last measurement data has aged out, and now the STA's operating channel information is fed back.

[0255] The strategy for initiating an AP's method of acquiring its operating channel can include at least one of the following:

[0256] a. Assign global numbers to all currently available 20M RU resource blocks, and mark them by the start and end positions of the RU resource blocks during the feedback process.

[0257] b. The channel information is marked by a specific bit pattern, which is used to identify channel information in units of 20M resource blocks.

[0258] c. Identification is achieved through the start and end sequence numbers of the subcarrier numbers.

[0259] d. Identify the frequency using the start and end frequencies.

[0260] After receiving the response information from the cooperating APs in step two, the initiating AP decides which channel needs to be measured in the joint measurement step. The specific strategy used can be any one or more of the following:

[0261] 1. The initiating AP obtains the overlap between its operating channel and the reporting channel of the cooperating AP in step two. Assume STA1 is associated with the initiating AP and operates on a 160MHz bandwidth consisting of channels 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 58, and 60; STA2 is associated with the cooperating AP and operates on an 80MHz bandwidth consisting of channels 36, 40, 44, and 48. The channel to be measured announced in the final trigger frame is the overlap between the operating channels of STA1 and STA2, as follows: Figure 24 As shown, the trigger frame is used to announce the start frequency and end channel position by marking the start and end positions of the RU resource block, or by marking it with a specific pattern.

[0262] 2. The initiating AP obtains the union of its working channel and the reporting channels of the cooperating APs in step two. Assume STA1 is associated with the initiating AP and operates under a 160MHz bandwidth consisting of channels 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 58, and 60; STA2 is associated with the cooperating AP and operates under an 80MHz bandwidth consisting of channels 36, 40, 44, and 48. The channel to be measured announced in the final trigger frame is the union of the working channels of STA1 and STA2, as follows: Figure 25 As shown, the channels to be measured can include 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 58, and 64. The same strategy can also be used when puncturing occurs on the working channels of the initiating AP and cooperating APs; see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 26The union of the working channels of STA1 and STA2 is obtained as the channel to be measured, which is channel 36, 40, 44 and 48.

[0263] Based on the above application embodiments, the failure of multi-AP beamforming negotiation may include one of the following:

[0264] 1. The initiating AP sends the first information frame, but the cooperating AP does not respond with the second information frame.

[0265] 2. The cooperating AP responds with the second information frame, but the initiating AP does not send the third information frame to trigger the measurement process.

[0266] 3. The cooperating AP actively terminates the multi-AP beamforming negotiation through the second information frame.

[0267] 4. Other scenarios that cause the initiating AP and cooperating AP to fail to successfully form a beamforming signal.

[0268] At this point, the initiating AP needs to resend the first information frame to restart the multi-AP beamforming negotiation process.

[0269] Furthermore, based on the above-mentioned application embodiments, the initiating AP or cooperating AP has a larger working bandwidth, and its associated STA device can work at 320M.

[0270] Figure 27 This is a schematic diagram of a frame bandwidth negotiation device provided in an embodiment of this application. This device can execute the frame bandwidth negotiation method provided in any embodiment of this application, and possesses the corresponding functional modules and beneficial effects of the method execution. This device can be implemented by software and / or hardware. The device provided in this embodiment specifically includes:

[0271] The information sending module 810 is used to send the first information frame to the cooperating access point.

[0272] The feedback receiving module 820 is used to receive the second information frame fed back by the cooperative access point, wherein the second information frame carries the second joint beamforming channel information.

[0273] The channel determination module 830 is used to determine the channel to be measured based on the second joint beamforming channel information and the first joint beamforming channel information of the initiating access point.

[0274] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes a measurement triggering module, used to trigger a cooperative access point to perform channel measurement on the channel to be measured based on a third information frame.

[0275] In some embodiments, the third information frame in the measurement triggering module includes at least an empty data packet notification frame.

[0276] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes: a beamforming module for performing channel measurement on the channel to be measured to obtain channel measurement results of the measured channel; and beamforming the measured channel based on the channel measurement results.

[0277] In some embodiments, the channel determination module 830 includes a first determination unit for initiating access point and cooperative access point support for partial frequency band beamforming; and using the intersection of the second joint beamforming channel information and the first joint beamforming channel information as the channel information to be measured.

[0278] In some embodiments, the channel determination module 830 includes a second determination unit, used to initiate that at least one of the access point and the cooperative access point does not support partial frequency band beamforming; and to use the union of the second joint beamforming channel information and the first joint beamforming channel information as the channel information to be measured.

[0279] Based on the above-described embodiments, the first joint beamforming channel information includes at least one of the following:

[0280] Before the joint measurement begins, at least one site in the site group participating in the joint beamforming within the service set of the initiating access point must operate on the channel.

[0281] Within a transmission opportunity during each joint measurement process, the site to be measured operates on the channel.

[0282] Based on the above application embodiments, the access point may or may not support beamforming in certain frequency bands, including at least one of the following:

[0283] If all sites participating in joint beamforming within the service set of the initiating access point support partial frequency band beamforming, and the initiating access point also supports partial frequency band beamforming, then the initiating access point is confirmed to support partial frequency band beamforming; otherwise, the initiating access point is confirmed to not support partial frequency band beamforming.

[0284] At the beginning of the joint measurement, if it is determined that the initiating access point supports partial frequency band beamforming, and the next site to be measured by the initiating access point also supports partial frequency band beamforming, then the initiating access point is determined to support partial frequency band beamforming; otherwise, it is determined that the initiating access point does not support partial frequency band beamforming.

[0285] Based on the above-described embodiments, the second joint beamforming channel information includes at least one of the following methods:

[0286] The start and end positions of the resource block;

[0287] Bit pattern of resource blocks;

[0288] Bit pattern of the sub-channel;

[0289] The start and end sequence numbers of the subcarriers;

[0290] The starting frequency and the ending frequency.

[0291] Figure 28 This is a schematic diagram of another measurement frame bandwidth negotiation device provided in an embodiment of this application. This device can execute the measurement frame bandwidth negotiation method provided in any embodiment of this application, and possesses the corresponding functional modules and beneficial effects of the method execution. This device can be implemented by software and / or hardware. The device provided in this embodiment specifically includes:

[0292] The information receiving module 910 is used to receive the first information frame sent by the initiating access point.

[0293] The information feedback module 920 is used to feed back the second joint beamforming channel information to the initiating access point based on the second information frame.

[0294] Based on the above-mentioned application embodiments, the apparatus further includes: a channel measurement module, used to acquire a third information frame of the initiating access point; and to perform channel measurement based on the channel to be measured in the third information frame.

[0295] Based on the above-described embodiments, the channel measurement module is used to include at least an empty data packet notification frame in the third information frame.

[0296] Based on the above application embodiments, the information feedback module 920 is used to determine that the cooperative access point supports partial frequency band beamforming; and to feed back a second information frame containing second joint beamforming channel information to the initiating access point.

[0297] Based on the above application embodiments, the information feedback module 920 is used to determine that the cooperating access point does not support partial frequency band beamforming; to feed back a second information frame that does not contain the second joint beamforming channel information to the initiating access point, or, not to reply to the initiating access point that it supports partial frequency band beamforming.

[0298] Based on the above-described embodiments, the second joint beamforming channel information includes at least one of the following:

[0299] Before the joint measurement begins, the union of all working channels of all sites in the site group participating in joint beamforming within the service set of the cooperative access point, or at least one of the working channels of a site.

[0300] Within a transmission opportunity during each joint measurement process, the site to be measured operates on the channel.

[0301] Based on the above application embodiments, the cooperative access point may or may not support partial frequency band beamforming, including at least one of the following:

[0302] If all sites participating in joint beamforming within the service set of the cooperating access point support partial frequency band beamforming, and the cooperating access point also supports partial frequency band beamforming, then it is determined that the cooperating access point supports partial frequency band beamforming; otherwise, it is determined that the initiating access point does not support partial frequency band beamforming.

[0303] At the beginning of the joint measurement, it is determined that the cooperating access point supports partial frequency band beamforming, and the next site to be measured by the cooperating access point supports partial frequency band beamforming; otherwise, it is determined that the initiating access point does not support partial frequency band beamforming.

[0304] Based on the above-described embodiments, the second joint beamforming channel information includes at least one of the following methods:

[0305] The start and end positions of the resource block;

[0306] Bit pattern of resource blocks;

[0307] Bit pattern of the sub-channel;

[0308] The start and end sequence numbers of the subcarriers;

[0309] The starting frequency and the ending frequency.

[0310] Figure 29 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of this application. The electronic device includes a processor 10, a memory 11, an input device 12, and an output device 13; the number of processors 10 in the electronic device can be one or more. Figure 29 Taking a processor 10 as an example; in an electronic device, the processor 10, memory 11, input device 12, and output device 13 can be connected via a bus or other means. Figure 29 Taking the example of a connection between China and Israel via a bus.

[0311] The memory 11, as a computer-readable storage medium, can be used to store software programs, computer-executable programs, and modules, such as the modules corresponding to the device in the embodiments of this application (information sending module 710, feedback receiving module 720, and channel determination module 730, or information receiving module 810 and information feedback module 820). The processor 10 executes various functional applications and data processing of the electronic device by running the software programs, instructions, and modules stored in the memory 11, that is, implementing the above-described measurement frame bandwidth negotiation method.

[0312] The memory 11 may primarily include a program storage area and a data storage area. The program storage area may store the operating system and at least one application program required for a given function; the data storage area may store data created based on the use of the electronic device. Furthermore, the memory 11 may include high-speed random access memory and non-volatile memory, such as at least one disk storage device, flash memory, or other non-volatile solid-state storage device. In some instances, the memory 11 may further include memory remotely located relative to the processor 10, which can be connected to the electronic device via a network. Examples of such networks include, but are not limited to, the Internet, intranets, local area networks, mobile communication networks, and combinations thereof.

[0313] Input device 12 can be used to receive input digital or character information, and to generate key signal inputs related to user settings and function control of the electronic device. Output device 13 may include display devices such as a display screen.

[0314] This application embodiment also provides a storage medium containing computer-executable instructions, which, when executed by a computer processor, are used to perform a method for measuring frame bandwidth negotiation, the method comprising:

[0315] Send the first information frame to the cooperating access point;

[0316] Receive a second information frame fed back by the cooperative access point, wherein the second information frame carries second joint beamforming channel information;

[0317] The channel to be measured is determined based on the second joint beamforming channel information and the first joint beamforming channel information of the initiating access point.

[0318] Alternatively, the method includes:

[0319] Receive the first information frame sent by the initiating access point;

[0320] The second joint beamforming channel information is fed back to the initiating access point based on the second information frame.

[0321] Based on the above description of the implementation methods, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that the present invention can be implemented using software and necessary general-purpose hardware, and of course, it can also be implemented using hardware, but in many cases the former is a better implementation method. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present invention, or the part that contributes to the prior art, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, such as a computer floppy disk, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), flash memory, hard disk, or optical disk, etc., including several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute the methods described in the various embodiments of this application.

[0322] It is worth noting that in the embodiments of the above-mentioned device, the various units and modules included are only divided according to functional logic, but are not limited to the above division, as long as the corresponding functions can be realized; in addition, the specific names of each functional unit are only for easy differentiation and are not used to limit the scope of protection of this application.

[0323] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or some of the steps, apparatuses, or functional modules / units in the methods disclosed above can be implemented as software, firmware, hardware, or suitable combinations thereof.

[0324] In hardware implementations, the division between functional modules / units mentioned in the above description does not necessarily correspond to the division of physical components; for example, a physical component may have multiple functions, or a function or step may be performed collaboratively by several physical components. Some or all physical components may be implemented as software executed by a processor, such as a central processing unit, digital signal processor, or microprocessor, or as hardware, or as an integrated circuit, such as an application-specific integrated circuit. The corresponding software may be distributed on a computer-readable medium, which may include computer storage media (or non-transitory media) and communication media (or transient media). As is known to those skilled in the art, the term computer storage media includes volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storing information (such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data). Computer storage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technologies, CD-ROM, digital versatile disc (DVD) or other optical disc storage, magnetic cartridges, magnetic tape, disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store desired information and is accessible to a computer. Furthermore, as is known to those skilled in the art, communication media typically contain computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in modulated data signals such as carrier waves or other transmission mechanisms, and may include any information delivery medium.

[0325] The above description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, illustrates preferred embodiments of the present invention, but does not limit the scope of the invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention should be considered within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for negotiating frame bandwidth, characterized in that, Applied to the initiating access point, the method includes: Send the first information frame to the cooperating access point; Receive a second information frame fed back by the cooperative access point, wherein the second information frame carries second joint beamforming channel information; The channel to be measured is determined based on the second joint beamforming channel information and the first joint beamforming channel information of the initiating access point.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The third information frame triggers the cooperative access point to perform channel measurement on the channel to be measured.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The third information frame includes at least an empty data packet notification frame.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: Channel measurement is performed on the channel to be measured to obtain the channel measurement results. Beamforming is performed on the measurement channel based on the channel measurement results.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of determining the channel to be measured based on the second joint beamforming channel information and the first joint beamforming channel information of the initiating access point includes: The initiating access point and the cooperating access point support beamforming in some frequency bands. The intersection of the second joint beamforming channel information and the first joint beamforming channel information is used as the channel information to be measured.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of determining the channel to be measured based on the second joint beamforming channel information and the first joint beamforming channel information of the initiating access point includes: At least one of the initiating access point and the cooperating access point does not support partial frequency band beamforming; The union of the second joint beamforming channel information and the first joint beamforming channel information is used as the channel information to be measured.

7. The method according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The first joint beamforming channel information includes at least one of the following: Before the joint measurement begins, at least one site in the site group participating in the joint beamforming within the service set of the initiating access point is operating on the channel. Within a transmission opportunity during each joint measurement process, the site to be measured operates on the channel.

8. The method according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The initiating access point may or may not support partial frequency band beamforming, including at least one of the following: If all sites participating in joint beamforming within the service set of the initiating access point support partial frequency band beamforming, and the initiating access point supports partial channel beamforming, then the initiating access point is determined to support partial frequency band beamforming; otherwise, the initiating access point is determined to not support partial frequency band beamforming. At the beginning of the joint measurement, if it is determined that the initiating access point supports partial frequency band beamforming and the next site to be measured by the initiating access point supports partial frequency band beamforming, then it is determined that the initiating access point supports partial frequency band beamforming; otherwise, it is determined that the initiating access point does not support partial frequency band beamforming.

9. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second joint beamforming channel information includes at least one of the following: The start and end positions of the resource block; Bit pattern of resource blocks; Bit pattern of the sub-channel; The start and end sequence numbers of the subcarriers; The starting frequency and the ending frequency.

10. A method for negotiating frame bandwidth, characterized in that, Applied to cooperative access points, the method includes: Receive the first information frame sent by the initiating access point; The second joint beamforming channel information is fed back to the initiating access point based on the second information frame.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, Also includes: Obtain the third information frame from the initiating access point; Channel measurement is performed based on the channel to be measured in the third information frame.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The third information frame includes at least an empty data packet notification frame.

13. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The step of feeding back the second joint beamforming channel information to the initiating access point based on the second information frame includes: It is determined that the cooperative access point supports beamforming in certain frequency bands; The second information frame containing the second joint beamforming channel information is fed back to the initiating access point.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, Also includes: It was determined that the cooperative access point does not support beamforming in certain frequency bands; The system may either send a second information frame to the initiating access point that does not contain the second joint beamforming channel information, or not send a response to the initiating access point that supports partial frequency band beamforming.

15. The method according to claim 10 or 13, characterized in that, The second joint beamforming channel information includes at least one of the following: Before the joint measurement begins, the union of all working channels of all sites in the site group participating in joint beamforming within the service set of the cooperative access point, or at least one of the working channels of a site. Within a transmission opportunity during each joint measurement process, the site to be measured operates on the channel.

16. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The cooperative access point may or may not support partial frequency band beamforming, including at least one of the following: If all sites participating in joint beamforming within the service set of the cooperating access point support partial frequency band beamforming, and the cooperating access point supports partial frequency band beamforming, then it is determined that the cooperating access point supports partial frequency band beamforming; otherwise, it is determined that the initiating access point does not support partial frequency band beamforming. At the beginning of the joint measurement, it is determined that the cooperating access point supports partial frequency band beamforming, and that the next site to be measured by the cooperating access point supports partial frequency band beamforming; otherwise, it is determined that the initiating access point does not support partial frequency band beamforming.

17. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The second joint beamforming channel information includes at least one of the following: The start and end positions of the resource block; Bit pattern of resource blocks; Bit pattern of the sub-channel; The start and end sequence numbers of the subcarriers; The starting frequency and the ending frequency.

18. An electronic device, characterized in that, The electronic device includes: One or more processors; Memory, used to store one or more programs; When the one or more programs are characterized by the one or more processors, the one or more processors implement the measurement frame bandwidth negotiation method as described in any one of claims 1-17.

19. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores one or more programs, which are executed by one or more processors to implement the measurement frame bandwidth negotiation method as described in any one of claims 1-17.

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