Method and apparatus for performing beamforming training procedure considering millimeter wave band in wireless LAN system

Abstract

A method and apparatus for performing a beamforming training process in a wireless LAN system considering millimeter-wave bands are disclosed. The method according to one embodiment of this disclosure may include the following steps: a first station (STA) sends one or more first frames to a second STA for beamforming training based on N (N>1) sectors; and receives from the second STA a second frame including information about the optimal sector among the N sectors. Here, beamforming training can include sector-level scanning steps and / or beam refinement protocol steps. Based on defining multiple process types for beamforming training, information about a specific process type to be applied to the beamforming training can be exchanged between the first and second STAs prior to beamforming training.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for performing a beamforming training process in a wireless local area network (WLAN) system, taking into account millimeter wave (mmWave) transmission. Background Technology

[0002] New technologies have been introduced to Wireless LANs (WLANs) to improve transmission rates, increase bandwidth, improve reliability, reduce errors, and reduce latency. Within WLAN technologies, the IEEE 802.11 series of standards can be referred to as Wi-Fi. For example, recent technologies introduced to WLAN include enhancements to the Very High Throughput (VHT) of the 802.11ac standard and enhancements to the High Efficiency (HE) of the IEEE 802.11ax standard.

[0003] To provide a more robust wireless communication environment, enhancement technologies for EHT (Extreme High Throughput) are being discussed. For example, technologies for supporting multi-access point (AP) coordination and multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) to increase bandwidth, effectively utilize multiple bands, and increase spatial flow are being investigated. In particular, various technologies are being explored to support low-latency or real-time services. Furthermore, new technologies to support Ultra-High Reliability (UHR) through improvements or extensions to EHT technologies are being discussed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Technical issues

[0005] The technical objective of this disclosure is to provide a method and apparatus for performing beamforming training processes in a wireless local area network (WLAN) system, taking into account millimeter wave (mmWave) transmission.

[0006] The technical objective of this disclosure is to provide a method and apparatus for performing sector-level scan (SLS) and beam refinement protocol (BRP) procedures when supporting mmWave band in a wireless LAN system.

[0007] The technical objectives achieved through this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand from the following description other technical objectives not described herein.

[0008] Technical solution

[0009] A method according to one aspect of this disclosure may include: a first station (STA) sending one or more first frames to a second STA for beamforming training based on N (N>1) sectors; and the first STA receiving from the second STA a second frame including information for the optimal sector among the N sectors. Here, beamforming training may include one or more of a sector-level scanning phase or a beam refinement protocol phase. Based on defining multiple process types for beamforming training, information for a specific process type to be applied to beamforming training may be exchanged between the first and second STAs prior to beamforming training.

[0010] The method according to an additional aspect of this disclosure may include: a second station (STA) receiving from a first STA one or more first frames for beamforming training based on N (N>1) sectors; and the second STA sending to the first STA a second frame including information for the optimal sector among the N sectors. Here, beamforming training may include one or more of a sector-level scanning phase or a beam refinement protocol phase. Based on defining multiple process types for beamforming training, information for a specific process type to be applied to beamforming training may be exchanged between the first and second STAs prior to beamforming training.

[0011] Beneficial effects

[0012] According to this disclosure, a method and apparatus for performing beamforming training processes in a wireless local area network (WLAN) system, taking millimeter wave (mmWave) waves into account.

[0013] According to this disclosure, when mmWave band is supported in a wireless LAN system, a method and apparatus for performing sector-level scan (SLS) and beam refinement protocol (BRP) procedures can be provided.

[0014] According to this disclosure, the advantage lies in the ability to achieve high data rates and low latency by effectively supporting mmWave bands in wireless LAN systems.

[0015] The effects achievable by this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art can clearly understand other effects not described herein through the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The accompanying drawings, included as part of the detailed description for understanding this disclosure, provide embodiments of the disclosure and describe the technical features of the disclosure through detailed description.

[0017] Figure 1 The figure shows a block configuration diagram of a wireless communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating an exemplary structure of a WLAN system to which this disclosure can be applied.

[0019] Figure 3 It is a diagram used to describe the link setup process to which this disclosure can be applied.

[0020] Figure 4 It is a diagram used to describe the retreat process to which this disclosure can be applied.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a diagram used to describe the CSMA / CA-based frame transmission operation to which this disclosure can be applied.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a frame structure that can be used in a WLAN system to which this disclosure may be applied.

[0023] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a PPDU that can be applied in the IEEE 802.11 standard of this disclosure.

[0024] Figures 8 to 10 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a resource unit applicable to a wireless LAN system to which this disclosure may be applied.

[0025] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a region where channelization of the millimeter-wave (mmWave) band can be applied according to this disclosure.

[0026] Figure 12 The illustration shows an example of an SLS process between an AP and a STA according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0027] Figure 13 The illustration shows another example of the SLS process between the AP and STA according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0028] Figure 14 The illustration shows another example of the SLS process between the AP and STA according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0029] Figure 15 The illustration shows an example of the BRP process between the AP and STA according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0030] Figure 16 The illustration shows another example of the BRP process between the AP and STA according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0031] Figure 17 The illustration shows another example of the BRP process between the AP and STA according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0032] Figure 18 The diagram illustrates the operation of the first STA according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0033] Figure 19 The diagram illustrates the operation of the second STA according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0034] Figure 20 This is a diagram used to describe the PPDU transmission and reception process between the transmitting STA and the receiving STA according to an embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0035] In the following, embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The detailed description disclosed with reference to the drawings is intended to describe exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and not to represent the only embodiments in which the present disclosure may be practiced. The following detailed description includes specific details to provide a complete understanding of the present disclosure. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the present disclosure may be practiced without these specific details.

[0036] In some cases, known structures and devices may be omitted, or they may be shown in block diagram form based on the core functions of each structure and device in order to prevent ambiguity of the concepts in this disclosure.

[0037] In this disclosure, when an element is referred to as “connected,” “combined,” or “linked” to another element, it can include both indirect and direct connections where another element exists therebetween. Furthermore, in this disclosure, the terms “comprising” or “having” specify the presence of the mentioned features, steps, operations, components, and / or elements, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, stages, operations, components, elements, and / or groups thereof.

[0038] In this invention, terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one element from another and are not used to limit the elements. Unless otherwise stated, they do not limit the order or importance of the elements. Therefore, within the scope of this disclosure, a first element in one embodiment may be referred to as a second element in another embodiment, and similarly, a second element in one embodiment may be referred to as a first element in another embodiment.

[0039] The terminology used in this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and not for limiting the claims. As used in the description of the embodiments and the appended claims, the singular forms are intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term “and / or” as used in this disclosure may refer to one of the associated enumerations, or is intended to refer to and include any and all possible combinations of two or more of them. Furthermore, unless otherwise stated, the “ / ” between words in this disclosure has the same meaning as “and / or”.

[0040] The examples disclosed herein can be applied to various wireless communication systems. For example, the examples disclosed herein can be applied to wireless LAN systems. For example, the examples disclosed herein can be applied to wireless LANs based on the IEEE 802.11a / g / n / ac / ax standards. Furthermore, the examples disclosed herein can be applied to wireless LANs based on the newly proposed IEEE 802.11be (or EHT) standard. The examples disclosed herein can be applied to wireless LANs based on the IEEE 802.11be version 2 standard, corresponding to the additional enhancements of the IEEE 802.11be version 1 standard. Additionally, the examples disclosed herein can be applied to next-generation standards-based wireless LANs following IEEE 802.11be. Furthermore, the examples disclosed herein can be applied to cellular wireless communication systems. For example, it can be applied to cellular wireless communication systems based on 3GPP standards using Long Term Evolution (LTE) technology and 5G New Radio (NR) technology.

[0041] The technical features that can be applied to examples of this disclosure will be described below.

[0042] Figure 1 The figure shows a block diagram of a wireless communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 1 The first device 100 and the second device 200 illustrated in the diagram can be replaced by various terms, such as terminal, wireless device, wireless transceiver unit (WTRU), user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), user terminal (UT), mobile subscriber station (MSS), mobile subscriber unit (MSU), subscriber station (SS), advanced mobile station (AMS), wireless terminal (WT), or simple user, etc. Furthermore, the first device 100 and the second device 200 can include access point (AP), base station (BS), fixed station, node B, base transceiver system (BTS), and network. It can be replaced by various terms such as artificial intelligence (AI) system, roadside unit (RSU), repeater, router, relay, and gateway.

[0044] Figure 1 The devices 100 and 200 shown in the diagram can be referred to as stations (STAs). For example, Figure 1The devices 100 and 200 illustrated in the figure can be referred to by various terms such as transmitting device, receiving device, transmitting STA, and receiving STA. For example, STA 110 and 200 can perform an access point (AP) role or a non-AP role. That is, in this disclosure, STA 110 and 200 can perform AP and / or non-AP functions. When STA 110 and 200 perform AP functions, they can be simply referred to as AP, and when STA 110 and 200 perform non-AP functions, they can be simply referred to as STA. In addition, in this disclosure, AP can also be referred to as APSTA.

[0045] refer to Figure 1 The first device 100 and the second device 200 can transmit and receive radio signals through various wireless LAN technologies (e.g., IEEE 802.11 series). The first device 100 and the second device 200 may include interfaces for the Media Access Control (MAC) layer and Physical Layer (PHY) conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard.

[0046] Furthermore, the first device 100 and the second device 200 can additionally support various communication standards (e.g., 3GPP LTE series, 5G NR series standards, etc.) besides wireless LAN technology. Additionally, the devices disclosed herein can be implemented in various devices, such as mobile phones, vehicles, personal computers, augmented reality (AR) devices, virtual reality (VR) devices, etc. Furthermore, the STA of this specification can support various communication services, such as voice calls, video calls, data communication, autonomous driving, machine-type communication (MTC), machine-to-machine (M2M), device-to-device (D2D), IoT (Internet of Things), etc.

[0047] The first device 100 may include one or more processors 102 and one or more memories 104, and may additionally include one or more transceivers 106 and / or one or more antennas 108. The processor 102 may control the memory 104 and / or the transceiver 106 and may be configured to implement the descriptions, functions, processes, proposals, methods, and / or operation flowcharts disclosed herein. For example, the processor 102 may transmit a wireless signal including the first information / signal via the transceiver 106 after generating first information / signal by processing information in the memory 104. Additionally, the processor 102 may receive a wireless signal including a second information / signal via the transceiver 106, and then store information obtained through signal processing of the second information / signal in the memory 104. The memory 104 may be connected to the processor 102 and may store various information relating to the operation of the processor 102. For example, the memory 104 may store software code including instructions for performing all or part of the processes controlled by the processor 102 or for performing the descriptions, functions, processes, proposals, methods, and / or operation flowcharts disclosed herein. Here, processor 102 and memory 104 may be part of a communication modem / circuit / chip designed to implement wireless LAN technologies (e.g., LTE 802.11 series). Transceiver 106 may be connected to processor 102 and may transmit and / or receive wireless signals via one or more antennas 108. Transceiver 106 may include a transmitter and / or a receiver. Transceiver 106 may be used with an RF (radio frequency) unit. In this disclosure, "device" may refer to a communication modem / circuit / chip.

[0048] The second device 200 may include one or more processors 202 and one or more memories 204, and may additionally include one or more transceivers 206 and / or one or more antennas 208. The processor 202 may control the memory 204 and / or the transceiver 206 and may be configured to implement the descriptions, functions, processes, proposals, methods, and / or operation flowcharts disclosed in this disclosure. For example, the processor 202 may generate third information / signals by processing information in the memory 204, and then transmit a wireless signal including the third information / signals via the transceiver 206. Additionally, the processor 202 may receive wireless signals including fourth information / signals via the transceiver 206, and then store information obtained through signal processing of the fourth information / signals in the memory 204. The memory 204 may be connected to the processor 202 and may store various information related to the operation of the processor 202. For example, the memory 204 may store software code including instructions for performing all or part of the processes controlled by the processor 202 or for performing the descriptions, functions, processes, proposals, methods, and / or operation flowcharts disclosed in this disclosure. Here, processor 202 and memory 204 may be part of a communication modem / circuit / chip designed to implement wireless LAN technologies (e.g., IEEE 802.11 series). Transceiver 206 may be connected to processor 202 and may transmit and / or receive wireless signals via one or more antennas 208. Transceiver 206 may include a transmitter and / or a receiver. Transceiver 206 may be used with an RF unit. In this disclosure, "device" may refer to a communication modem / circuit / chip.

[0049] The hardware components of devices 100 and 200 will be described in more detail below. However, they are not limited thereto, but one or more protocol layers may be implemented by one or more processors 102 and 202. For example, one or more processors 102 and 202 may implement one or more layers (e.g., functional layers such as PHY and MAC). One or more processors 102 and 202 may generate one or more PDUs (Protocol Data Units) and / or one or more SDUs (Service Data Units) according to the descriptions, functions, processes, proposals, methods, and / or operation flowcharts disclosed in this disclosure. One or more processors 102 and 202 may generate messages, control information, data, or information according to the descriptions, functions, processes, proposals, methods, and / or operation flowcharts disclosed in this disclosure. One or more processors 102 and 202 may generate signals (e.g., baseband signals) including PDUs, SDUs, messages, control information, data, or information according to the functions, processes, proposals, and / or methods disclosed in this disclosure to provide them to one or more transceivers 106 and 206. One or more processors 102, 202 may receive signals (e.g., baseband signals) from one or more transceivers 106, 206 and obtain PDUs, SDUs, messages, control information, data, or information in accordance with the descriptions, functions, processes, proposals, methods, and / or operation flowcharts disclosed in this disclosure.

[0050] One or more processors 102, 202 may be referred to as controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, or microcomputers. One or more processors 102, 202 may be implemented by hardware, firmware, software, or a combination thereof. In examples, one or more ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits), one or more DSPs (Digital Signal Processors), one or more DSPDs (Digital Signal Processing Devices), one or more PLDs (Programmable Logic Devices), or one or more FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays) may be included in one or more processors 102, 202. The descriptions, functions, processes, proposals, methods, and / or operation flowcharts included in this disclosure may be implemented using firmware or software, and the firmware or software may be implemented to include modules, processes, functions, etc. Firmware or software configured to execute the descriptions, functions, processes, proposals, methods, and / or operation flowcharts included in this disclosure may be included in one or more processors 102, 202 or may be stored in one or more memories 104, 204 and driven by one or more processors 102, 202. The descriptions, functions, processes, proposals, methods, and / or operation flowcharts included in this invention may be implemented by firmware or software in the form of code, commands, and / or command sets.

[0051] One or more memories 104, 204 may be connected to one or more processors 102, 202 and are capable of storing data, signals, messages, information, programs, code, instructions, and / or commands in various forms. One or more memories 104, 204 may be configured with ROM, RAM, EPROM, flash memory, hard disk drive, registers, cache memory, computer-readable storage media, and / or combinations thereof. One or more memories 104, 204 may be located internally and / or externally to one or more processors 102, 202. Furthermore, one or more memories 104, 204 may be connected to one or more processors 102, 202 via various technologies such as wired or wireless connections.

[0052] One or more transceivers 106, 206 can transmit user data, control information, wireless signals / channels, etc., mentioned in the methods and / or operation flowcharts of this disclosure to one or more other devices. One or more transceivers 106, 206 can receive user data, control information, wireless signals / channels, etc., mentioned in the descriptions, functions, processes, proposals, methods, and / or operation flowcharts included in this disclosure from one or more other devices. For example, one or more transceivers 106, 206 can be connected to one or more processors 102, 202 and can transmit and receive wireless signals. For example, one or more processors 102, 202 can control one or more transceivers 106, 206 to transmit user data, control information, or wireless signals to one or more other devices. Furthermore, one or more processors 102, 202 can control one or more transceivers 106, 206 to receive user data, control information, or wireless signals from one or more other devices. Furthermore, one or more transceivers 106, 206 may be connected to one or more antennas 108, 208, and the one or more transceivers 106, 206 may be configured to transmit and receive user data, control information, wireless signals / channels, etc., mentioned in the descriptions, functions, processes, proposals, methods, and / or operation flowcharts included in this disclosure via one or more antennas 108, 208. In this invention, one or more antennas may be multiple physical antennas or multiple logical antennas (e.g., antenna ports). The one or more transceivers 106, 206 may process the received wireless signals / channels, etc., by converting them from RF band signals to baseband signals using one or more processors 102, 202. The one or more transceivers 106, 206 may convert the user data, control information, wireless signals / channels, etc., processed by using one or more processors 102, 202 from baseband signals to RF band signals. Therefore, the one or more transceivers 106, 206 may include (analog) oscillators and / or filters.

[0053] For example, one of STAs 100 and 200 can perform the expected operation of an AP, and the other of STAs 100 and 200 can perform the expected operation of a non-AP STA. Figure 1 Transceivers 106 and 206 can perform transmission and reception operations of signals (e.g., packet or physical layer protocol data units (PPDUs) conforming to IEEE 802.11a / b / g / n / ac / ax / be). Furthermore, in this disclosure, the operations of generating transmit / receive signals or performing data processing or calculations on transmit / receive signals in advance by various STAs can be performed by… Figure 1 Processors 102 and 202 perform the following operations: For example, examples of generating transmit / receive signals or performing data processing or calculations on transmit / receive signals in advance may include 1) determining / acquiring / configuring / calculating / decoding / encoding bit information of fields (signals (SIG), short training field (STF), long training field (LTF), data, etc.) included in the PPDU; 2) determining / configuring / acquiring time resources or frequency resources (e.g., subcarrier resources) for the fields (SIG, STF, LTF, data, etc.) included in the PPDU; 3) determining / configuring / acquiring specific sequences (e.g., pilot sequences, STF / LTF sequences, additional sequences applied to SIG) for the fields (SIG, STF, LTF, data, etc.) included in the PPDU action; 4) power control operations and / or power-saving operations applied to the STA; and 5) operations related to determining / acquiring / configuring / calculating / encoding the ACK signal. Additionally, in the following examples, various information used by various STAs to determine / acquire / configure / calculate / decode / encode transmitted and received signals (e.g., information related to fields / subfields / control fields / parameters / power, etc.) can be stored. Figure 1 In memory 104 and 204.

[0054] In the following text, downlink (DL) can refer to a link used for communication from an AP STA to a non-AP STA, and DL PPDUs / packets / signals can be sent and received via DL. In DL communication, the transmitter can be part of an AP STA, and the receiver can be part of a non-AP STA. Uplink (UL) can refer to a link used for communication from a non-AP STA to an AP STA, and UL PPDUs / packets / signals can be sent and received via UL. In UL communication, the transmitter can be part of a non-AP STA, and the receiver can be part of an AP STA.

[0055] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating an exemplary structure of a wireless LAN system to which this disclosure can be applied.

[0056] A wireless LAN system can be structured by multiple components. Wireless LANs that support STA mobility transparent to upper layers can be provided through the interaction of these components. The Basic Services Set (BSS) corresponds to the basic building blocks of a wireless LAN. Figure 2 An example is shown where there are two BSSs (BSS1 and BSS2) and two STAs are included as members of each BSS (STA1 and STA2 are included in BSS1, and STA3 and STA4 are included in BSS2). Figure 2 The ellipse representing the BSS can also be interpreted as representing the coverage area within the corresponding BSS where STAs maintain communication. This area can be called the Basic Service Area (BSA). When a STA moves out of the BSA, it cannot directly communicate with other STAs within the BSA.

[0057] If we do not consider Figure 2 The DS shown represents the most basic type of BSS in a wireless LAN, which is the Independent BSS (IBSS). For example, an IBSS can have a minimal form containing only two STAs. For instance, assuming other components are omitted, BSS1 containing only STA1 and STA2, or BSS2 containing only STA3 and STA4, can respectively correspond to representative examples of IBSS. This configuration is possible when STAs can communicate directly without an AP. Furthermore, in this type of wireless LAN, it is not pre-configured but can be configured when a LAN is needed, and this can be called a self-organizing network. Because an IBSS does not include an AP, there is no centralized management entity. That is, in an IBSS, STAs are managed in a distributed manner. In an IBSS, all STAs can consist of mobile STAs and are not allowed to access the Distributed System (DS), thus forming a self-contained network.

[0058] A STA's membership in the BSS can be dynamically changed by opening or closing the STA, entering or leaving a BSS zone, etc. To become a member of the BSS, an STA can join the BSS using a synchronization process. To access all services of the BSS infrastructure, an STA should be associated with the BSS. This association can be established dynamically and can include the use of Distributed System Services (DSS).

[0059] Direct STA-to-STA distance in a wireless LAN can be limited by PHY performance. In some cases, this distance limit may be sufficient, but in others, communication between STAs at greater distances may be required. Distributed systems (DS) can be configured to support extended coverage.

[0060] DS refers to the interconnected structure of BSSs. Specifically, such as... Figure 2As shown, a BSS can exist as an extension of a network composed of multiple BSSs. A DS is a logical concept and can be specified by the characteristics of the Distributed System Medium (DSM). In this respect, the Wireless Medium (WM) and the DSM can be logically separated. Each logical medium is used for a different purpose and by different components. These media are not limited to being the same, nor are they limited to being different. Thus, the flexibility of wireless LAN architectures (DS architectures or other network architectures) can be interpreted as multiple media being logically different. That is, wireless LAN architectures can be implemented in various ways, and the corresponding wireless LAN architectures can be independently specified by the physical characteristics of each embodiment.

[0061] DS can support mobile devices by providing seamless integration of multiple BSSs and the logical services necessary for address addressing to the destination. Additionally, DS can further include a component called a portal, which acts as a bridge for connections between the wireless LAN and other networks, such as IEEE 802.X.

[0062] An AP enables access to a DS via WM for its associated non-AP STA, and this implies an entity that also functions as a STA. Data movement between the BSS and DS can be performed through the AP. For example, Figure 2 STA2 and STA3, as shown, possess the functionality of STAs and provide the ability for associated non-AP STAs (STA1 and STA4) to access the DS. Furthermore, since all APs essentially correspond to STAs, all APs are addressable entities. The address used by an AP for communication on the WM is not necessarily the same as the address used by an AP for communication on the DSM. A BSS consisting of APs and one or more STAs can be referred to as an infrastructure BSS.

[0063] Data sent from one of the STAs associated with the AP to the STA address of the corresponding AP can always be received on an uncontrolled port and can be processed by an IEEE 802.1X port access entity. Alternatively, when the controlled port is authenticated, transmitted data (or frames) can be delivered to the DS.

[0064] In addition to the DS structure described above, an Extended Service Set (ESS) can be configured to provide broad coverage.

[0065] An ESS (Service Set Identity) refers to a network of arbitrary size and complexity consisting of DS (Service Controller) and BSS (Service Set Service). An ESS can correspond to a set of BSSs connected to a DS. However, an ESS does not include the DS. An ESS network is characterized by being treated as an IBSS (Independent Service Set Service) within the Logical Link Control (LLC) layer. STAs included in an ESS can communicate with each other, and a mobile STA can move from one BSS to another BSS (within the same ESS), which is transparent to the LLC. APs included in an ESS can have the same Service Set Identity (SSID). The SSID is distinct from the BSSID, which is the identifier of the BSS.

[0066] Wireless LAN systems do not assume anything about the relative physical location of BSSs, and all of the following forms are possible. BSSs can partially overlap, which is a common form used to provide continuous coverage. Additionally, BSSs may not have physical connections, and logically, there is no limit to the distance between BSSs. Furthermore, BSSs may be physically located in the same location, which can be used to provide redundancy. Additionally, one (or more) IBSS or ESS networks can physically exist in the same space as one (or more) ESS networks. This can be analogous to the form corresponding to ESS networks when an ad hoc network operates in a location where an ESS network exists, when physically overlapping wireless networks are configured by different organizations, or when two or more different access and security policies are required in the same location.

[0067] Figure 3 This is a diagram used to explain the link setup process to which this disclosure can be applied.

[0068] For a STA to establish a link to the network and send / receive data, the network must first be discovered, authentication performed, and association established. A security authentication process is also required. This link establishment process can also be called the session initiation process or session setup process. Furthermore, the discovery, authentication, association, and security settings within the link establishment process can be collectively referred to as the association process.

[0069] In step S310, the STA can perform a network discovery operation. The network discovery operation may include a scanning operation by the STA. That is, in order for the STA to access the network, it needs to find networks it can participate in. Before participating in a wireless network, the STA should identify compatible networks, and the process of identifying networks present in a specific area is called scanning.

[0070] Scanning schemes include active scanning and passive scanning. Figure 3An exemplary illustration depicts a network discovery operation including an active scanning process. In an active scan, the STA performing the scan sends probe request frames while moving channels to discover which APs are present in its vicinity and awaits a response. A responder sends a probe response frame to the STA that sent the probe request frame as a response to the probe request frame. Here, the responder could be the STA that last sent a beacon frame in the BSS of the scanned channel. In the BSS, the AP becomes the responder because it sends a beacon frame, and in the IBSS, STAs in the IBSS take turns sending beacon frames, so the responder is not constant. For example, an STA that sends a probe request frame on channel 1 and receives a probe response frame on channel 1 can store the BSS-related information included in the received probe response frame and can move to the next channel (e.g., channel 2) and perform a scan in the same manner (i.e., sending / receiving probe requests / responses on channel 2).

[0071] Although Figure 3 Although not shown, scanning operations can be performed passively. In passive scanning, the STA performing the scan waits for beacon frames while moving through channels. Beacon frames are one of the management frames defined in IEEE 802.11 and are sent periodically to notify of the existence of a wireless network and allow the STA performing the scan to find and participate in the network. In a BSS, the AP uses beacon frames to send them periodically, and in an IBSS, STAs within the IBSS take turns sending beacon frames. When a STA performing the scan receives a beacon frame, it stores the BSS information 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, move to the next channel, and perform the scan in the next channel in the same manner. Comparing active and passive scanning, active scanning has the advantages of lower latency and lower power consumption.

[0072] After the STA discovers the network, an authentication process can be performed in step S320. To clearly distinguish this authentication process from the security setup operation in step S340, which will be described later, this authentication process can be referred to as the first authentication process.

[0073] The authentication process includes the STA sending an authentication request frame to the AP, and in response, the AP sending an authentication response frame to the STA. The authentication frame used for the authentication request / response corresponds to the management frame.

[0074] The authentication frame includes the authentication algorithm number, authentication transaction sequence number, status code, challenge text, robust security network (RSN), and finite cycle group, etc. This corresponds to some examples of information that can be included in the authentication request / response frame, and may be replaced with other information or may include further additional information.

[0075] A STA can send an authentication request frame to an AP. The AP can determine whether to allow the corresponding STA to authenticate based on the information included in the received authentication request frame. The AP can then provide the result of the authentication process to the STA via an authentication response frame.

[0076] After successful STA authentication, the association process can be performed in step S330. The association process includes the STA sending an association request frame to the AP, and in response, the AP sending an association response frame to the STA.

[0077] For example, an association request frame may include information related to various capabilities, beacon listening intervals, service set identifiers (SSIDs), supported rates, supported channels, RSNs, mobile domains, supported operation classes, service indication map broadcast requests (TIM broadcast requests), and interoperability capabilities. Similarly, an association response frame may include information related to various capabilities, status codes, association IDs (AIDs), supported rates, enhanced distributed channel access (EDCA) parameter sets, received channel power indicators (RCPIs), received signal-to-noise ratio indicators (RSNIs), mobile domains, timeout intervals (e.g., association recovery time), overlapping BSS scan parameters, TIM broadcast responses, and quality of service (QoS) maps. These correspond to examples of information that can be included in association request / response frames and may be replaced with other information or further supplementary information.

[0078] After the STA successfully associates with the network, a security setup process can be performed in step S340. The security setup process in step S340 can be referred to as the authentication process via a Robust Secure Network Association (RSNA) request / response, and the authentication process in step S320 is referred to as the first authentication process. The security setup process in step S340 can also be simply referred to as the authentication process.

[0079] The security setup process in step S340 may include, for example, a process of establishing a private key via a four-way handshake using Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAPOL) frames over a LAN. Alternatively, the security setup process may be performed according to a security scheme not defined in the IEEE 802.11 standard.

[0080] Figure 4 This is a diagram used to explain the retreat process to which this disclosure can be applied.

[0081] In wireless LAN systems, the basic access mechanism for Media Access Control (MAC) is Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance (CSMA / CA). Also known as the Distributed Coordination Function (DCF) of IEEE 802.11 MAC, CSMA / CA essentially employs a "listen-before-speak" access mechanism. Under this type of access mechanism, the AP and / or STA can perform a sensed free channel assessment (CCA) of the wireless channel or medium within a predetermined time interval (e.g., the DCF inter-frame interval (DIFS)) before initiating transmission. As a result of the sensing, if the medium is determined to be idle, frame transmission begins through the corresponding medium. Conversely, if the medium is detected to be occupied or busy, the corresponding AP and / or STA does not initiate its own transmission and can set a delay period for medium intervention (e.g., a random backoff period) and attempt frame transmission after waiting. By applying a random backoff period, collisions can be minimized because several STAs are expected to attempt frame transmission after waiting for different time periods.

[0082] In addition, the IEEE 802.11 MAC protocol provides Hybrid Coordination Function (HCF). HCF is based on DCF and Point Coordination Function (PCF). PCF is a polling-based synchronous access method, referring to a method in which all receiving APs and / or STAs periodically poll to receive data frames. Furthermore, HCF includes Enhanced Distributed Channel Access (EDCA) and HCF-Controlled Channel Access (HCCA). EDCA is a contention-based access method used by providers to deliver data frames to multiple users, while HCCA uses a polling mechanism to employ a non-contention-based channel access method. Additionally, HCF includes a media access mechanism for improving the QoS (Quality of Service) of wireless LANs and can transmit QoS data in both contention-based (CP) and contention-free (CFP) periods.

[0083] refer to Figure 4 This section describes the operation based on a random backoff period. When a occupied / busy medium becomes idle, several STAs may attempt to transmit data (or frames). As a method to minimize collisions, each STA can individually select a random backoff count and attempt transmission after waiting for the corresponding time slot. The random backoff count has a pseudo-random integer value and can be determined as one of the values ​​from 0 to CW. Here, CW is the contention window parameter value. The CW parameter is assigned an initial value of CWmin, but can take a value twice as large if a transmission failure occurs (e.g., when an ACK for a transmitted frame is not received). When the CW parameter value reaches CWmax, data transmission can be attempted while maintaining the CWmax value until successful data transmission, and the CWmin value is reset when data transmission is successful. The values ​​of CW, CWmin, and CWmax are preferably set to 2.n -1 (n = 0, 1, 2, ...).

[0084] When the random backoff process begins, the STA continuously monitors the medium while counting down the backoff time slot based on the determined backoff count value. When medium occupancy is detected, it stops counting down and waits, and resumes the remaining countdown when the medium becomes free.

[0085] exist Figure 4 In the example, when the packet to be sent arrives at STA3's MAC, STA3 can send the frame immediately after confirming that the medium is free for as long as DIFS. The remaining STAs monitor and wait for the medium to be occupied / busy. Meanwhile, data to be sent may also occur in each of STA1, STA2, and STA5, and when the medium is detected as free, each STA waits for as long as DIFS, and can then count down the backoff slots according to a random backoff count value selected by each STA. Assume that STA2 chooses the minimum backoff count value, and STA1 chooses the maximum backoff count value. That is, the case where STA5's remaining backoff time is less than STA1's remaining backoff time when STA2 completes its backoff count and begins frame transmission is illustrated. STA1 and STA5 temporarily stop the countdown and wait, while STA2 occupies the medium. When STA2 finishes occupying the medium and it becomes free again, STA1 and STA5 wait for DIFS and resume the stopped backoff count. That is, after counting down the remaining backoff slots for the remaining backoff time, frame transmission can begin. Because STA5's remaining backoff time is less than STA1's, STA5 begins frame transmission. While STA2 is occupying the medium, data to be transmitted may also appear in STA4. From STA4's perspective, when the medium becomes idle, STA4 can wait for DIFS, and then execute a countdown based on a random backoff count value selected by STA4 and begin transmitting frames. Figure 4 The example illustrates a scenario where the remaining backoff time of STA5 coincides exactly with the random backoff count of STA4. In this case, a collision may occur between STA4 and STA5. When a collision occurs, neither STA4 nor STA5 receives an ACK, thus data transmission fails. In this situation, STA4 and STA5 can double their CW value, choose a random backoff count, and begin a countdown. STA1 waits while the medium is occupied due to the transmissions of STA4 and STA5, waits for DIFS when the medium becomes idle, and then begins frame transmission after the remaining backoff time has elapsed.

[0086] like Figure 4As shown in the example, data frames are frames used to transmit data forwarded to higher layers and can be sent after a backoff following the elapsed DIFS when the medium becomes idle. Management frames are frames used to exchange management information that is not forwarded to higher layers and are sent after a backoff following an IFS such as a DIFS or a Point Coordination Function IFS (PIFS). Subtypes of management frames include beacons, association requests / responses, reassociation requests / responses, probe requests / responses, authentication requests / responses, etc. Control frames are frames used to control access to the medium. Subtypes of control frames include request to send (RTS), clear send (CTS), acknowledgment (ACK), power-saving polling (PS-Poll), block ACK (BlockAck), block ACK request (BlockACKReq), empty data packet advertisement (NDP advertisement), and triggers, etc. If a control frame is not a response frame to a previous frame, it is sent after a backoff following the elapsed DIFS; if it is a response frame to a previous frame, it is sent without a backoff following the elapsed short IFS (SIFS). The type and subtype of a frame can be identified by the type field and subtype field in the Frame Control (FC) field.

[0087] The Quality of Service (QoS) ST can perform a backoff following the Arbitration IFS (AIFS) of the Access Class (AC) to which the frame belongs, i.e., AIFS[i] (where i is a value determined by the AC), and then the frame can be sent. Here, frames that can use AIFS[i] can be data frames, management frames, or control frames other than response frames.

[0088] Figure 5 This is a diagram used to explain the CSMA / CA-based frame transmission operation to which this disclosure can be applied.

[0089] As mentioned above, the CSMA / CA mechanism includes virtual carrier sensing in addition to physical carrier sensing, which is directly sensed by the STA. Virtual carrier sensing is designed to compensate for problems that may arise in media access, such as hidden node issues. For virtual carrier sensing, the STA's MAC can use a Network Allocation Vector (NAV). A NAV is a value that indicates to other STAs the remaining time until the media becomes available for use by the currently using or authorized STA. Therefore, a value set to NAV corresponds to a period of time during which the media is scheduled for use by the STA sending the frame, and a STA receiving the NAV value is prohibited from accessing the media during the corresponding period. For example, NAV can be configured based on the value of the "Duration" field in the frame's MAC header.

[0090] exist Figure 5In the example, assume that STA1 intends to send data to STA2, and STA3 is in a position that allows it to eavesdrop on some or all of the frames being sent and received between STA1 and STA2.

[0091] To reduce the likelihood of transmission conflicts between multiple STAs in CSMA / CA-based frame transmission operations, a mechanism using RTS / CTS frames can be applied. Figure 5 In the example, while STA1 is transmitting, as a result of STA3's carrier sensing, it can be determined that the medium is in an idle state. That is, STA1 can correspond to a hidden node of STA3. Alternatively, in Figure 5 In the example, it can be determined that the carrier sensing result medium of STA3 is idle while the transmission of STA2 is being performed. That is, STA2 can correspond to a hidden node of STA3. By exchanging RTS / CTS frames before data transmission and reception between STA1 and STA2, STAs outside the transmission range of either STA1 or STA2, or STAs outside the carrier sensing range for transmissions from STA1 or STA3, can not attempt to occupy the channel during data transmission and reception between STA1 and STA2.

[0092] Specifically, STA1 can determine whether a channel is in use through carrier sensing. Regarding physical carrier sensing, STA1 can determine the channel occupancy status based on the energy level or signal correlation detected in the channel. Furthermore, regarding virtual carrier sensing, STA1 can use a network allocation vector (NAV) timer to determine the channel occupancy status.

[0093] When the channel is idle during DIFS, STA1 can send an RTS frame to STA2 after performing backoff. When STA2 receives the RTS frame, STA2 can send a CTS frame to STA1 after SIFS as a response to the RTS frame.

[0094] If STA3 cannot eavesdrop on CTS frames from STA2 but can eavesdrop on RTS frames from STA1, STA3 can use the duration information included in the RTS frame to set the NAV timer for subsequent consecutive frame transmission cycles (e.g., SIFS+CTS frame+SIFS+data frame+SIFS+ACK frame). Alternatively, if STA3 can eavesdrop on CTS frames from STA2, even though STA3 cannot eavesdrop on RTS frames from STA1, STA3 can use the duration information included in the CTS frame to set the NAV timer for subsequent consecutive frame transmission cycles (e.g., SIFS+data frame+SIFS+ACK frame). That is, if STA3 can eavesdrop on one or more RTS or CTS frames from STA1 or STA2, STA3 can set the NAV accordingly. When STA3 receives a new frame before the NAV timer expires, STA3 can use the duration information included in the new frame to update the NAV timer. STA3 does not attempt channel access before the NAV timer expires.

[0095] When STA1 receives a CTS frame from STA2, STA1 can send a data frame to STA2 after the SIFS period starting from the time when the CTS frame reception is completed. When STA2 successfully receives the data frame, STA2 can send an ACK frame to STA1 as a response to the data frame after the SIFS period. When the NAV timer expires, STA3 can determine whether the channel is being used through carrier sensing. When STA3 determines that the channel is not being used by other terminals during the DIFS period after the NAV timer expires, STA3 can attempt channel access after the contention window (CW) for random backoff has elapsed.

[0096] Figure 6 This is a diagram used to explain an example of the frame structure that can be used in a WLAN system to which this disclosure can be applied.

[0097] Using instructions or primitives (meaning a set of instructions or parameters) from the MAC layer, the PHY layer can prepare a MAC PDU (MPDU) to be sent. For example, when it receives a command from the MAC layer requesting the PHY layer to begin transmission, the PHY layer switches to transport mode and configures the information (e.g., data) provided from the MAC layer in the form of a frame and sends it. Additionally, when the PHY layer detects a valid preamble to a received frame, it monitors the preamble header and sends a command to the MAC layer notifying the PHY layer of the start of reception.

[0098] In this way, information transmission / reception in a wireless LAN system is performed in the form of frames, and for this purpose, the PHY layer Protocol Data Unit (PPDU) frame format is defined.

[0099] A basic PPDU frame can include a Short Training Field (STF), a Long Training Field (LTF), a Signal (SIG) field, and a Data field. The most basic PPDU format (e.g., Figure 7 The non-HT (high throughput) fields shown may consist only of legacy STF (L-STF), legacy LTF (L-LTF), legacy SIG (L-SIG) fields, and a data field. Additionally, depending on the PPDU format type (e.g., HT mixed format PPDU, HT-greenfield format PPDU, VHT (very high throughput) PPDU, etc.), additional (or different types of) RL-SIG, U-SIG, non-legacy SIG fields, non-legacy STF, non-legacy LTF (i.e., xx-SIG, xx-STF, xx-LTF (e.g., xx is HT, VHT, HE, EHT, etc.)) may be included between the L-SIG field and the data field.

[0100] STF is a signal used for signal detection, automatic gain control (AGC), diversity selection, precise time synchronization, etc., while LTF is a signal used for channel estimation and frequency error estimation. STF and LTF can be referred to as signals used for synchronization and channel estimation in the OFDM physical layer.

[0101] The SIG field can include various information related to PPDU transmission and reception. For example, the L-SIG field consists of 24 bits and can include a 4-bit rate field, a 1-bit reserved bit, a 12-bit length field, a 1-bit parity field, and a 6-bit tail field. The RATE field can include information about the modulation and coding rate of the data. For example, the 12-bit length field can include information about the length or duration of the PPDU. For example, the value of the 12-bit length field can be determined based on the type of PPDU. For example, for non-HT, HT, VHT, or EHT PPDUs, the value of the length field can be determined to be a multiple of 3. For example, for HE PPDUs, the value of the length field can be determined to be a multiple of 3 + 1 or 3 + 2.

[0102] The data field may include a SERVICE field, a Physical Layer Service Data Unit (PSDU), and a PPDU TAIL bit, and may also include padding bits if necessary. Some bits of the SERVICE field can be used for synchronization of the descrambler at the receiver. The PSDU corresponds to the MAC PDU defined in the MAC layer and may include data generated / used in the upper layer. The PPDU TAIL bit can be used to return the encoder to a 0 state. Padding bits can be used to adjust the length of the data field in predetermined units.

[0103] MAC PDUs are defined according to various MAC frame formats, and a basic MAC frame consists of a MAC header, a frame body, and a Frame Check Sequence (FCS). MAC frames can be composed of MAC PDUs and are transmitted / received via the PSDU in the data portion of the PPDU frame format.

[0104] The MAC header includes a frame control field, a duration / ID field, and an address field. The frame control field can include control information required for frame transmission / reception. The duration / ID field can be set to the time for transmitting the corresponding frame. For detailed information on the sequence control, QoS control, and HT control subfields of the MAC header, please refer to the IEEE 802.11 standard document.

[0105] The NDP (Narrow Data PPDU) format refers to a PPDU format that does not include the data field. In other words, NDP refers to a frame format that includes the PPDU preamble (i.e., L-STF, L-LTF, L-SIG fields and additional non-legacy SIG, non-legacy STF, and non-legacy LTF (if present)) but does not include the remaining portion (i.e., the data field) in the general PPDU frame format.

[0106] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a PPDU as defined in the IEEE 802.11 standard that can be applied to this disclosure.

[0107] Various types of PPDUs are used in standards such as IEEE 802.11a / g / n / ac / ax. The basic PPDU format (IEEE 802.11a / g) includes L-LTF, L-STF, L-SIG, and a data field. The basic PPDU format can also be referred to as a non-HT PPDU format (e.g., ...). Figure 7 (as shown in (a)).

[0108] In addition to the basic PPDU format, the HT PPDU format (IEEE 802.11n) also includes the HT-SIG, HT-STF and HT-LFT fields. Figure 7 The HT PPDU format shown in (b) can be called the HT-mixed format. Alternatively, an HT-greenfield format PPDU can be defined, which corresponds to a format consisting of HT-GF-STF, HT-LTF1, HT-SIG, one or more HT-LTFs and a data field, excluding L-STF, L-LTF and L-SIG (not shown).

[0109] Examples of VHT PPDU format (IEEE 802.11ac) include, in addition to the basic PPDU format, VHT SIG-A, VHT-STF, VHT-LTF, and VHT-SIG-B fields (e.g., Figure 7 (as shown in (c)).

[0110] Examples of HE PPDU format (IEEE 802.11ax) include, in addition to the basic PPDU format, repeated L-SIG (RL-SIG), HE-SIG-A, HE-SIG-B, HE-STF, HE-LTF(s), and packet extension (PE) fields (such as...). Figure 7 (as shown in (d)). Based on the detailed example of the HE PPDU format, some fields may be excluded or their lengths may vary. For example, the HE-SIG-B field is included in the HE PPDU format for multi-user (MU) applications, but not in the HE PPDU format for single-user (SU) applications. Additionally, the HE trigger (TB) based PPDU format does not include HE-SIG-B, and the length of the HE-STF field may vary to 8µs. The extended range (HE ER) SU PPDU format does not include the HE-SIG-B field, and the length of the HE-SIG-A field may vary to 16µs. For example, RL-SIG can be configured to be the same as L-SIG. The receiving STA can determine whether the received PPDU is an HE PPDU or an EHT PPDU based on the presence of RL-SIG, which will be described later.

[0111] EHT PPDU format can include Figure 7 (e) EHT MU (Multi-user) and Figure 7 (f) EHT TB (trigger-based) PPDU. The EHT PPDU format is similar to the HE PPDU format because it includes RL-SIG followed by L-SIG, but may include U (generic)-SIG, EHT-SIG, EHT-STF and EHT-LTF following RL-SIG.

[0112] Figure 7 In (e), the EHT MU PPDU corresponds to a PPDU that carries one or more data (or PSDU) for one or more users. That is, the EHT MU PPDU can be used for both SU and MU transmissions. For example, the EHT MU PPDU can correspond to a PPDU used for one or more receiving STAs.

[0113] Compared to EHT MU PPDU, Figure 7In (f), the EHT-SIG is omitted from the EHT TB PPDU. A STA that receives a trigger (e.g., a trigger frame or trigger response schedule (TRS)) for UL MU transmission can perform UL transmission based on the EHT TB PPDU format.

[0114] The L-STF, L-LTF, L-SIG, RL-SIG, U-SIG (General Signal), and EHT-SIG fields can be encoded and modulated so that even legacy STAs can attempt demodulation and decoding, and can be mapped based on a determined subcarrier frequency interval (e.g., 312.5 kHz). These can be referred to as pre-EHT modulated fields. Next, the EHT-STF, EHT-LTF, Data, and PE fields can be encoded and modulated for demodulation and decoding by an STA that has successfully decoded a non-legacy SIG (e.g., U-SIG and / or EHT-SIG) and obtained the information contained in the fields, and can be mapped based on a determined subcarrier frequency interval (e.g., 78.125 kHz). These can be referred to as EHT modulated fields.

[0115] Similarly, in the HE PPDU format, the L-STF, L-LTF, L-SIG, RL-SIG, HE-SIG-A, and HE-SIG-B fields can be referred to as pre-HE modulation fields, and the HE-STF, HE-LTF, Data, and PE fields can be referred to as HE modulation fields. Additionally, in the VHT PPDU format, the L-STF, L-LTF, L-SIG, and VHT-SIG-A fields can be referred to as free VHT modulation fields, and the VHT STF, VHT-LTF, VHT-SIG-B, and Data fields can be referred to as VHT modulation fields.

[0116] Figure 7 The U-SIG included in the EHT PPDU format can be configured based on, for example, two symbols (e.g., two consecutive OFDM symbols). Each symbol used for the U-SIG (e.g., an OFDM symbol) can have a duration of 4 µs, and the U-SIG can have a total duration of 8 µs. Each symbol of the U-SIG can be used to transmit 26 bits of information. For example, each symbol of the U-SIG can be transmitted and received based on 52 data tones and 4 pilot tones.

[0117] U-SIGs can be constructed in 20MHz units. For example, if an 80MHz PPDU is constructed, the U-SIGs may be repeated. That is, an 80MHz PPDU may include the same four U-SIGs. PPDUs with bandwidths exceeding 80MHz may include different U-SIGs.

[0118] For example, A uncoded bits can be sent via U-SIG. The first symbol of U-SIG (e.g., U-SIG-1 symbol) can send the first X bits of the total A bits of information, and the second symbol of U-SIG (e.g., U-SIG-2 symbol) can send the remaining Y bits of the total A bits of information. The A bits of information (e.g., 52 uncoded bits) can include a CRC field (e.g., a 4-bit field) and a tail field (e.g., a 6-bit field). For example, the tail field can be used to terminate the grid of the convolutional decoder and can be set to 0.

[0119] The bit information sent by U-SIG can be divided into version-independent bits and version-dependent bits. For example, U-SIG can be included in... Figure 7 In the new PPDU format (e.g., UHR PPDU format) not shown in the figure, and in the format of the U-SIG field included in the EHT PPDU format and the format of the U-SIG field included in the UHR PPDU format, the version-independent bits may be the same, and some or all of the version-related bits may be different.

[0120] For example, the size of the version-independent bits in U-SIG can be fixed or variable. Version-independent bits can be assigned only to the U-SIG-1 symbol, or to both the U-SIG-1 and U-SIG-2 symbols. Version-independent bits and version-dependent bits can be referred to by various names, such as first control bits and second control bits.

[0121] For example, the version-independent bits of U-SIG may include a 3-bit Physical Layer Version Identifier (PHY Version Identifier), and this information can indicate the PHY version (e.g., EHT, UHR, etc.) of the transmitted / received PPDU. 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 is related to DL communication. The version-independent bits of U-SIG may include information about the length of the Transmission Opportunity (TXOP) and information about the BSS color ID.

[0122] For example, the version-related bits of U-SIG may include information that directly or indirectly indicates the type of PPDU (e.g., SUPPDU, MU PPDU, TB PPDU, etc.).

[0123] The information necessary for PPDU transmission and reception can be included in the U-SIG. For example, the U-SIG may further include information about the bandwidth, information about the MCS technique applied to the non-legacy SIG (e.g., EHT-SIG or UHR-SIG), information indicating whether a DCM (dual-carrier modulation) technique (e.g., a technique that achieves a frequency diversity-like effect by repeating the same signal on two subcarriers) is applied to the non-legacy SIG, information about the number of symbols used for the non-legacy SIG, information about whether the non-legacy SIG is generated across the entire band, etc.

[0124] Some information necessary for PPDU transmission and reception can be included in the U-SIG and / or non-legacy SIG (e.g., EHT-SIG or UHR-SIG, etc.). For example, information about the type of non-legacy LTF / STF (e.g., EHT-LTF / EHT-STF or UHR-LTF / UHR-STF, etc.), information about the length of the non-legacy LTF and the CP (cyclic prefix) length, information about the GI (guard interval) applicable to the non-legacy LTF, information about the preamble perforation applicable to the PPDU, information about RU (resource unit) allocation, etc., can be included only in the U-SIG, only in the non-legacy SIG, or indicated by a combination of information included in the U-SIG and information included in the non-legacy SIG.

[0125] A preamble can refer to the transmission of a PPDU in which no signal is present in one or more frequency units within the bandwidth of the PPDU. For example, the size of the frequency unit (or the resolution of the preamble) can be defined as 20MHz, 40MHz, etc. For example, a preamble can be applied to a PPDU of a predetermined size or larger bandwidth.

[0126] exist Figure 7 In the examples, non-legacy SIGs such as HE-SIG-B and EHT-SIG can include control information for receiving STAs. Non-legacy SIGs can be transmitted on at least one symbol, and a symbol can have a length of 4 µs. Information regarding the number of symbols used for EHT-SIGs can be included in previous SIGs (e.g., HE-SIG-A, U-SIG, etc.).

[0127] Non-legacy SIGs such as HE-SIG-B and EHT-SIG can include public fields and user-specific fields. Public fields and user-specific fields can be encoded separately.

[0128] In some cases, the common field can be omitted. For example, in compressed mode using non-OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Multiple Access), the common field can be omitted, and multiple STAs can receive PPDUs (e.g., the data field of the PPDU) through the same frequency band. In uncompressed mode using OFDMA, multiple users can receive PPDUs (e.g., the data field of the PPDU) through different frequency bands.

[0129] The number of user-specific fields can be determined based on the number of users. A user block field can include up to two user fields. Each user field can be associated with a MU-MIMO allocation or with a non-MU-MIMO allocation.

[0130] The common fields may include CRC bits and tail bits, where the length of the CRC bits can be determined to be 4 bits, and the length of the tail bits can be determined to be 6 bits and set to 000000. The common fields may include RU allocation information. RU allocation information may include information about the locations of RUs assigned to multiple users (i.e., multiple receiving STAs).

[0131] An RU can include multiple subcarriers (or tones). RUs can be used when transmitting signals to multiple STAs based on OFDMA technology. Additionally, RUs can be defined even when transmitting signals to a single STA. Resources can be allocated in units of RUs for non-legacy STFs, non-legacy LTFs, and data fields.

[0132] The appropriate RU size can be defined based on the PPDU bandwidth. For the applied PPDU format (e.g., HE PPDU, EHT PPDU, UHR PPDU, etc.), the RUs can be defined the same or different. For example, in the case of an 80MHz PPDU, the RU placement for HEPPDU and EHT PPDU may differ. The applicable RU size, number and location, DC (direct current) subcarrier location and number, empty subcarrier location and number, guard subcarrier location and number, etc., for each PPDU bandwidth can be referred to as the tone scheme. For example, a tone scheme for high bandwidth can be defined as multiple iterations of a low bandwidth tone scheme.

[0133] RUs of various sizes can be defined as 26-tone RUs, 52-tone RUs, 106-tone RUs, 242-tone RUs, 484-tone RUs, 996-tone RUs, 2×996-tone RUs, 3×996-tone RUs, etc. An MRU (multiple RUs) is distinguished from multiple individual RUs and corresponds to a group of subcarriers composed of multiple RUs. For example, an MRU can be defined as 52+26 tones, 106+26 tones, 484+242 tones, 996+484 tones, 996+484+242 tones, 2×996+484 tones, 3×996 tones, or 3×996+484 tones. Furthermore, the multiple RUs constituting an MRU can be continuous or non-contiguous in the frequency domain.

[0134] The specific size of the RU can be reduced or increased. Therefore, the specific size of each RU (i.e., the number of corresponding tones) in this disclosure is not limiting and is illustrative. In addition, in this disclosure, the number of RUs can vary depending on the RU size within a predetermined bandwidth (e.g., 20, 40, 80, 160, 320 MHz, ...).

[0135] Figure 7 The names of each field in the PPDU format are exemplary, and the scope of this disclosure is not limited to the names. Furthermore, the examples in this disclosure can be applied to... Figure 7 The PPDU format illustrated in the figure, and its application in... Figure 7 The PPDU format excludes some fields and / or adds some fields to the new PPDU format.

[0136] Beamforming training

[0137] Beamforming training can determine the appropriate receive and transmit antenna sectors for a pair of STAs. This can be achieved through the transmission of bidirectional training frame sequences.

[0138] The beamforming stage is divided into two sub-stages. First, during sector-level scanning (SLS), an initial coarse-grained antenna sector configuration can be determined. The corresponding information is used in the subsequent optional beam refinement (BRP) stage, in which fine-tuning can be performed on the selected sectors.

[0139] First, the operations in the SLS phase are described.

[0140] During SLS, each STA can train its own transmit antenna sector or receive antenna sector.

[0141] During SLS, a pair of STAs can exchange a series of sector scan (SSW) frames across multiple antenna sectors (or, in the case of transmit sector training via PCP / AP, beacons) to find the sector providing the highest signal quality. For example, during SLS, each STA can operate as a transmitter once and as a receiver once, such as... Figure 8 As shown.

[0142] Figure 8 The sector-level scan (SLS) phase applicable to this disclosure is shown.

[0143] Reference Figure 8 The STA that first sends the message can correspond to the initiator, while the other paired STA can correspond to the responder.

[0144] The initiator's scan and the responder's scan can be performed as follows: Figure 9 The two different ways of using it are shown.

[0145] Figure 9 Two types of sector scans applicable to this disclosure are shown.

[0146] Reference Figure 9 , Figure 9 (a) indicates Send Sector Scan (TXSS). Figure 9 (b) indicates Receive Sector Scan (RXSS).

[0147] During Transmit Sector Scan (TXSS), frames can be transmitted on different sectors, and paired nodes can receive them using a quasi-omnidirectional pattern. To identify the strongest transmitting sector, the transmitter can assign antenna and sector marker identifiers for each frame.

[0148] Furthermore, during Receive Sector Scan (RXSS), transmissions in the same sector (best known sector) can test the optimal receive sector at the paired node. In general, scan combinations for SLS can include the following four types: - Send sector scan (TXSS) at both the initiator and responder. - Receive sector scan (RXSS) at both STAs - Initiator RXSS and Responder TXSS - Initiator TXSS and Responder RXSS For the optimal SNR achieved and in the case of TXSS, sector and antenna identifiers can be reported to the paired node, and such SLS feedback can follow... Figure 7 The structure shown.

[0149] Feedback to the initiator is transmitted across all frames scanned by the responder's sector, ensuring reception even with an unknown optimal antenna configuration. Feedback to the responder can be transmitted as a single SSW feedback PPDU / frame within the determined optimal antenna configuration. Finally, the SSW feedback PPDU / frame can be acknowledged as an SSW-ACK by the responder. This final PPDU / frame can then be used to further negotiate details of subsequent BRPs.

[0150] If both STAs have sufficient transmit antenna gain, their SLS phase can be implemented as pure transmit sector training, and receive sector training can be deferred to a subsequent BRP. Furthermore, the initiator can instruct / request the responder to perform a receive sector scan by specifying the number of receive sectors to be trained during its own scan (i.e., the initiator scan). If the initiator scan corresponds to receive sector training, additional signaling may be required before the SLS phase.

[0151] Next, the operations in BRP will be described.

[0152] BRP can refine the sectors identified in the SLS stage. These sectors are determined using non-uniform quasi-omnidirectional antenna patterns and may have suboptimal signal quality. Furthermore, BRP can consider optimization of the antenna weight vector for the phased array, independent of predefined sector patterns.

[0153] This allows for an increase in the beam training search space while gaining additional throughput. Although free variations in the antenna weight vector can lead to arbitrary antenna patterns, the directional characteristics can remain unchanged when providing antenna configurations with high throughput. Therefore, the training process for optimizing predefined directional sectors and antenna weight vectors can remain the same. Finally, if the BRP is not part of the previous SLS, it can be used to train the receive antenna configuration.

[0154] BRP transactions can evaluate a set of directional transmit or receive patterns for a directional configuration known to be optimal at the paired node. This prevents the imperfections of quasi-omnidirectional patterns. Since BRP relies on the preceding SLS phase, reliable PPDU / frame exchange is ensured, and various antenna configurations can be tested within the same PPDU / frame. This significantly reduces transmission overhead, unlike SLS, which requires the entire PPDU / frame to test a sector. In this regard, to scan antenna configurations across the entire PPDU / frame, transmit and receive training fields (TRN-T / R) can be added to the PPDU / frame exchanged during a BRP transaction. Each field can be transmitted or received using an antenna configuration used to test signal quality. The remainder of the PPDU / frame can then be transmitted and received using an antenna configuration known to be optimal.

[0155] BRP receive antenna training can be requested by specifying the number of configurations to be tested in the L-RX header field of the PPDU / frame. The paired node can add the corresponding number of TRN-R fields to the next PPDU / frame. Transmit training can be requested by setting the TX-TRN-REQ header field and adding the TRN-T field to the same BRP PPDU / frame. Optionally, the receiver can send an acknowledgment PPDU / frame with the TX-TRN-OK field set but no training field added before the requester adds the TRN-T field to the next PPDU / frame. As in SLS, BRP feedback can be provided in the form of the SNR for the found optimal configuration, and in the case of transmitting training, in the form of the optimal configuration ID.

[0156] Figure 10 The BRP transactions applicable to this disclosure are shown.

[0157] Reference Figure 10 BRP transactions can be configured to first train the receive configuration between two STAs, and then perform additional send training refinement.

[0158] For example, STA B can combine transmit and receive training requests into a single PPDU / frame using the aforementioned request variant. Conversely, STA A can use two PPDU / frames to request two transmit directions.

[0159] The BRP phase can immediately follow the SLS by exchanging parameters using an SSW ACK frame. Alternatively, the BRP phase can be initiated based on a special BRP setup sub-phase consisting of BRP frames that do not have training fields. In either case, the L-RX and TX-TRN-REQ fields can be used to exchange BRP parameters.

[0160] Beamforming training process in millimeter wave (mmWave) band

[0161] The above description of wireless LAN systems is primarily applicable to wireless LAN systems operating in existing operating frequency bands (e.g., sub-7GHz bands, such as 2.4GHz, 5GHz, or 6GHz bands). For example, the above PPDU format is primarily applicable to wireless LAN systems operating in the sub-7GHz band. Furthermore, wireless LAN systems operating in higher operating frequency bands (e.g., millimeter-wave (mmWave) bands such as the 60GHz band) are also defined.

[0162] This disclosure describes an example of a beamforming training process that takes into account improved throughput and efficiency in mmWave bands, including (i.e., not limited to) the 60 GHz band.

[0163] Figure 11This is a diagram illustrating an example of a region where channelization of the millimeter-wave (mmWave) band can be applied according to this disclosure.

[0164] Figure 11 The examples illustrate millimeter-wave bands used in the United States, Europe, South Korea, Japan, Australia, and China, and show the size and location of the channels defined within the band. For example, the bandwidth of each of the six channels could correspond to 2.16 GHz. Furthermore, when bandwidth bonding is applied, up to four units of bandwidth can be bonded to support bandwidths up to 8.64 GHz.

[0165] Unlike these existing wireless LAN systems, technologies under discussion, such as UHR, are exploring the use of sub-7 GHz bands (e.g., 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, or 6 GHz bands) and / or mmWave bands (e.g., 60 GHz bands) to achieve high data rates and low latency. For example, for specific use cases requiring high throughput, it may be difficult to meet the requirements using only the bandwidth of currently defined channels; therefore, using mmWave bands to transmit / receive specific PPDUs can be considered.

[0166] However, due to the channel characteristics in the mmWave band, it is necessary to transmit PPDUs with beamforming applied. For this purpose, sector-level scanning (SLS) and / or beam refinement protocol (BRP) procedures may be required as beamforming training processes.

[0167] Furthermore, depending on the use case (e.g., the purpose / situation of PPDU transmission and reception, etc.), various beamforming training processes can be considered, such as methods that require beamforming accuracy and methods that require fast beamforming configuration. As an example, the former approach may consider throughput, while the latter approach may consider latency.

[0168] This disclosure presents various beamforming training processes and signaling methods in next-generation WLAN systems (e.g., UHR, Super UHR, etc.) capable of supporting mmWave bands.

[0169] In connection with the description in this disclosure, the term "sector" may be replaced by terms such as "area," "direction," "antenna configuration," or "antenna weight vector" that have the same / similar technical meaning.

[0170] Example 1

[0171] This embodiment relates to various beamforming training processes that can be supported in WLAN systems that support mmWave bands.

[0172] In this embodiment, the various processes are described using the case where the initiator corresponds to the AP and the responder corresponds to the non-AP STA (hereinafter referred to as STA for clarity of description) during beamforming training as a representative example.

[0173] Example 1-1

[0174] First, various sector-level scanning (SLS) procedures in WLAN systems supporting mmWave bands are described according to this disclosure.

[0175] Figure 12 The illustration shows an example of an SLS process between an AP and a STA according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0176] Reference Figure 12 For the SLS procedure between AP and STA, the SLS initiation can be configured / defined to be performed in the sub-7 GHz band, while the remaining operations are performed in the mmWave band.

[0177] First, SLS initiation (S1210) can be performed for APs and STAs in the sub-7 GHz band.

[0178] For example, regarding sector scanning and the transmission of feedback / ACK frames during the SLS process, information such as the allocation of specific time and / or frequency resources (e.g., channels, sub-channels), the number of PPDUs / frames in a burst of PPDUs / frames, and sector information may be indicated. Here, PPDUs / frames may correspond to packets associated with sector scanning (e.g., SSW packets).

[0179] In this regard, specific time and / or frequency resources can be resources allocated for operation in mmWave bands.

[0180] The AP can transmit bursts of specific PPDUs / frames in the allocated time and / or frequency resources (S1220).

[0181] In this regard, each PPDU / frame included in the corresponding burst may include information indicating the sector ID for transmission direction (e.g., information for its own sector ID).

[0182] At this point, the STA can use the corresponding PPDU / frame to measure the AP's optimal TX sector ID (S1230). In this case, the STA can receive bursts of specific PPDU / frames in quasi-omnidirectional mode.

[0183] Here, the optimal TX sector ID can be configured as a list containing one or more TX sector IDs.

[0184] After the AP's burst transmission, the STA may transmit a burst of a specific PPDU / frame on the allocated time and / or frequency resources or on the same frequency resources at a specific time after the AP's burst transmission ends (e.g., SIFS) (S1240).

[0185] In this regard, each PPDU / frame included in the corresponding burst may include information indicating the sector ID used for transmission direction (e.g., information for its own sector ID). Simultaneously, the STA may provide feedback to the AP regarding the AP's optimal TX sector ID.

[0186] At this point, the AP can use the corresponding PPDU / frame to measure the optimal TX sector ID of the STA (S1250). In this case, the AP can receive bursts of specific PPDU / frames in quasi-omnidirectional mode.

[0187] Following the burst transmission of the STA, the AP may transmit a feedback frame to the STA (S1260) on the allocated time and / or frequency resources, or on the same frequency resources after a specific time (e.g., SIFS) following the end of the STA's burst transmission. The feedback frame may include information about the STA's optimal TX sector ID. For example, the STA may receive the feedback frame in quasi-omnidirectional mode.

[0188] Next, the STA can send a response frame (e.g., an ACK frame) on the same frequency resources and / or the allocated time and / or frequency resources, according to the optimal TX sector direction fed back by the AP, after a specific time period (e.g., SIFS) following the end of the AP's feedback frame transmission (S1270). For example, the STA can receive the feedback frame in quasi-omnidirectional mode.

[0189] Regarding the aforementioned Figure 12 In the steps, step S1210 can be set / defined to be performed in the sub-7 GHz band, and the remaining steps (i.e., steps S1220 to S1270) can be configured / defined to be performed in the mmWave band.

[0190] Figure 13 The illustration shows another example of the SLS process between the AP and STA according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0191] Reference Figure 13 ,and Figure 12 In contrast, the SLS process can be simplified by utilizing the antenna mode reciprocity described above in this disclosure.

[0192] First, SLS initiation (S1310) can be performed for APs and STAs in the sub-7 GHz band.

[0193] For example, regarding sector scanning and the transmission of feedback / ACK frames during the SLS process, information may be provided on the allocation of specific time and / or frequency resources (e.g., channels, sub-channels), the number of PPDUs / frames in a burst of PPDUs / frames, sector information, etc. Here, PPDUs / frames may correspond to packets associated with sector scanning (e.g., SSW packets).

[0194] In this regard, specific time and / or frequency resources can be resources allocated for operation in mmWave bands.

[0195] The AP can transmit bursts of specific PPDUs / frames in the allocated time and / or frequency resources (S1320).

[0196] In this regard, each PPDU / frame included in the corresponding burst may include information indicating the sector ID for transmission direction (e.g., information for its own sector ID).

[0197] At this point, the STA can use the PPDU / frames included in the burst to measure the AP’s best TX sector ID and perform its own RX sector scan (S1330).

[0198] In this regard, a specific training field (TRN field) can be defined to be included in the last part of the corresponding PPDU / frame to support RX sector scanning of STA. For example, the specific training field can be designed to have the same or similar structure as the TRN field, TRN-R unit, etc. of the EDMG BRP-RX / TX PPDU.

[0199] Specifically, the STA performs receive operations in quasi-omnidirectional mode only during the AP's TX sector scan, and can be configured / defined to operate in RX sector scan mode only for specific training fields.

[0200] Following the burst transmission of the AP, the STA can, at a specific time (e.g., SIFS) after the end of the AP's burst transmission, use the allocated time and / or frequency resources on the same frequency resources to transmit a feedback frame to the AP in the same TX direction with its optimal RX sector (S1340). Here, the feedback frame may include information about the AP's optimal TX sector ID. For example, the AP can receive the feedback frame in quasi-omnidirectional mode.

[0201] Next, the AP may send a response frame (e.g., an ACK frame) on the same frequency resource after a specific time (e.g., SIFS) following the completion of the allocated time and / or frequency resource or the STA's feedback frame transmission (S1350), according to the optimal TX sector direction fed back by the STA. In this case, the STA may receive the corresponding response frame according to its optimal RX sector direction.

[0202] In such Figure 13 In the simplified process shown, the STA can use its measured optimal RX sector in the TX sector direction, and the AP can use its optimal TX sector fed back from the STA in the RX sector direction.

[0203] Alternatively, alternative locations may be found in the above-mentioned areas. Figure 12 and Figure 13 During the transmission of PPDU / frame bursts, the sector ID and its sequence information can be indicated in the sub-7 GHz band. In this case, this information can be defined as not being indicated in each PPDU / frame within the burst.

[0204] Regarding the aforementioned Figure 13 In the steps, step S1310 can be set / defined to be performed in the sub-7 GHz band, and the remaining steps (i.e., steps S1320 to S1350) can be configured / defined to be performed in the mmWave band.

[0205] Figure 14 The illustration shows another example of the SLS process between the AP and STA according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0206] Reference Figure 14 ,and Figure 13 In contrast, the transmission and reception of feedback and response frames in the SLS process can be performed in different operating frequency bands (i.e., the sub-7 GHz band). That is, SLS initiation, transmission and reception of feedback frames, and transmission and reception of response frames can be performed in the sub-7 GHz band, and in the mmWave band, it can be configured / defined to simply transmit and receive PPDUs / frames for sector scanning.

[0207] First, SLS initiation (S1410) can be performed for APs and STAs in the sub-7 GHz band.

[0208] For example, regarding sector scanning and the transmission of feedback / ACK frames during the SLS process, information may be provided about the allocation of specific time and / or frequency resources (e.g., channels, sub-channels) for burst transmission of PPDU / frames for the AP, the number of PPDU / frames in the burst, sector information, etc. Here, PPDU / frames may correspond to packets associated with sector scanning (e.g., SSW packets).

[0209] In this regard, specific time and / or frequency resources can be resources allocated for operation in mmWave bands.

[0210] The AP can transmit bursts of specific PPDUs / frames in the allocated time and / or frequency resources (S1420).

[0211] In this regard, each PPDU / frame included in the corresponding burst may include information indicating the sector ID for transmission direction (e.g., information for its own sector ID). If sector ID and sequence information are transmitted / indicated in the sub-7 GHz band, the corresponding information may be omitted.

[0212] At this point, the STA can use the PPDU / frames included in the burst to measure the AP's optimal TX sector ID and perform its own RX sector scan (S1430). In this case, the STA can perform the receive operation in quasi-omnidirectional mode only during the AP's TX sector scan.

[0213] In this regard, a specific training field (TRN field) can be defined to be included at the end of the corresponding PPDU / frame to support RX sector scanning of STA. For example, the specific training field can be designed to have the same or similar structure as the TRN field, TRN-R unit, etc. of the EDMG BRP-RX / TX PPDU.

[0214] Specifically, the STA performs receive operations in quasi-omnidirectional mode only during the AP's TX sector scan, and can be configured / defined to operate in RX sector scan mode only for specific training fields.

[0215] After the AP's burst transmission, the STA can send a feedback frame (S1440) to the AP in the sub-7 GHz band. Here, the feedback frame may include information about the AP's best TX sector ID.

[0216] Next, the AP can send a response frame (e.g., an ACK frame) in the sub-7 GHz band (S1450).

[0217] In such Figure 14 In the simplified process shown, the STA can use its measured optimal RX sector in the TX sector direction, and the AP can use its optimal TX sector fed back from the STA in the RX sector direction.

[0218] In other words, regarding the aforementioned Figure 14 The steps S1410, S1440 and S1450 can be configured / defined to be performed in the sub-7 GHz band, and steps S1420 and S1430 can be performed in the mmWave band.

[0219] Alternatively, regarding... Figure 13 and / or Figure 14The process can be performed by selecting only some sectors (e.g., some TX / RX sectors). The associated instructions can be defined in the control frames or elements of the SLS / BRP process for the mmWave band in the sub-7 GHz band, or the information for the corresponding instructions can be sent and received in the frame initiating the SLS / BRP.

[0220] Examples 1-2

[0221] First, various beam refinement protocol (BRP) processes in WLAN systems supporting mmWave bands are described according to this disclosure.

[0222] The BRP process corresponds to the sector scanning process that obtains a finer beam pattern after the SLS process described above.

[0223] In this regard, similar to sector orientation in the SLS process, antenna weight vector (AWV) can be considered in the BRP process. For example, similar to sector scanning in the SLS process, AWV can be acquired or modified in the BRP process.

[0224] Figure 15 The illustration shows an example of the BRP process between the AP and STA according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0225] Reference Figure 15 For the BRP process between AP and STA, the BRP initiation can be configured / defined to be performed in the sub-7 GHz band, and the remaining operations can be performed in the mmWave band.

[0226] First, BRP initiation can be performed for APs and STAs in the sub-7 GHz band (S1510).

[0227] For example, the acquisition / modification of AWVs and the transmission of feedback / ACK frames during the BRP process may indicate information such as the allocation of specific time and / or frequency resources (e.g., channels, sub-channels), candidate AWV information, and the order of TX AWV patterns.

[0228] In this regard, specific time and / or frequency resources can be resources allocated for operation in mmWave bands.

[0229] The AP can transmit a specific PPDU / frame within the allocated time and / or frequency resources (S1520). Here, specific training fields, etc., can be inserted into the specific PPDU / frame so that the STA's RX AWV acquisition / modification can be performed simultaneously with the AP's TX AWV acquisition / modification. As an example, the corresponding specific training fields can be designed to have the same or similar structure as the TRN field, TRN-R unit, etc., of the EDMG BRP-RX / TX PPDU. In this regard, information indicating the TX AWV pattern of the specific training fields, etc., can be provided.

[0230] In this case, the STA can measure the AP's optimal TX AWV ID by using the corresponding PPDU / frame and perform its own RX AWV acquisition / modification (S1530).

[0231] Here, the optimal TX AWV ID can be configured as a list that includes one or more TX AWV IDs.

[0232] After the AP transmits a PPDU / frame, the STA can transmit a specific PPDU / frame in the allocated time and / or frequency resources or at a specific time (e.g., SIFS) after the AP's PPDU / frame transmission ends (S1540). Here, specific training fields, etc., can be inserted into the specific PPDU / frame so that the AP's RX AWV acquisition / modification can be performed simultaneously with the STA's TX AWV acquisition / modification. As an example, the corresponding specific training fields can be designed to have the same or similar structure as the TRN field, TRN-R unit, etc., of the EDMG BRP-RX / TX PPDU. In this regard, information indicating the TX AWV pattern of the specific training fields, etc., can be provided. Furthermore, the STA can provide feedback to the AP regarding the AP's optimal TX AWV ID.

[0233] In this case, the AP can measure the STA’s best TX AWV ID by using the corresponding PPDU / frame and perform its own RX AWV acquisition / modification (S1550).

[0234] After the STA transmits a PPDU / frame, the AP may transmit a feedback frame to the STA (S1560) in the allocated time and / or frequency resources, or at a specific time (e.g., SIFS) after the STA finishes transmitting its PPDU / frame, in the same frequency resources. This feedback frame may include information about the STA's optimal TX AWV ID. For example, the STA may receive the corresponding feedback frame based on its own optimal RX AWV.

[0235] After the AP sends a feedback frame, the STA may send a response frame (e.g., an ACK frame) on the allocated time and / or frequency resources or on the same frequency resources after a specific time (e.g., SIFS) following the end of the AP's feedback frame transmission (S1570). As an example, the STA may receive the corresponding response frame based on its own optimal RX AWV.

[0236] Regarding the aforementioned Figure 15 The steps in the process, step S1510 can be set / defined to be performed in the sub-7 GHz band, and the remaining steps (i.e., steps S1520 to S1570) can be set / defined to be performed in the mmWave band.

[0237] Figure 16 The illustration shows another example of the BRP process between the AP and STA according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0238] Reference Figure 16 ,and Figure 15 In contrast, the BRP process can be simplified by utilizing the antenna mode reciprocity described above in this disclosure.

[0239] First, BRP initiation can be performed for APs and STAs in the sub-7 GHz band (S1610).

[0240] For example, the acquisition / modification of AWVs and the transmission of feedback / ACK frames during the BRP process may indicate information such as the allocation of specific time and / or frequency resources (e.g., channels, sub-channels), candidate AWV information, and the order of TX AWV patterns.

[0241] In this regard, specific time and / or frequency resources can be resources allocated for operation in mmWave bands.

[0242] The AP can transmit a specific PPDU / frame within the allocated time and / or frequency resources (S1620). Here, specific training fields, etc., can be inserted into the specific PPDU / frame so that the STA's RX AWV acquisition / modification can be performed simultaneously with the AP's AWV acquisition / modification. As an example, the corresponding specific training field can be designed to have the same or similar structure as the TRN field, TRN-R unit, etc., of the EDMG BRP-RX / TX PPDU. In this regard, information indicating the TX AWV pattern of the specific training field, etc., can be provided.

[0243] In this case, the STA can measure the AP’s best TX AWV ID by using the corresponding PPDU / frame and perform its own RX AWV acquisition / modification (S1630).

[0244] After the AP transmits a PPDU / frame, the STA can transmit a feedback frame to the AP in the same TX direction using its own optimal RX AWV, either within the allocated time and / or frequency resources or at a specific time (e.g., SIFS) after the AP's PPDU / frame transmission ends. Here, the feedback frame may include information about the AP's optimal TXAWV ID. As an example, the AP can receive the corresponding feedback frame in quasi-omnidirectional mode. Alternatively, the AP can receive the corresponding feedback frame in the optimal RX direction confirmed by the aforementioned SLS procedure.

[0245] After the STA sends a feedback frame, the AP may send a response frame (e.g., an ACK frame) based on the best TXAWV fed back by the STA (S1650) in the allocated time and / or frequency resources or at a specific time (e.g., SIFS) after the STA finishes sending its feedback frame. In this case, the STA may receive the corresponding response frame based on its own best RXAWV.

[0246] In such Figure 16 In the simplified process shown, the STA can use its own best RX AWV as the TX AWV, and the AP can use its own best TX AWV fed back from the STA as the RX AWV.

[0247] Regarding the aforementioned Figure 16 The steps in the process, step S1610 can be configured / defined to be performed in the sub-7 GHz band, and the remaining steps (i.e., steps S1620 to S1650) can be configured / defined to be performed in the mmWave band.

[0248] Figure 17 The illustration shows another example of the BRP process between the AP and STA according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0249] Reference Figure 17 ,and Figure 16 In contrast, the transmission and reception of feedback and response frames during the BRP process can be performed in different operating frequency bands (i.e., the sub-7 GHz band). In other words, BRP initiation, the transmission and reception of feedback frames, and the transmission and reception of response frames can be performed in the sub-7 GHz band, and in the mmWave band, it can be configured / defined to simply transmit and receive PPDUs / frames for AWV acquisition / modification.

[0250] First, BRP initiation can be performed for APs and STAs in the sub-7 GHz band (S1710).

[0251] For example, regarding the acquisition / modification of AWVs and the transmission of feedback / ACK frames during the BRP process, information such as the allocation of specific time and / or frequency resources (e.g., channels, sub-channels) for the transmission of specific PPDUs / frames for the AP, information on the candidate AWVs of the AP and STA, and information on the order of TX AWV patterns within the AP's PPDUs / frames may be provided.

[0252] In this regard, specific time and / or frequency resources can be resources allocated for operation in mmWave bands.

[0253] The AP can transmit a specific PPDU / frame within the allocated time and / or frequency resources (S1720). Here, specific training fields, etc., can be inserted into the specific PPDU / frame so that the STA's RX AWV acquisition / modification can be performed simultaneously with the AP's TX AWV acquisition / modification. As an example, the corresponding specific training fields can be designed to have the same or similar structure as the TRN field, TRN-R unit, etc., of the EDMG BRP-RX / TX PPDU. In this regard, information indicating the TX AWV pattern of the specific training fields, etc., can be provided.

[0254] In this case, the STA can measure the AP’s best TX AWV ID by using the corresponding PPDU / frame and perform its own RX AWV acquisition / modification (S1730).

[0255] After the AP sends a PPDU / frame, the STA can send a feedback frame (S1740) to the AP in the sub-7 GHz band. Here, the feedback frame may include information about the AP's optimal TX AWV ID.

[0256] After the STA sends a feedback frame, the AP can send a response frame (e.g., an ACK frame) in the sub-7 GHz band (S1750).

[0257] In such Figure 17 In the simplified process shown, the STA can use its own best RX AWV as the TX AWV, and the AP can use its own best TX AWV fed back from the STA as the RX AWV.

[0258] In other words, regarding the aforementioned Figure 17 The steps S1710, S1740 and S1750 can be configured / defined to be performed in the sub-7 GHz band, and steps S1720 and S1730 can be performed in the mmWave band.

[0259] Alternatively, regarding... Figure 16 and / or Figure 17The process can be performed by selecting only some AWVs (e.g., some TX / RX AWVs). The associated instructions can be defined in the control frames or elements of the SLS / BRP process for the mmWave band in the sub-7 GHz band, or the information for the corresponding instructions can be sent and received in the frame initiating the SLS / BRP.

[0260] Example 2

[0261] This embodiment relates to a signaling method for indicating the application / utilization of a particular beamforming training process when defining various beamforming training processes (e.g., Embodiment 1).

[0262] As described above, various procedures can be defined for each sector-level scan (SLS) and / or beam refinement protocol (BRP), and specific procedures can be added or excluded relative to the procedures described in Example 1.

[0263] In this regard, when defining various procedures for SLS and / or BRP, efficient (e.g., desired) beamforming training procedures can be applied to specific use cases to support those use cases. For example, based on Figure 12 SLS process and based Figure 15 The BRP process can be used to improve throughput. Furthermore, based on... Figure 13 and Figure 14 SLS process and based on Figure 16 and Figure 17 The BRP process can be used to reduce latency.

[0264] Information regarding a specific beamforming training process can be indicated by defining control frames or elements within the sub-7 GHz band for the SLS and / or BRP processes in the mmWave band. Alternatively, the corresponding information can be indicated in the frames that initiate the SLS and / or BRP processes.

[0265] When defining control frames or elements for the SLS and BRP processes respectively, each control frame or element can indicate a specific beamforming training procedure for the SLS process and a specific beamforming training procedure for the BRP process. Conversely, when a single control frame or element is defined for both the SLS and BRP processes, a single subfield can indicate both a specific beamforming training procedure for the SLS process and / or a specific beamforming training procedure for the BRP process. In other words, only specific procedures can be executed to support the same use case. Alternatively, when a single control frame or element is defined for both the SLS and BRP processes, different defined subfields can indicate both a specific beamforming training procedure for the SLS process and / or a specific beamforming training procedure for the BRP process. In other words, different procedures can be executed by considering different use cases.

[0266] Alternatively, when indicating the specific beamforming training process mentioned above in the frame initiating the SLS process and the frame initiating the BRP process respectively, the specific beamforming training process can be indicated by defining a specific subfield in each frame.

[0267] Subfields used to indicate information about a specific beamforming training process can consist of a specific number of bits based on the defined process. For example, when three types of processes are defined for the SLS and BRP processes respectively, the corresponding subfields can consist of 2 bits.

[0268] In this regard, when a specific beamforming training procedure for SLS and / or BRP is indicated by a subfield, SLS procedures and / or BRP procedures supporting the same use case can be mapped to the value of the corresponding subfield (e.g., excluded reserved values). Alternatively or additionally, even if different subfields are defined for SLS and BRP procedures, SLS procedures and / or BRP procedures supporting the same use case can be mapped to the same value in each subfield (e.g., excluded reserved values).

[0269] Furthermore, different numbers of beamforming training procedures can be defined for the SLS and BRP procedures. In this case, when both the SLS and / or BRP procedures are indicated by a single subfield, the number of bits in the subfield can be defined by defining a larger number of beamforming training procedures between the SLS and BRP procedures. Even for the corresponding cases, SLS and / or BRP procedures supporting the same use case can be mapped to each subfield value (e.g., indicating the values ​​of both the SLS and BRP procedures simultaneously). Alternatively, even if different subfields are defined, SLS and / or BRP procedures supporting the same use case can be mapped to the same value in each subfield (e.g., excluding reserved values).

[0270] Alternatively, in specific use cases, only the SLS procedure or the BRP procedure may be executed. For example, the initiator / responder may further reduce latency by executing only the SLS procedure (or BRP procedure) considering only a limited number of sectors (e.g., some sectors). As another example, throughput may be improved by executing only the BRP procedure (or SLS procedure) considering only a limited number of sectors (e.g., some sectors).

[0271] In the following text, reference will be made to Figure 18 and Figure 19 The operation of the STA according to the embodiments of the present disclosure described above. That is, Figure 18 and Figure 19 The examples may correspond to a subset of the various examples in this disclosure.

[0272] For example, in Figure 18 and Figure 19 In the beamforming training process, the first STA can correspond to the initiator, and the second STA can correspond to the responder.

[0273] Figure 18 The diagram illustrates the operation of the first STA according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0274] Reference Figure 18 The first STA can send one or more first frames (S1810) to the second STA for beamforming training based on N (N>1) sectors.

[0275] For example, the first frame can be used for beamforming training of the transmit sector of the first STA (and / or beamforming training of the receive sector of the second STA).

[0276] In this regard, beamforming training may include one or more of the sector-level scanning phase or the beam refinement protocol phase. If beamforming training in the sector-level scanning phase and beam refinement protocol phase are performed simultaneously, beamforming training in the beam refinement protocol phase can be performed after beamforming training in the sector-level scanning phase is completed.

[0277] The first STA may receive a second frame (e.g., a feedback frame) (S1820) from the second STA, which includes information about the best sector among the aforementioned N sectors.

[0278] In this regard, when defining multiple process types for beamforming training, information about specific process types that will be applied to the corresponding beamforming training can be exchanged between the first STA and the second STA prior to the corresponding beamforming training. For example, when defining various process types for SLS and / or BRP processes (e.g., see Examples 1-1 and / or 1-2), information indicating the process types that will actually be used / applied between the initiator and the responder can be sent and received / exchanged.

[0279] For example, the multi-process type can be distinguished based on at least one of whether the operation for measuring the optimal sector via the second STA and the operation for scanning the received sector via the second STA are performed simultaneously, or whether the operation frequency band of the first frame is the same as that of the second frame.

[0280] According to this disclosure, information for a specific process type is exchanged in a first operating frequency band, and beamforming training can be performed in a second operating frequency band different from the first operating frequency band. For example, the first operating frequency band may correspond to one of a 2.4 GHz band, a 5 GHz band, or a 6 GHz band, and the second operating frequency band may correspond to a millimeter wave (mmWave) band or a 60 GHz band.

[0281] Furthermore, according to this disclosure, information for a specific process type may be included in the control frame used for the corresponding beamforming training, or may be included in the frame used to initiate the corresponding beamforming training.

[0282] For example, when control frames for the sector-level scan phase and control frames for the beam refinement protocol phase are defined separately, information for a specific process type can be included in the control frames for the sector-level scan phase and the beam refinement protocol phase, respectively. As another example, when a single control frame is defined for both the sector-level scan phase and the beam refinement protocol phase, information for a specific process type can be indicated by one or two subfields within the corresponding single control frame. In this case, one of the two subfields within the single control frame can be associated with the sector-level scan phase, and the remaining subfield can be associated with the beam refinement protocol phase.

[0283] Furthermore, according to this disclosure, the subfield used to indicate information for a specific process type can consist of a number of bits based on the number of defined process types. As an example, when different numbers of process types are defined for the sector-level scan phase and the beam refinement protocol phase, the number of bits in the subfield can be calculated based on the phase defining the larger number of process types. Furthermore, when a corresponding subfield simultaneously indicates information for both the sector-level scan phase and the beam refinement protocol phase, the corresponding subfield can be set to a value indicating one of the combinations of process types for the sector-level scan phase and the beam refinement protocol phase. In this respect, the corresponding combinations can be defined as values ​​mapped to the subfields respectively.

[0284] Furthermore, according to this disclosure, the beamforming training described above can be configured to be performed only on some sectors out of all sectors. As an example, the aforementioned N sectors may correspond to some sectors out of all sectors supported by the first STA.

[0285] Furthermore, according to this disclosure, based on the above process, only one of the sector-level scanning stage or the beam refinement protocol stage may be performed, or both stages may be performed.

[0286] Figure 18 The method described in the example, executed by the first STA, can be performed by Figure 1 The first device 100 in the process executes. For example, Figure 1 One or more processors 102 of the first device 100 may be configured to transmit one or more first frames for beamforming training based on N sectors via one or more transceivers 106, and to receive a second frame including information about the best sector among the N sectors. Furthermore, one or more memories 104 of the first device 100 may store instructions for execution by the one or more processors 102. Figure 18 Examples or methods described in the examples above.

[0287] Figure 19 The diagram illustrates the operation of the second STA according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0288] Reference Figure 19 The second STA can receive one or more first frames from the first STA for beamforming training based on N (N>1) sectors (S1910).

[0289] For example, the first frame can be used for beamforming training of the transmit sector of the first STA (and / or beamforming training of the receive sector of the second STA).

[0290] In this regard, beamforming training may include one or more of the sector-level scanning phase or the beam refinement protocol phase. If beamforming training in the sector-level scanning phase and beam refinement protocol phase are performed simultaneously, beamforming training in the beam refinement protocol phase can be performed after beamforming training in the sector-level scanning phase is completed.

[0291] The second STA may send a second frame (e.g., a feedback frame) (S1920) to the first STA, which includes information about the best sector among the aforementioned N sectors.

[0292] In this regard, when defining multiple process types for beamforming training, information about specific process types that will be applied to the corresponding beamforming training can be exchanged between the first STA and the second STA prior to the corresponding beamforming training. For example, when defining various process types for SLS and / or BRP processes (e.g., see Examples 1-1 and / or 1-2), information indicating the process types that will actually be used / applied between the initiator and the responder can be sent and received / exchanged.

[0293] exist Figure 19 In the examples, due to the multiple process types used for beamforming training, information for specific process types, operating frequency bands, beamforming training steps, and specific details for beamforming training in some sectors, etc., the differences are significant. Figure 18 The examples described are the same, so repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0294] Figure 19 The method described in the example, executed by the second STA, can be performed by... Figure 1 The second device 200 in the process is executed. For example, Figure 1 One or more processors 202 of the second device 200 may be configured to receive one or more first frames for beamforming training based on N sectors via one or more transceivers 206, and to transmit a second frame including information about the best sector among the N sectors. Furthermore, one or more memories 204 of the second device 200 may store instructions for execution by the one or more processors 202. Figure 19 Examples or methods described in the examples above.

[0295] Figure 20 This is a diagram used to describe the PPDU transmission and reception process between the transmitting STA and the receiving STA according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0296] For example, regarding Figure 20In the process, the PPDUs usable in the mmWave band of the UHR system can include UHR-STF, UHR-LTF, UHR-SIG, and data. All or part of each part (e.g., a field) can be divided into one or more subparts (e.g., subfields).

[0297] In this regard, each field (and its corresponding subfield) can be transmitted in units of 4 / N μs × M (where N is the upclocking factor and M is an integer). UHR-STF can be transmitted as integer multiples of 0.8 / N μs. As an example, UHR-STF can be transmitted in units of 0.8 / N μs × 10. Furthermore, it can include the guard interval / N (or short GI / N) from conventional WLAN system (e.g., WiFi) standards. Common subcarrier frequency spacing values ​​(e.g., delta_f = 312.5 kHz × N / M, where N is an integer) can be applied to all fields.

[0298] Furthermore, some of the UHR-STF, UHR-LTF, UHR-SIG, and data can be omitted. For example, a PPDU used for a specific purpose (e.g., SLS) may not contain data or UHR-SIG. As another example, a training field (e.g., training field) may be present at the end of a PPDU used for a specific purpose.

[0299] For example, a UHR-STF can be constructed from a conventional L-STF, VHT-STF, HE-STF, or EHT-STF, and can include fields for CFO estimation and AGC. Similarly, a UHR-LTF can be constructed from a conventional L-LTF, VHT-LTF, HE-LTF, or EHT-LTF, and can include fields for CFO estimation and channel estimation. Furthermore, a UHR-SIG can include various control information for the PPDU to be transmitted. As an example, it can include control information for data decoding or control information for SLS. Additionally, the data can include user data and packets for higher layers. In other words, it can include MPDUs (e.g., MAC frames). Specifically, in the case of PPDUs used for SLS, the data can include information for SLS.

[0300] The following description Figure 20 Some processes can be omitted or changed.

[0301] The transmitting STA can obtain control information for PPDU transmission (S2010). For example, the transmitting STA can obtain channel information and bandwidth information for the mmWave band of the PPDU to be transmitted. Furthermore, in the case of transmitting a PPDU for SLS, the transmitting STA can obtain information for each sector. In this regard, information for only some sectors—rather than all sectors—can be indicated.

[0302] The transmitting STA can configure / generate a PPDU based on the acquired control information (S2020). The steps for configuring / generating a PPDU may include configuring / generating individual fields of the PPDU. For example, configuring / generating a PPDU may include configuring / generating a UHR-STF / UHR-LTF applied to the bandwidth. Furthermore, configuring / generating a PPDU may include configuring a UHR-SIG field that includes information such as bandwidth. Additionally, when transmitting a PPDU for SLS / BRP, configuring / generating a PPDU may include configuring a UHR-SIG field that includes control information related to SLS / BRP. Furthermore, configuring / generating a PPDU may include generating a data field (e.g., an MPDU) to be transmitted within the bandwidth. Furthermore, when transmitting a PPDU for SLS / BRP, configuring / generating a PPDU may include generating a data portion (e.g., an MPDU) that includes information related to SLS / BRP.

[0303] The transmitting STA can send the PPDU configured as above to the receiving STA (S2030). During the transmission of the PPDU, the transmitting STA can perform at least one of the following operations: clocking up, CSD, spatial mapping, IDFT / IFFT operation, GI insertion, etc.

[0304] The receiving STA can receive all or part of the PPDU (S2040). For example, the receiving STA can perform operations to recover the results of operations applied during the PPDU transmission, such as clocking, CSD, spatial mapping, IDFT / IFFT operations, GI insertion, etc.

[0305] The receiving STA can decode all or part of the PPDU and obtain control information (e.g., information such as bandwidth) from the decoded PPDU (S2050). For example, the receiving STA can decode the UHR-SIG of the PPDU based on UHR-STF / UHR-LTF and obtain the information included in the UHR-SIG field. Various types of information described in this disclosure can be included in the UHR-SIG, and the receiving STA can obtain information related to the PPDU through the UHR-SIG. In particular, when receiving a PPDU for SLS, the receiving STA can obtain control information related to SLS, etc., through the corresponding PPDU.

[0306] The receiving STA can decode the data field of the PPDU based on the information obtained above, and obtain the MPDU included in the data field (S2060). Furthermore, the receiving STA can perform processing operations to deliver the decoded data to a higher layer (e.g., the MAC layer). Additionally, when a signal indicating the delivery of data to a higher layer is generated from the higher layer to the PHY layer, the receiving STA can perform subsequent operations.

[0307] The method proposed in this disclosure relates to a method for performing beamforming training on some sectors in an mmWave band. According to the method proposed in this disclosure, new effects can be achieved, such as improved throughput and / or efficiency in newly defined operating bands (e.g., mmWave bands, etc.), and a beamforming training process optimized for use cases can be applied.

[0308] The above embodiments combine the elements and features of this disclosure in a predetermined form. Unless otherwise expressly stated, each element or feature should be considered optional. Each element or feature can be implemented without combination with other elements or features. Furthermore, embodiments of this disclosure may include combinations of certain elements and / or features. The order of operations described in the embodiments of this disclosure may be changed. Some elements or features of one embodiment may be included in other embodiments, or may be replaced by corresponding elements or features of other embodiments. It is clear that embodiments may include combinations of claims where there is no explicit dependency in the claims, or may be included as new claims by amendment after the application.

[0309] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this disclosure may be practiced in other specific forms without departing from the essential characteristics of this disclosure. Therefore, the foregoing detailed description should not be construed as restrictive in every respect, but rather as illustrative. The scope of the invention should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all variations within the equivalent scope of this disclosure are included within the scope of the invention.

[0310] The scope of this disclosure includes software or machine-executable commands (e.g., operating systems, applications, firmware, programs, etc.) that operate in a device or computer according to methods of various embodiments, and non-transitory computer-readable media that store such software or commands and can be executed in a device or computer. Commands that can be used to program a processing system to perform the features described in this disclosure can be stored in a storage medium or a computer-readable storage medium, and the features described in this disclosure can be implemented using a computer program product including such a storage medium. The storage medium may include, but is not limited to, high-speed random access memory, such as DRAM, SRAM, DDR RAM, or other random access solid-state storage devices, and may include non-volatile memory, such as one or more disk storage devices, optical disk storage devices, flash memory devices, or other non-volatile solid-state storage devices. The memory may optionally include one or more storage devices located remote from the processor. Alternatively, the non-volatile memory devices in the memory may include non-transitory computer-readable storage media. The features described in this disclosure can be stored in any machine-readable medium to control the hardware of a processing system and can be integrated into software and / or firmware that allows the processing system to interact with other mechanisms using results from embodiments of this disclosure. Such software or firmware may include, but is not limited to, application code, device drivers, operating systems, and execution environments / containers.

[0311] [Industrial Applicability]

[0312] The method proposed in this disclosure is mainly described based on examples applied to IEEE 802.11-based systems and 5G systems, but it can also be applied to various WLAN or wireless communication systems other than those based on IEEE 802.11.

Claims

1. A method comprising: One or more first frames are sent from the first station (STA) to the second STA for beamforming training based on N (N>1) sectors; as well as The first STA receives a second frame from the second STA, which includes information for the optimal sector among the N sectors. The beamforming training includes one or more of a sector-level scanning phase or a beam refinement protocol phase, and Specifically, based on the definition of multiple process types for beamforming training, prior to the beamforming training, information about a specific process type among the multiple process types to be applied to the beamforming training is exchanged between the first STA and the second STA.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: Information for the specific process type is exchanged in the first operating frequency band, and The beamforming training is performed in a second operating frequency band, which is different from the first operating frequency band.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein: The first operating frequency band corresponds to one of the 2.4 GHz band, the 5 GHz band, or the 6 GHz band, and The second operating frequency band corresponds to the millimeter wave (mmWave) band or the 60 GHz band.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein: Information for the specific process type is included in the control frame used for the beamforming training, or in the frame used to initiate the beamforming training.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein: Based on separately defined control frames for the sector-level scanning phase and control frames for the beam refinement protocol phase, information for the specific process type is included in the control frames for the sector-level scanning phase and the control frames for the beam refinement protocol phase, respectively.

6. The method according to claim 4, wherein: Based on a single control frame defined for the sector-level scanning phase and the beam refinement protocol phase, information for the specific process type is indicated by one or two subfields within the single control frame.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein: One of the two subfields within the single control frame is associated with the sector-level scanning phase, and the remaining subfield is associated with the beam refinement protocol phase.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The subfield used to indicate information for the specific process type consists of the number of bits based on the number of process types.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein: Based on the fact that the subfield simultaneously indicates information for the sector-level scanning phase and information for the beam refinement protocol phase, the subfield is set to a value indicating one of the combinations of the process type for the sector-level scanning phase and the process type for the beam refinement protocol phase.

10. The method according to claim 8, wherein: The number of bits in the subfield is calculated based on the stage that defines a larger number of process types, which is defined for the sector-level scanning stage and the beam refinement protocol stage.

11. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The multi-process type is distinguished based on at least one of the following: whether the operation for measuring the optimal sector via the second STA and the operation for scanning the received sector via the second STA are performed simultaneously, or whether the operation frequency band of the first frame and the operation frequency band of the second frame are the same.

12. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The N sectors correspond to some of the sectors among all sectors supported by the first STA.

13. The method according to claim 1, wherein: Beamforming training for the sector-level scanning phase and beamforming training for the beam refinement protocol phase are performed, with the beamforming training for the beam refinement protocol phase following the beamforming training for the sector-level scanning phase.

14. An apparatus comprising: One or more transceivers; as well as One or more processors are connected to the one or more transceivers. Wherein, the one or more processors are configured as follows: One or more first frames are sent from the first station (STA) to the second STA for beamforming training based on N (N>1) sectors; and The first STA receives a second frame from the second STA, which includes information for the optimal sector among the N sectors. The beamforming training includes one or more of a sector-level scanning phase or a beam refinement protocol phase, and Specifically, based on the definition of multiple process types for beamforming training, prior to the beamforming training, information about a specific process type among the multiple process types to be applied to the beamforming training is exchanged between the first STA and the second STA.

15. A method comprising: The second station (STA) receives one or more first frames from the first STA for beamforming training based on N (N>1) sectors; as well as The second STA sends a second frame to the first STA, including information about the best sector among the N sectors. The beamforming training includes one or more of a sector-level scanning phase or a beam refinement protocol phase, and Specifically, based on the definition of multiple process types for beamforming training, prior to the beamforming training, information about a specific process type among the multiple process types to be applied to the beamforming training is exchanged between the first STA and the second STA.

16. An apparatus comprising: One or more transceivers; as well as One or more processors are connected to the one or more transceivers. Wherein, the one or more processors are configured as follows: The second station (STA) receives one or more first frames from the first STA for beamforming training based on N (N>1) sectors; and The second STA sends a second frame to the first STA, including information about the best sector among the N sectors. The beamforming training includes one or more of a sector-level scanning phase or a beam refinement protocol phase, and Specifically, based on the definition of multiple process types for beamforming training, prior to the beamforming training, information about a specific process type among the multiple process types to be applied to the beamforming training is exchanged between the first STA and the second STA.

17. A processing apparatus, comprising: One or more processors; as well as One or more computer memories, operatively connected to the one or more processors, and storing instructions for performing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, based on execution by the one or more processors.

18. One or more non-transitory computer-readable media storing one or more instructions, said instructions being executed by one or more processors to control the execution of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

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