Communication methods, apparatuses, and devices

Abstract

The application provides a communication method, device and equipment, the method comprises the following steps: a first access point sends a probe request frame; receiving a probe response frame sent by a second access point; the first access point generates a first frame and sends the first frame to the second access point and an associated first station, the first frame is used to indicate that the second access point and the first station participate in channel sounding, and the first frame comprises a first field and / or a second field; wherein, the first field is used to indicate whether the receiver sends an acknowledgement frame after receiving the first frame, and the second field is used to indicate whether an acknowledgement frame is sent after receiving a second frame, and the second frame is used to provide a training signal for CSI estimation. The application can effectively improve the detection efficiency of the detection mechanism of Co-BF.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of wireless communication, and more specifically, to a communication method, apparatus, and device. Background Technology

[0002] In wireless local area network (WLAN) systems, dense deployment of access points (APs) can cause mutual interference, leading to degraded latency and throughput. Multi-AP collaboration technology can alleviate these problems.

[0003] Multi-Access Point Coordination (MAPC) technology refers to the sharing of air interface resources through cooperation among multiple access points, thereby improving network performance, coverage, and user experience. For example, MAPC technology includes Coordinated Beamforming (Co-BF).

[0004] In related technologies, the detection efficiency of the Co-BF detection mechanism needs to be improved. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method, apparatus, and device that can improve the detection efficiency of the Co-BF detection mechanism.

[0006] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided, applied to a first access point, the method comprising: sending a probe request frame; receiving a probe response frame sent by a second access point; sending a first frame to the second access point and an associated first site, the first frame being used to instruct the second access point and the first site to participate in channel probing, the first frame including a first field and / or a second field; wherein the first field is used to instruct the receiver whether to send an acknowledgment frame after receiving the first frame, the second field is used to instruct whether to send an acknowledgment frame after receiving the second frame, and the second frame is used to provide a training signal for channel state information (CSI) estimation.

[0007] In an exemplary embodiment, based on the first aspect, in its first implementation, if the first field indicates sending an acknowledgment frame, after sending the first frame to the second access point and the associated site, the method further includes: receiving the first acknowledgment frame sent by the second access point, the first acknowledgment frame being used to confirm successful reception of the first frame; in a joint probe sequence, synchronously sending the second frame to the first site with the second access point, and sending a third frame to the first site and the second access point; or, in a cross-basic service set (BSS) sequential probe sequence, receiving the second frame sent by the second access point, and sending a third frame to the first site and the second access point, wherein the third frame is a beamforming report polling trigger frame; if the first acknowledgment frame is not received, then no subsequent steps are performed.

[0008] In an exemplary embodiment, based on the first aspect or its first implementation, in its second implementation, if the second field indicates the sending of an acknowledgment frame, after sending the first frame to the second access point and the associated site, the method further includes: receiving a second acknowledgment frame sent by the first site, the second acknowledgment frame being used to confirm successful reception of the second frame; sending a third frame to the second access point and the first site in a cross-basic service set (BSS) sequential probe sequence and a joint probe sequence; and if the second acknowledgment frame is not received, then no subsequent process is performed.

[0009] In an exemplary embodiment, based on the first aspect and any one of its first and second implementations, in its third implementation, the first frame further includes: a third field, the third field being used to indicate a joint probe sequence or a sequential probe sequence.

[0010] In an exemplary embodiment, based on the first aspect and any one of its first to third implementations, in its fourth implementation, the first field and the third field are carried in the site information field of the first frame.

[0011] In an exemplary embodiment, based on the fourth implementation of the first aspect, in its fifth implementation, the second field is carried in the site information field of the first frame; or, the second field is carried in the user information field of the preamble of the second frame.

[0012] In an exemplary embodiment, based on the first aspect and any one of the first to fifth implementations, in its sixth implementation, the method further includes: receiving a fourth frame sent by the first station, the fourth frame being a CSI report frame used by the station to provide feedback on a CSI report; if no third confirmation frame is received from the second access point within a first preset time period after receiving the fourth frame, then sending the fourth frame to the second access point; wherein the third confirmation frame is a confirmation frame for obtaining a correct CSI report.

[0013] In an exemplary embodiment, based on the sixth implementation of the first aspect, in its seventh implementation, during the joint probe sequence process, the method further includes: if parsing the fourth frame does not yield a correct CSI report, and a third confirmation frame sent by the second access point is received, then a first request frame is sent to the second access point, the first request frame being used to obtain the fourth frame; and the fourth frame sent by the second access point is received.

[0014] In an exemplary embodiment, based on the seventh implementation of the first aspect, in its eighth implementation, the first request frame is an action frame, the first frame request includes a first element, the first element being used to request the sending of a fourth frame.

[0015] In an exemplary embodiment, based on the first aspect and any one of its first to fifth implementations, in its ninth implementation, if the second access point obtains the fourth frame through a listening method, the method further includes: receiving the fourth frame sent by the first station, the fourth frame being a CSI report frame used by the station to provide feedback on the CSI report; sending a third confirmation frame to the first station, the third confirmation frame being a confirmation frame for obtaining a correct CSI report; if no third confirmation frame is received from the second access point within a first preset time period after sending the third confirmation frame, then sending the fourth frame to the second access point; or, if the third confirmation frame is received from the second access point, then performing subsequent operations.

[0016] In an exemplary embodiment, based on the first aspect and any one of its first to fifth implementations, in its tenth implementation, the method further includes: receiving a fourth frame sent by the first station, the fourth frame being a CSI report frame used by the station to provide feedback on a CSI report; sending a third confirmation frame to the first station, the third confirmation frame being a confirmation frame for receiving a correct CSI report; sending the fourth frame to the second access point; if no third confirmation frame is received from the second access point within a first preset time period after sending the fourth frame, then sending the fourth frame to the second access point; or, if a third confirmation frame is received from the second access point, then performing subsequent operations.

[0017] In an exemplary embodiment, based on the first aspect and any one of its sixth to tenth implementations, the fourth frame includes a fourth field, which is used to indicate whether a third confirmation frame is sent after a correct CSI report is received; the third confirmation frame is a management frame.

[0018] Secondly, a communication method is provided, applied to a second access point, the method comprising: receiving a probe request frame sent by a first access point; sending a probe response frame to the first access point; receiving a first frame sent by the first access point, the first frame being used to instruct the second access point and a first site associated with the first access point to participate in channel probing, the first frame including a first field and / or a second field; wherein the first field is used to instruct the receiver whether to send an acknowledgment frame after receiving the first frame, the second field is used to instruct the receiver whether to send an acknowledgment frame after receiving the second frame, and the second frame is used to provide a training signal for channel state information (CSI) estimation.

[0019] In an exemplary embodiment, based on the second aspect, in its first implementation, if the first field indicates the sending of an acknowledgment frame, the method further includes: sending a first acknowledgment frame to the first access point after receiving the first frame; sending a second frame to the first site synchronously with the first access point during a joint probe sequence; or sending the second frame to both the first site and the first access point during a cross-basic service set (BSS) sequential probe sequence.

[0020] In an exemplary embodiment, based on the second aspect or its first implementation, in its second implementation, the first frame further includes: a third field, the third field being used to indicate a joint probe sequence or a sequential probe sequence.

[0021] In an exemplary embodiment, based on the second aspect and any one of its first to second implementations, in its third implementation, the first field and the third field are carried in the site information field of the first frame.

[0022] In an exemplary embodiment, based on the third implementation of the second aspect, in its fourth implementation, the second field is carried in the site information field of the first frame; or, the second field is carried in the user information field of the preamble of the second frame.

[0023] In an exemplary embodiment, based on the second aspect and any one of its first to fourth implementations, in its fifth implementation, the method further includes: receiving a third frame sent by the first access point, wherein the third frame is a beamforming report polling trigger frame; monitoring a fourth frame sent by the first station to the first access point, wherein the fourth frame is a CSI report frame used by the station to provide feedback on a CSI report; if the fourth frame is obtained through monitoring and a correct CSI report is obtained through parsing, sending a third confirmation frame to the first access point; or, if the fourth frame is not obtained through monitoring or a correct CSI report is not obtained through parsing the fourth frame, receiving a fourth frame sent by the first access point, and if a correct CSI report is obtained through parsing the fourth frame, sending a third confirmation frame to the first access point; wherein the third confirmation frame is a confirmation frame for obtaining a correct CSI report.

[0024] In an exemplary embodiment, based on the fifth implementation of the second aspect, in its sixth implementation, during the joint probe sequence process, when the fourth frame is obtained by listening and a correct CSI report is parsed, the method further includes: receiving a first request frame sent by the first access point, the first request frame being used to obtain the fourth frame; and sending the fourth frame to the first access point.

[0025] In an exemplary embodiment, based on the sixth implementation of the second aspect, in its seventh implementation, the first request frame is an action frame, the first frame request includes a first element, the first element being used to request the sending of a fourth frame.

[0026] In an exemplary embodiment, based on the second aspect and any one of its first to fourth implementations, in its eighth implementation, the method further includes: receiving a third frame sent by the first access point, wherein the third frame is a beamforming report polling trigger frame; listening to a fourth frame sent by the first station to the first access point, wherein the fourth frame is a CSI report frame used by the station to provide feedback on a CSI report; if a correct CSI report is obtained after parsing the listened fourth frame, sending a third confirmation frame to the first access point; or, if the fourth frame is not obtained through listening or a correct CSI report is not obtained after parsing the fourth frame, receiving a fourth frame sent by the first access point.

[0027] In an exemplary embodiment, based on the second aspect and any one of the first to fourth implementations, in its ninth implementation, the method further includes: receiving a third frame sent by the first access point, wherein the third frame is a beamforming report polling trigger frame; receiving a fourth frame sent by the first access point, wherein the fourth frame is a CSI report frame used by the site to provide feedback on the CSI report; and sending a third confirmation frame to the first access point, wherein the third confirmation frame is a confirmation frame for obtaining a correct CSI report.

[0028] In an exemplary embodiment, based on any one of the fifth to ninth implementations of the second aspect, in its tenth implementation, the fourth frame includes a fourth field, which is used to indicate whether a third confirmation frame is sent after a correct CSI report is received; the third confirmation frame is a management frame.

[0029] Thirdly, a communication method is provided, applied to a first site associated with a first access point, the method comprising: receiving a first frame sent by the first access point, the first frame being used to indicate that a second access point and the first site participate in channel sounding, the first frame including a first field and / or a second field; wherein, the first field is used to indicate whether the receiver sends an acknowledgment frame after receiving the first frame, the second field is used to indicate whether the receiver sends an acknowledgment frame after receiving a second frame, and the second frame is used to provide a training signal for channel state information (CSI) estimation.

[0030] In an exemplary embodiment, based on a third aspect, in its first implementation, if the second field indicates the sending of an acknowledgment frame, the method further includes: sending a second acknowledgment frame to the first access point, the second acknowledgment frame being used to confirm successful reception of the second frame; receiving a third frame sent by the first access point, the third frame being a beamforming report polling trigger frame; and sending a fourth frame to the first access point, the fourth frame being a CSI report frame used by the site to provide feedback on a CSI report.

[0031] In an exemplary embodiment, based on the third aspect or its first implementation, in its second implementation, the first frame further includes: a third field, the third field being used to indicate a joint probe sequence or a sequential probe sequence.

[0032] In an exemplary embodiment, based on the third aspect and any one of its first and second implementations, in its third implementation, the first field and the third field are carried in the site information field of the first frame.

[0033] In an exemplary embodiment, based on the third implementation of the third aspect, in its fourth implementation, the second field is carried in the site information field of the first frame; or, the second field is carried in the user information field of the preamble of the second frame.

[0034] In an exemplary embodiment, based on the third aspect and any one of its first and fourth implementations, in its fifth implementation, the method further includes: if a third confirmation frame is not received from the first access point within a first preset time period after the fourth frame is sent to the first access point, the fourth frame is retransmitted to the first access point; wherein the third confirmation frame is a confirmation frame for obtaining a correct CSI report.

[0035] In an exemplary embodiment, based on the fifth implementation of the third aspect, in its sixth implementation, the fourth frame includes a fourth field, which is used to indicate whether a third confirmation frame is sent after a correct CSI report is received; the third confirmation frame is a management frame.

[0036] Fourthly, a communication apparatus is provided, comprising: a transceiver module for transmitting a probe request frame; the transceiver module is further configured to receive a probe response frame transmitted by a second access point; a processing module for generating a first frame, the first frame being configured to instruct the second access point and the first site to participate in channel probing; the transceiver module is further configured to transmit the first frame to the second access point and the associated first site, the first frame including a first field and / or a second field; wherein the first field is configured to instruct the receiver whether to send an acknowledgment frame after receiving the first frame, the second field is configured to instruct whether to send an acknowledgment frame after receiving a second frame, and the second frame is configured to provide a training signal for channel state information (CSI) estimation.

[0037] Fifthly, a communication apparatus is provided, comprising: a transceiver module for receiving a probe request frame sent by a first access point; the transceiver module is further configured to send a probe response frame to the first access point; the transceiver module is further configured to receive a first frame sent by the first access point, the first frame being configured to instruct a second access point and a first site associated with the first access point to participate in channel probing; and a processing module for parsing the first frame, the first frame including a first field and / or a second field; wherein the first field is configured to instruct a receiver whether to send an acknowledgment frame after receiving the first frame, the second field is configured to instruct a receiver whether to send an acknowledgment frame after receiving a second frame, and the second frame is configured to provide a training signal for channel state information (CSI) estimation.

[0038] A sixth aspect provides a communication apparatus, comprising: a transceiver module for receiving a first frame sent by a first access point, the first frame being used to indicate that a second access point and the first site participate in channel detection; and a processing module for parsing the first frame, the first frame including a first field and / or a second field; wherein the first field is used to indicate whether the receiver sends an acknowledgment frame after receiving the first frame, the second field is used to indicate whether the receiver sends an acknowledgment frame after receiving a second frame, and the second frame is used to provide a training signal for channel state information (CSI) estimation.

[0039] In a seventh aspect, an access point device is provided, including a processor and a memory. The memory is used to store a computer program, and the processor is used to call and run the computer program stored in the memory to perform the methods of the first or second aspect and any implementation thereof described above.

[0040] Eighthly, a site device is provided, including a processor and a memory. The memory is used to store a computer program, and the processor is used to invoke and run the computer program stored in the memory to perform the methods of the third aspect or any implementation thereof described above.

[0041] A ninth aspect provides a chip for implementing the methods of any one of the first to second aspects or their respective implementations. Specifically, the chip includes a processor for calling and running a computer program from a memory, causing a device equipped with the chip to perform the methods of any one of the first to third aspects or their respective implementations.

[0042] In a tenth aspect, a readable storage medium is provided for storing a computer program that causes a computer to perform the methods of any one of the first to third aspects or any implementation thereof.

[0043] Eleventhly, a communication device is provided, comprising: a processor and a memory for storing a computer program, the processor for calling and running the computer program stored in the memory to perform the methods of any one of the first to third aspects or any implementation thereof.

[0044] In a twelfth aspect, a communication system is provided, including an access point device and a terminal device, wherein the access point device is configured to perform the methods of the first aspect or the second aspect or any implementation thereof described above, and the terminal device is configured to perform the methods of the third aspect or any implementation thereof described above.

[0045] In the technical solution provided in this application, the first AP sends a first frame to instruct the second AP and the first STA to participate in channel probing. The first frame includes a first field and / or a second field. The first field indicates whether to send an acknowledgment frame after receiving the first frame, and the second field indicates whether to send an acknowledgment frame after receiving a second frame (such as an NDP frame) that provides training signals for Channel State Information (CSI) estimation. Thus, the first AP can clearly determine whether the second AP and the first STA have successfully received the relevant probing signaling (such as the first and second frames), and can promptly decide whether to continue probing, effectively improving probing efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0046] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0047] Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of a communication system applicable to embodiments of this application is shown.

[0048] Figure 2 The signaling flow diagram for the EHT non-TB Sounding sequence is shown.

[0049] Figure 3 The signaling flow diagram for the EHT TB Sounding sequence is shown.

[0050] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a cooperative beamforming scenario is shown.

[0051] Figure 5A and Figure 5B A schematic diagram of the signaling interaction process for the UHR Co-BF sequential probe sequence is shown.

[0052] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the signaling interaction process of the UHR Co-BF joint detection sequence is shown.

[0053] Figure 7A This diagram illustrates the signaling interaction process for a Responding AP to obtain CSIReport frames via Overhearing during cross-BSS detection.

[0054] Figure 7B This diagram illustrates the signaling interaction process for a Responding AP to obtain CSIReport frames via Over the air during cross-BSS detection.

[0055] Figure 8 This diagram illustrates how interfering APs can interfere with frame transmission between APs performing Co-BF in a solution provided for related technologies.

[0056] Figure 9 One of the information interaction diagrams of a communication method applicable to embodiments of this application is shown.

[0057] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of a frame structure for a first frame applicable to an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0058] Figure 11 A schematic diagram illustrating the information interaction of a Co-BF joint detection sequence applicable to embodiments of this application is shown.

[0059] Figure 12 A schematic diagram illustrating the information interaction of a Co-BF cross-BSS sequential probe sequence applicable to embodiments of this application is shown.

[0060] Figure 13 A schematic diagram illustrating the information interaction of a Co-BF cross-BSS sequential probe sequence applicable to embodiments of this application is shown.

[0061] Figure 14 A schematic diagram of a preamble structure for a second frame applicable to an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0062] Figure 15 A schematic diagram illustrating the information interaction of a Co-BF cross-BSS sequential probe sequence applicable to embodiments of this application is shown.

[0063] Figure 16 A schematic diagram illustrating the information interaction of a Co-BF detection sequence applicable to embodiments of this application is shown.

[0064] Figure 17 A schematic diagram of the signaling interaction of a Co-BF detection sequence applicable to embodiments of this application is shown.

[0065] Figure 18 A schematic diagram of the signaling interaction of a Co-BF detection sequence applicable to embodiments of this application is shown.

[0066] Figure 19 A schematic diagram of the signaling interaction of a Co-BF detection sequence applicable to embodiments of this application is shown.

[0067] Figure 20 A schematic diagram of a frame structure for a fourth frame applicable to an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0068] Figure 21 A schematic diagram of the frame structure of a third confirmation frame applicable to an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0069] Figure 22 A schematic diagram of the frame structure of a first request frame applicable to an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0070] Figure 23 A schematic diagram illustrating the information interaction of a Co-BF detection sequence applicable to embodiments of this application is shown.

[0071] Figure 24 A schematic diagram of the signaling interaction of a Co-BF detection sequence applicable to embodiments of this application is shown.

[0072] Figure 25 A schematic diagram of the signaling interaction of a Co-BF detection sequence applicable to embodiments of this application is shown.

[0073] Figure 26 A schematic diagram of the signaling interaction of a Co-BF detection sequence applicable to embodiments of this application is shown.

[0074] Figure 27 A schematic diagram illustrating the information interaction of a Co-BF detection sequence applicable to embodiments of this application is shown.

[0075] Figure 28 A schematic diagram of the signaling interaction of a Co-BF detection sequence applicable to embodiments of this application is shown.

[0076] Figure 29 A schematic diagram of the signaling interaction of a Co-BF detection sequence applicable to embodiments of this application is shown.

[0077] Figure 30 A schematic diagram of the signaling interaction of a Co-BF detection sequence applicable to embodiments of this application is shown.

[0078] Figure 31 This is one of the schematic block diagrams of a communication device provided according to an embodiment of this application.

[0079] Figure 32 This is a second schematic block diagram of a communication device provided according to an embodiment of this application.

[0080] Figure 33 This is a third schematic block diagram of a communication device provided according to an embodiment of this application.

[0081] Figure 34 This is a schematic block diagram of a communication device provided according to an embodiment of this application.

[0082] Figure 35 This is a schematic block diagram of a chip provided according to an embodiment of this application.

[0083] Figure 36 This is a schematic block diagram of a communication system provided according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0084] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort regarding the embodiments of this application are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0085] It should be noted that, in this document, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second," etc., used herein are used only to distinguish different objects and not to describe a particular order.

[0086] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of this application, "at least one item" refers to one item or more items, "more items" refers to two items or more, and "at least two items" refers to two items or more. "At least one of the following items" or similar expressions can refer to any combination of these items. For example, at least one item of a, b, or c can mean: a, b, c, "a and b", "a and c", "b and c", or "a and b and c".

[0087] It should be noted that in the embodiments of this application, "and / or" indicates that the connected objects can have three relationships. For example, "A and / or B" can represent three scenarios: only A exists, only B exists, and both A and B exist simultaneously. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following objects have an "or" relationship.

[0088] It should be understood that the "instruction" mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be a direct instruction or an indirect instruction. For example, A instructing B can mean that A directly instructs B, such as B being obtainable through A; or it can mean that A indirectly instructs B, such as A instructing C, where B is obtainable through C, for example, B and C are related.

[0089] The technical solutions provided in this application can be applied to wireless local area network (WLAN) systems, such as the Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) protocol. This WiFi protocol may include, but is not limited to, the 802.11 series protocols, such as 802.11a, 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11b, 802.11be, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11bn, or next-generation protocols.

[0090] Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of a communication system 100 applicable to embodiments of this application is shown. The communication system 100 may include an access point device 110 and a site device 120. The site device 120 can access the network through the access point device 110.

[0091] Access points can support communication or sensing based on WiFi protocols, such as 802.11a, 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11b, 802.11be, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11bn, or next-generation protocols.

[0092] The site can support communication or sensing based on WiFi protocols, such as 802.11a, 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11b, 802.11be, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11bn, or next-generation protocols.

[0093] The communication in the communication system 100 can be communication between access points and stations, or communication between stations, or communication between access points.

[0094] An access point acts as a bridge connecting wired and wireless networks. Its main function is to connect various wireless network clients together and then connect the wireless network to the Ethernet.

[0095] A station (STA) includes access point stations (AP STA) and non-access point stations (non-AP STA). For simplicity, access point stations are usually referred to as access points (AP), and non-access point stations as stations (STA). Station equipment is also called a station, a non-access point station (Non-AP STA), or a non-access point node.

[0096] In some scenarios, access points and sites can be devices used in vehicle networking, IoT nodes and sensors in the Internet of Things (IoT), smart cameras, smart remote controls, smart water and electricity meters in smart homes, and sensors in smart cities.

[0097] In some scenarios, the access point can be a terminal device (such as a mobile phone) with a WiFi chip or a network device (such as a router).

[0098] In this application embodiment, the site can be a mobile phone, tablet computer, computer, virtual reality (VR) device, augmented reality (AR) device, wireless device in industrial control, set-top box, wireless device in self-driving, vehicle communication device, wireless device in remote medical care, wireless device in smart grid, wireless device in transportation safety, wireless device in smart city or smart home, wireless device, wireless communication chip, etc. that support WLAN or WiFi technology.

[0099] It should be understood that Figure 1 Only one access point and two sites are shown in the example. Optionally, the communication system 100 may include multiple access points or other numbers of sites. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0100] Optionally, the communication system 100 may also include other devices, such as network controllers, gateways, and other network entities, which are not limited in this application.

[0101] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, the related technologies are described.

[0102] I. The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 2 and Figure 3 This paper introduces the beamforming technology and its channel detection mechanism related to this application.

[0103] Beamforming (BF) is an intelligent signal processing technique that uses an antenna array to control the propagation direction of electromagnetic waves. Its core idea is to adjust the signal transmission phase and amplitude of each antenna element in the array to create constructive interference (enhancing the signal in the target direction) and destructive interference (suppressing interference from other directions) in space, forming a directional "beam." Beamforming transmission requires Channel Status Information (CSI) to calculate the steering matrix applied to the transmitted signal, optimizing reception at one or more receivers. Channel Sounding (CSD) is a core technology in the 802.11 standard for achieving efficient beamforming and multi-user scheduling. It transmits NDP frames as reference signals for the receiver to estimate the CSI.

[0104] The IEEE 802.11be standard defines the Extremely High Throughput (EHT) Sounding explicit feedback mechanism, which includes EHT non-trigger based (non-TB) Sounding sequences and EHT trigger based (TB) Sounding sequences.

[0105] in, Figure 2 The signaling flow diagram for the EHT non-TB Sounding sequence is shown.

[0106] refer to Figure 2The EHT non-TB Sounding sequence is initiated by the EHT AP and primarily targets a single EHT STA. The EHT AP first sends an EHT Null Data PPDU Announcement (NDPA) frame, which includes a STA information field. Following the Short Interframe Space (SIFS), it sends an EHT Sounding Null Data PPDU (NDP) frame. The EHT STA responds after SIFS with an EHT Compressed Beamforming / CQI (Channel Quality Indicator) frame, which includes a CSI report.

[0107] Understandably, for ease of expression, the EHT Compressed Beamforming / CQI frame fed back by the EHT STA can be referred to as the "CSI Report frame" or "CSI report frame" in this article. That is to say, the "CSI Report frame" or "CSI report frame" has the same function and carries the same information as the "EHT Compressed Beamforming / CQI frame".

[0108] Figure 3 The signaling flow diagram for the EHT TB Sounding sequence is shown.

[0109] refer to Figure 3 The EHT AP initiating the EHT TB Sounding sequence first sends an EHT NDPA frame containing two or more STA information fields, with the RA field set to the broadcast address. After the SIFS (Sequence of Interruptions) following the end of the EHT NDPA frame transmission, the EHT AP sends EHT Sounding NDP (Number of Nodes) frames (hereinafter referred to as NDP frames) to the STAs whose STA information fields were included in the EHT NDPA frame, and then sends a Beamforming Report Poll (BFRP) trigger frame to these STAs after an interval of SIFS. Each EHT STA addressed by the BFRP trigger frame should respond with a CSI Report frame after receiving the SIFS of the BFRP trigger frame.

[0110] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, the related technologies are described.

[0111] II. The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 4 This paper introduces the Co-BF and its channel detection mechanism in this application.

[0112] Co-BF is a multi-AP collaborative interference management technology. Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a cooperative beamforming scenario is shown.

[0113] refer to Figure 4 By coordinating the transmit beam patterns of each AP through signaling interaction between two access points (APs), the main lobe of the beam is aligned with the serving user, while the null is aligned with the neighboring user, thereby suppressing inter-cell interference and improving the signal-to-noise ratio of edge users and system capacity. For example, if there are two coordinating APs, each with one STA, then the two APs can simultaneously send data to their respective associated STAs.

[0114] Co-BF, as one of the key technologies of multi-AP collaboration technology, includes the MAPC discovery phase and the MAPC protocol negotiation phase, the Ultra High Reliability (UHR) Co-BF Sounding process, and the data transmission process.

[0115] In the UHR Co-BF Sounding process, the AP responsible for participating in Co-BF obtains the CSI from the STA, and the CSI obtained determines the accuracy of antenna array control in Co-BF.

[0116] In IEEE 802.11bn Draft0.3, the UHR Co-BF Sounding procedure is a trigger-based detection procedure. The NDP frame, BFRP trigger frame, and CSI Report frame are reused from the EHT Sounding sequence, namely the EHT Sounding NDP frame, BFRP trigger frame, and EHT Compressed Beamforming / CQI frame.

[0117] The UHR Co-BF Sounding process requires two APs (AP1 and AP2 in this paper) to initiate the Co-BF process. The AP initiating the probe needs to send a Co-BF probe request frame (e.g., Sounding Invite) to the other AP, and the other AP needs to reply with a Co-BF probe response frame (e.g., Sounding Response). The AP sending the Co-BF Sounding Invite frame is the Initiating AP, and the AP sending the Co-BF Sounding Response frame is the Responding AP.

[0118] In this document, the initiating AP is referred to as: the first access point, the first AP, or AP1; and the responding AP is referred to as: the second access point, the second AP, or AP2.

[0119] The UHR Co-BF Sounding sequence includes two types of detection sequences: sequential detection and joint detection.

[0120] III. The following combinations, such as 5 and Figure 6 This section introduces sequential detection sequences and joint detection sequences.

[0121] Figure 5A and Figure 5B A schematic diagram of the signaling interaction process for the UHR Co-BF sequential probe sequence is shown.

[0122] Figure 5A and Figure 5B In the diagram, STA1 is associated with AP1, and STA2 is associated with AP2.

[0123] refer to Figure 5A In the UHR Co-BF sequential probe sequence initiated by AP1, the Co-BF Sounding Invite and Co-BF Sounding Response frames are first exchanged between AP1 and AP2. The Co-BF Sounding Invite frame contains information about the upcoming sequential probes. After the Co-BF Sounding Invite and Co-BF Sounding Response frame exchange is complete, a cross-basic service set (BSS) sequential probe sequence is performed, which is for probes between AP2 and STA1. The characteristics of the cross-BSS sequential probe sequence are: AP1 first sends a UHR NDPA frame to AP2 and STA1; after SIFS, AP2 sends an EHT Sounding NDP frame to AP1 and STA1; the subsequent BFRP trigger frame and CSI Report frame process is the same as the EHT probe sequence. The difference from the EHT probe sequence is that it is necessary to ensure that the Responding AP (AP2) obtains the correct CSI report after parsing the CSI report frame.

[0124] refer to Figure 5B After the cross-BSS sequential detection sequence is completed, the detection between AP1 and STA1 will be performed. The detection process is exactly the same as the EHT TB detection sequence, and it is called the EHT detection sequence.

[0125] Figure 6A schematic diagram of the signaling interaction process of the UHR Co-BF joint detection sequence is shown.

[0126] refer to Figure 6 In the UHR Co-BF joint detection sequence initiated by AP1, frame exchange between AP1 and AP2 for Co-BF Sounding Invite and Co-BF Sounding Response is first performed. Then, AP1 sends UHR NDPA frames to AP2 and STA1. After a SIFS interval, AP1 and AP2 simultaneously send EHT Sounding NDP frames to STA1. Finally, AP1 sends a BFRP trigger frame to trigger the CSI report frame fed back by the STA. Unlike the UHR Co-BF sequential detection sequence, the UHR Co-BF joint detection sequence requires ensuring that both the initiating AP (AP1) and the responding AP (AP2) obtain correct CSI reports after parsing the CSI report frames.

[0127] In both the cross-BSS sequential probe sequence and the joint probe sequence in Co-BF, the process of the responding AP obtaining CSI report frames from non-associated STAs is involved. For example, there are two optional methods for the responding AP to obtain CSI report frames from non-associated STAs.

[0128] (1) The Responding AP obtains CSI Report frames through overhearing;

[0129] Figure 7A This diagram illustrates the signaling interaction process of a Responding AP obtaining CSI Report frames via Overhearing during cross-BSS probing. In Overhearing, the Responding AP directly listens to CSI Report frames sent from unrelated STAs to the Initiating AP. The advantage of this method is that the Responding AP does not require additional signaling overhead, and the process is simple; the disadvantage is that the reliability and security from unrelated STAs are relatively poor.

[0130] (2) The responding AP obtains CSIReport frames by forwarding them from another AP over the air;

[0131] Figure 7BThis diagram illustrates the signaling interaction process of a Responding AP obtaining a CSI Report frame via the Over-the-air method during cross-BSS detection. The Over-the-air forwarding method requires the Initiating AP to forward the CSI Report to the Responding AP after obtaining it. Its advantages are higher reliability and security; its disadvantage is the additional signaling overhead.

[0132] Currently, 802.11bn draft 0.3 does not specify which method the Responding AP should use to obtain the CSI Report in joint detection.

[0133] Since UHR Co-BF is typically used in dense AP deployment scenarios, its detection process is prone to errors or inaccurate CSI results due to interference from hidden nodes, thus preventing Co-BF from functioning correctly. Therefore, ensuring the reliability of the Co-BF sounding process is a core issue.

[0134] In related technologies, a Network Allocation Vector (NAV) field is set in the Co-BF sounding invite and Co-BF sounding response frames. This method can protect the Co-BF detection process from interference by hidden nodes to some extent. However, in dense AP scenarios, there is still a possibility that interfering APs may interfere with frame transmission between APs performing Co-BF. (Reference) Figure 8 The interfering AP is a hidden node relative to both the initiating and responding APs, meaning it cannot hear the NAV (Network Availability) of the exchange frames between the initiating and responding APs. If the interfering AP has a higher transmission power, its data transmission may affect the reception of both the initiating and responding APs. Therefore, as... Figure 8 In the case shown, the NAV domain described above cannot protect against interfering APs.

[0135] As can be seen, in related technologies, Co-BF sequential and joint detection sequences suffer from problems such as detection result failure, low detection efficiency, and high detection overhead due to poor channel conditions, hidden node interference, and transmission failure of UHR NDPA and NDP frames. To address these issues, the solution provided in this application improves existing Co-BF sequential and joint detection sequences. Specifically, by implementing an acknowledgment mechanism for UHR NDPA and NDP frames, the reliability and efficiency of the Co-BF detection sequence can be improved, reducing air interface resource waste and detection overhead.

[0136] This application provides a communication method, apparatus, and device that improve upon existing Co-BF sequential and joint detection sequences. Specifically, by employing an acknowledgment mechanism for UHR NDPA and NDP frames, the reliability and efficiency of the Co-BF detection sequence can be enhanced. The technical solutions of this application are detailed below through specific embodiments. The above-mentioned related technologies are optional solutions and can be arbitrarily combined with the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, all of which fall within the protection scope of the embodiments of this application.

[0137] Figure 9 This illustration shows one of the information interaction diagrams of a communication method applicable to embodiments of this application. (Reference) Figure 9 The embodiment described in the figure includes at least the following:

[0138] In S110, the first access point sends a probe request frame.

[0139] In S120, the first access point receives the probe response frame sent by the second access point.

[0140] The aforementioned probe request frame is used to initiate the Co-BF sounding capability negotiation process, requesting the receiver to participate in the subsequent channel sounding process. In an exemplary embodiment, the probe request frame is a Co-BF Sounding Invite frame.

[0141] The aforementioned probe response frame is a response frame from an access point (such as AP2) to the aforementioned probe request frame, used to confirm its willingness to participate in Co-BF probe. For example, the aforementioned probe response frame may contain locally supported probe parameters. In an exemplary embodiment, the aforementioned probe response frame is a Co-BF Sounding Response frame.

[0142] It should be noted that the names of the frames mentioned in this application are merely examples and are not intended to be limiting.

[0143] As mentioned earlier, the access point that sends the Co-BF Sounding Invite frame is the initiating access point (Initiating AP) for Co-BF detection, and the access point that sends the Co-BF Sounding Response frame is the responding access point (Responding AP) for Co-BF detection. Therefore, the first access point and the second access point mentioned above can be the initiating access point and the responding access point of the Co-BF detection process, respectively.

[0144] The successful exchange of Co-BF Sounding Invite and Co-BF Sounding Response frames between the first and second access points indicates that both APs have completed capability negotiation and confirmation of intent for Co-BF detection, thus possessing the technical prerequisites for performing Co-BF channel detection. (See reference...) Figure 5A AP1 (the first access point) initiates a UHR Co-BF sequential probe sequence. Co-BF Sounding Invite and Co-BF Sounding Response frames are exchanged between AP1 and AP2. Then, the following can be executed: Figure 5A and Figure 5B The subsequent UHR Co-BF sequential detection process is shown. For example, see reference... Figure 6 AP1 (the first access point) initiates a UHR Co-BF joint probe sequence. Co-BF Sounding Invite and Co-BF Sounding Response frames are exchanged between AP1 and AP2. Then, the following can be executed: Figure 6 The subsequent UHR Co-BF joint detection process is shown.

[0145] Continue to refer to Figure 9 In S130, the first access point generates a first frame, which is used to instruct the second access point and the first site to participate in channel sounding. The first frame includes a first field and / or a second field. And in S140, the first access point sends the first frame to the second access point and the associated first site.

[0146] The first frame is used to schedule subsequent channel sounding processes and allocate resources to one or more first sites for CSI estimation and feedback. In an exemplary embodiment, the first frame can be obtained by adding relevant fields to a UHR NDPA frame.

[0147] The first field indicates whether the receiver sends an acknowledgment frame after receiving the first frame. For example, the first field indicates whether the receiver (such as the second access point or the first site) sends an acknowledgment frame after receiving the UHR NDPA frame, where the acknowledgment frame can be represented as an NDPA-ACK indicator identifier.

[0148] In the Co-BF cross-BSS sequential probe sequence and joint probe sequence, the NDP frame is used to provide training signals (such as known pilot sequences), so that the receiver (such as the first site) can use these known training signals to measure CSI. In the embodiments of this application, the second frame can be represented as the above-mentioned NDP frame, or obtained by adding relevant fields to the NDP frame.

[0149] The second field is used to indicate whether the receiver sends an acknowledgment frame after receiving the second frame. In some embodiments, the second frame is represented as an NDP frame, and the second field is used to indicate whether the receiver (such as a second access point or a first site) sends an acknowledgment frame after receiving the NDP frame, wherein the acknowledgment frame may be represented as an NDP-ACK indicator identifier.

[0150] In an exemplary embodiment, the first field and / or the second field mentioned above are added to the UHR NDPA frame provided by the related technology to obtain an improved UHR NDPA frame (i.e., the first frame).

[0151] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the frame structure of a first frame applicable to an embodiment of this application is shown. The gray-shaded field is a field added to the UHR NDPA frame in related technologies.

[0152] refer to Figure 10 In existing UHR NDPA frames, the AID11 subfield of the Second STA Info Field contains the identifier of the Responding AP that is expected to send an EHT Sounding NDP frame after the UHR NDPA frame. For example, this application adds the first field (NDPA-ACK indicator identifier) ​​to the Second STA Info Field.

[0153] In the UHR NDPA frame, the STA Info Field, in addition to the First STA Info Field and the Second STA Info Field, contains the identifier of the STA expected to receive the Sounding NDP. For example, this application adds the aforementioned second field (NDP-ACK indicator) to at least one field in the Third STA Info and subsequent STA Info Fields.

[0154] For example, the first field (NDPA-ACK indicator): a value of 0 indicates that no acknowledgment frame is requested from the receiver for the UHR NDPA frame, denoted as the first acknowledgment frame or NDPA-ACK frame; a value of 1 indicates that the receiver is requested to send an acknowledgment frame for the UHR NDPA frame.

[0155] The second field (NDP-ACK indicator): A value of 0 indicates that no acknowledgment frame is requested from the sender for the NDP frame, and the second acknowledgment frame or NDP-ACK frame is remembered; otherwise, a value of 1 indicates that an acknowledgment frame is requested from the sender for the NDP frame.

[0156] refer to Figure 10 Optionally, a third field (Sounding type field) can be added to the existing UHR NDPA frame. This third field indicates whether the probe sequence is joint or sequential. For example, a value of 0 in the third field (Sounding type field) indicates a sequential probe sequence, and a value of 1 indicates a joint probe sequence.

[0157] In the Co-BF joint detection sequence provided by relevant technologies, reference Figure 6 In a dense AP scenario, AP1 (Initiating AP) sends a UHR NDPA frame to AP2 (Responding AP) and its associated STA1. Upon receiving the UHR NDPA frame, AP2, in sync with AP1, sends an NDP frame to STA1. Upon receiving the NDP frame, STA1 begins probing CSI reports between AP1 and AP2. However, in dense AP scenarios, AP2 may fail to receive the UHR NDPA frame from AP1 correctly due to interference from hidden nodes, thus preventing it from sending an NDP frame. This could result in situations where AP1 sends an NDP frame to STA1 alone, leading to inaccurate CSI information.

[0158] Figure 11 A schematic diagram illustrating information interaction of a Co-BF joint detection sequence applicable to embodiments of this application is shown. Wherein, Figure 11 The scheme shown is Figure 9 It was implemented based on the scheme shown. Figure 9 The specific implementation of the included features is applicable to Figure 11 The proposed solution is shown below. (For reference only.) Figure 11 The embodiment described in the figure includes at least the following:

[0159] refer to Figure 11In the Co-BF joint detection sequence provided in this application, in the UHR Co-BF joint detection sequence initiated by AP1, S210 and S220 are executed first, where frame exchange between AP1 and AP2 occurs for Co-BF Sounding Invite and Co-BF Sounding Response. In S230, AP1 (Initiating AP) generates a UHRNDPA frame (i.e., the first frame) carrying a first field. In S240, AP1 sends the first frame to AP2 (Responding AP) and the associated STA1. In S250, after receiving the first frame, AP2, based on the indication of the first field, sends a first acknowledgment frame (such as an NDPA-ACK frame) back to AP1 to confirm that it has correctly received the first frame. In S260, AP1 and AP2 synchronously send a second frame (such as an NDP frame) to STA1, thereby ensuring that STA1 correctly detects the CSI information. (Reference) Figure 11 If AP2 fails to receive the first frame correctly due to interference from hidden nodes, it will not execute S250 to send an NDPA-ACK frame. Therefore, AP1 can promptly determine that AP2 has not received the first frame correctly and will not execute subsequent probe sequences, instead choosing to wait for the next probe operation. It is evident that the feedback mechanism for UHR NDPA frames provided in this embodiment can improve the accuracy of joint probe synchronization and reduce resource waste caused by invalid probes.

[0160] For example, the first acknowledgment frame (such as an NDPA-ACK frame) can be a control frame ACK frame defined in the existing 802.11 table, serving to acknowledge that AP2 has received the UHR NDPA frame. It is understood that the first acknowledgment frame (such as an NDPA-ACK frame) can also be other types of frames, and this application does not limit this.

[0161] In the Co-BF cross-BSS sequential detection sequence provided by related technologies, reference Figure 5A AP1 can only send a BFRP trigger frame if it correctly receives the NDP frame sent by AP2. If STA1 correctly receives the NDP frame and obtains a CSI report, but AP1 fails to receive the NDP frame correctly due to hidden node interference, AP1 will not send a BFRP trigger frame, thus missing the opportunity to continue the subsequent probing process and having to wait to restart the probing process, reducing probing efficiency.

[0162] Figure 12 A schematic diagram illustrating information interaction of a Co-BF cross-BSS sequential detection sequence applicable to embodiments of this application is shown. Wherein, Figure 12 The scheme shown is Figure 9 It was implemented based on the scheme shown. Figure 9The specific implementation of the included features is applicable to Figure 12 The proposed solution is shown below. (For reference only.) Figure 12 The embodiment described in the figure includes at least the following:

[0163] refer to Figure 12 In the Co-BF cross-BSS sequential probe sequence provided in this application, steps S310 and S320 are executed first, exchanging Co-BF Sounding Invite and Co-BF Sounding Response frames between AP1 and AP2. In step S330, AP1 (Initiating AP) generates a UHR NDPA frame (i.e., the first frame) carrying a second field. In step S340, AP1 sends the first frame to AP2 (Responding AP) and the associated STA1. In step S350, AP2 parses the first frame, thus confirming that it has received it. Further, AP2 executes step S360: sending a second frame (such as an NDP frame) to AP1 and STA1. It should be noted that AP1 may fail to receive the second frame sent by AP2 due to interference from hidden nodes.

[0164] In S350', STA1 parses the first frame to obtain the value of the second field. The execution order of S350' and S350 is not limited. If the value of the second field is an acknowledgment frame requiring the transmission of a second frame, then after receiving the second frame (e.g., an NDP frame) sent by AP2 and parsing it to confirm receipt, STA1 executes S380: based on the indication of the second field value, it sends a second acknowledgment frame (e.g., an NDP-ACK frame) back to AP1 to confirm that it has correctly received the second frame (e.g., the NDP frame). Therefore, even if AP1 fails to correctly receive the NDP frame in step S360 due to hidden node interference, the triggering of the second acknowledgment frame (e.g., the NDP-ACK frame) sent by STA1 will cause a third frame to be sent to both STA1 and AP2 (e.g., in S390). It is evident that the second field can prevent the subsequent probing process from failing because the NDP frame is correctly received by the STA but not by the initiating AP, thus improving overall probing efficiency.

[0165] The third frame mentioned above is used to trigger the first site to report CSI. In an exemplary embodiment, the third frame can be a BFRP trigger frame. For example, in... Figure 12 In the Co-BF cross-BSS sequential probe sequence shown, STA1 determines when and in what format to send a CSI report based on the received third frame (such as a BFRP trigger frame). Additionally, the response access point (AP2) can synchronize and adjust its receive window based on the transmission event of the third frame, thereby preparing to receive CSI reports from the first site.

[0166] It is understandable that, such as Figure 12 In the illustrated embodiment, if STA1 fails to receive the NDP frame correctly or AP2 fails to send the NDP frame due to a failure to receive the UHRNDPA frame, then STA1 cannot receive the NDP frame correctly and therefore will not send the aforementioned second acknowledgment frame (such as the NDP-ACK frame).

[0167] For example, the second acknowledgment frame (such as an NDP-ACK frame) can be a control frame ACK frame as defined in the existing 802.11 table, and is used to confirm whether an NDP frame has been received. It is understood that the second acknowledgment frame (such as an NDP-ACK frame) can also be other types of frames, and this application does not limit this.

[0168] Figure 13 A schematic diagram illustrating information interaction of a Co-BF cross-BSS sequential detection sequence applicable to embodiments of this application is shown. Wherein, Figure 13 The scheme shown is Figure 9 It was implemented based on the scheme shown. Figure 9 The specific implementation of the included features is applicable to Figure 13 The proposed solution is shown below. (For reference only.) Figure 13 The embodiment described in the figure includes at least the following:

[0169] refer to Figure 13 In the Co-BF cross-BSS sequential probe sequence provided in this application, S410 and S420 are executed first, exchanging Co-BF Sounding Invite and Co-BF Sounding Response frames between AP1 and AP2. In S430, AP1 (Initiating AP) generates a UHR NDPA frame (i.e., the first frame) carrying a first field and a second field. In S440, AP1 sends the first frame to AP2 (Responding AP) and the associated STA1. In S450, AP2 receives and parses the first frame. If it determines that the first field value is an acknowledgment frame that needs to be sent, then S460 is executed: based on the indication of the first field value, a first acknowledgment frame (such as an NDPA-ACK frame) is sent back to AP1 to confirm that it has correctly received the first frame.

[0170] If AP2 fails to receive the first frame correctly due to interference from hidden nodes, it will not execute S460 to send an NDPA-ACK frame. Therefore, AP1 can promptly determine that AP2 has not received the first frame correctly and will not execute subsequent probe sequences, instead choosing to wait for the next probe operation. It is evident that the feedback mechanism for UHR NDPA frames provided in this embodiment can improve the accuracy of cross-BSS probe synchronization and reduce resource waste caused by invalid probes.

[0171] refer to Figure 13 In S450', STA1 receives and parses the first frame. If it determines that the value of the first field is an acknowledgment frame that needs to be sent, STA1 can send back a first acknowledgment frame (such as an NDPA-ACK frame) to AP1 based on the indication of the first field value to confirm that it has correctly received the first frame. In this embodiment, the execution order of S450' and S450 is not limited.

[0172] Continue to refer to Figure 13 In S470, after AP2 confirms that it has received the first frame, it also sends a second frame (such as an NDP frame) to AP1 and STA1. It should be noted that AP1 may be unable to receive the second frame sent by AP2 due to interference from hidden nodes.

[0173] In S480, SSTA1 receives and parses the second frame. After STA1 confirms that it has received the second frame (e.g., an NDP frame), based on the indication of the second field value obtained from parsing the first frame, it executes S490: sending a second acknowledgment frame (e.g., an NDP-ACK frame) to AP1, so that AP1 confirms that STA1 has correctly received the second frame (e.g., the NDP frame). Therefore, even if AP1 does not correctly receive the second frame (e.g., the NDP frame) based on S470 due to hidden node interference, the triggering of the second acknowledgment frame (e.g., an NDP-ACK frame) from STA1 will cause it to send a third frame (e.g., a BFRP trigger frame) to both STA1 and AP1 (as in S4100). It is evident that the aforementioned second field avoids the problem of subsequent probing processes failing because the NDP frame is correctly received by the STA but not by the initiating AP, thus improving overall probing efficiency.

[0174] In such Figure 13 In the illustrated embodiment, AP1 can determine AP2's response to the first frame (e.g., by feeding back a first acknowledgment frame and a second acknowledgment frame respectively) by respectively. Figure 10 The illustration shows the confirmation of the received UHR NDPA frame and the confirmation of the second frame (such as an NDP frame) sent by AP2. In other embodiments, optionally, the first and second confirmation frames can be combined into a single confirmation frame (such as denoted as the third confirmation frame), and the confirmation of the above two aspects can be achieved through the third confirmation frame. This embodiment still uses... Figure 13The following example illustrates this. If the first frame sent in S430 only contains the second field, AP2 does not execute S440, and STA1, after receiving the NDP frame, returns an acknowledgment frame (such as a third acknowledgment frame) in S460. Upon receiving the third acknowledgment frame, AP1 can determine that AP2 successfully received the UHR NDPA frame and successfully sent the NDP frame, therefore continuing to execute S470 to send the third frame (such as a BFRP trigger frame). In this embodiment, while fulfilling the aforementioned acknowledgment function for the UHR NDPA and NDP frames, signaling overhead can be further reduced.

[0175] In an exemplary embodiment, the aforementioned second field can be carried in the first frame (e.g., ...). Figure 10 , Figure 12 The site information field in the illustrated embodiment may, optionally, also be carried in the user information field of the preamble of the NDP frame. Figure 14 A schematic diagram of a preamble structure for a second frame applicable to an embodiment of this application is shown. The gray-shaded field is a field added to the NDP frame in related technologies.

[0176] refer to Figure 14 A second field (Need NDP ACK) can be added to the User Information field (U-SIG field) of the existing NDP frame preamble to indicate whether the receiver needs to send a second acknowledgment frame (such as NDP-ACK). For example, a value of 0 indicates that the receiver is not requested to send an NDP-ACK frame after receiving the NDP frame; a value of 1 indicates that the receiver is requested to send an NDP-ACK frame after receiving the NDP frame.

[0177] For example, Figure 15 A schematic diagram illustrating information interaction of a Co-BF cross-BSS sequential detection sequence applicable to embodiments of this application is shown. Wherein, Figure 15 The scheme shown is Figure 9 It was implemented based on the scheme shown. Figure 9 The specific implementation of the included features is applicable to Figure 15 The proposed solution is shown below. (For reference only.) Figure 15 The embodiment described in the figure includes at least the following:

[0178] refer to Figure 15In the Co-BF cross-BSS sequential probe sequence provided in this application, S510 and S520 are executed first, exchanging Co-BF Sounding Invite and Co-BF Sounding Response frames between AP1 and AP2. In S530, AP1 (Initiating AP) generates a UHR NDPA frame. It is understood that in this embodiment, the UHR NDPA generated by AP1 does not contain the aforementioned first field and second field. In S540, AP1 sends the generated UHR NDPA frame to AP2 (Responding AP) and the associated STA1. In S550, AP2 parses the received UHR NDPA frame, and upon confirming that a UHR NDPA frame has been received, executes S560: generating a second frame carrying the aforementioned second field, and in S570, sending the second frame carrying the second field to AP1 and STA1.

[0179] The frame structure of the second frame is as follows: Figure 14 As shown. It should be noted that AP1 may be unable to receive the second frame sent by AP2 due to interference from hidden nodes.

[0180] In S580, after receiving the second frame, STA1 parses the frame to obtain the value of the second field carried within it. If, based on the indication of the second field value, a second acknowledgment frame (such as an NDP-ACK frame) is required, then S590 is executed: a second acknowledgment frame (such as an NDP-ACK frame) is sent to AP1 to confirm that it has correctly received the NDP frame. Therefore, even if AP1 fails to correctly receive the second frame (i.e., the NDP frame containing the second field) based on S570 due to hidden node interference, the triggering of the second acknowledgment frame (such as an NDP-ACK frame) from STA1 will cause a third frame (such as a BFRP trigger frame) to be sent to both STA1 and AP1 (as in S5100). It is evident that the aforementioned second field can prevent the subsequent probing process from failing because the NDP frame is correctly received by the STA but not by the initiating AP, thus improving overall probing efficiency.

[0181] It should be noted that the UHR NDPA frame sent in S530 can also carry the aforementioned first field (i.e., the aforementioned first frame). Therefore, after receiving this frame, AP2 returns a first acknowledgment frame to AP1. Thus, AP1 determines that AP2 has received the UHR NDPA frame and proceeds with the following steps, such as... Figure 15 The S550 and S560 systems ensure the efficient execution of the detection process.

[0182] Through the above Figures 9-15As can be seen from the embodiments shown, in the Co-BF detection sequence of related technologies, the transmission of UHR NDPA frames between the Initiating AP and the Responding AP fails due to interference from hidden nodes. The embodiments of this application, through the above-mentioned NDPA-ACK mechanism, enable the Initiating AP to clearly determine whether the Responding AP has successfully received the UHR NDPA frame, and promptly obtain this information if it is determined that the Responding AP has failed to receive the NDPA frame, without executing subsequent invalid detection procedures, thereby avoiding CSI errors and avoiding waste of air interface resources.

[0183] In the Co-BF detection sequence of related technologies, the transmission of NDP frames between the Initiating AP and the Responding AP may fail due to interference from hidden nodes. The embodiments of this application, through the above-mentioned NDP-ACK mechanism, ensure the smooth transmission of BFRP trigger frames even if the Initiating AP fails to receive the NDP frame, thereby ensuring the smooth execution of the detection process and helping to improve the reliability and efficiency of detection.

[0184] In related technologies, Co-BF sequential and joint probe sequences reuse the BFRP trigger frame and CSI report frame from the EHTsounding sequence in IEEE 802.11be. Therefore, if the AP fails to correctly obtain the CSI report from the STA, it is stipulated that the AP is not allowed to retransmit the BFRP trigger frame to trigger the STA to retransmit the CSI report; instead, the entire probe sequence must be re-executed. However, re-executing the entire probe sequence results in high probe overhead. To address these issues, the solution provided in this application improves existing Co-BF sequential and joint probe sequences. Specifically, through a CSI report confirmation mechanism and a CSI report frame forwarding mechanism, the reliability and efficiency of the Co-BF probe sequence can be improved, reducing air interface resource waste and probe overhead.

[0185] Specifically, when AP2 (Responding AP, the second access point) obtains CSI Report frames through overhearing, the parsing results of the CSI reports by AP1 and AP2 can be divided into four cases:

[0186] Scenario 1: Both AP1 and AP2 obtain the correct CSI report after parsing the CSI Report frame;

[0187] Scenario 2: AP1 parses the CSI Report frame and obtains the correct CSI report, while AP2 does not obtain the correct CSI report;

[0188] Scenario 3: AP2 parses the CSI Report frame and obtains the correct CSI report, while AP1 does not obtain the correct CSI report;

[0189] Scenario 4: Neither AP1 nor AP2 received the correct CSI report.

[0190] Figure 16 A schematic diagram illustrating the information interaction of a Co-BF detection sequence applicable to embodiments of this application is shown. Figure 16 An example of information interaction under "Scenario 1" described above is shown. In this example, Figure 16 The scheme shown is Figure 9 This is executed after the shown solution is executed. (Reference) Figure 16 The embodiment described in the figure includes at least the following:

[0191] refer to Figure 16 In S610, AP1 receives the fourth frame sent by STA1. This fourth frame is a CSI report frame used by the station to report a CSI. For example, this fourth frame is an EHT CompressedBeamforming / CQI frame reported by the first station, which can also be called a CSI Report frame. In S620, AP1 parses the fourth frame to obtain the correct CSI report.

[0192] In S620', AP2 obtains the fourth frame through listening. In S630', AP2 parses the fourth frame to obtain the correct CSI report. In S640', AP2 sends a third acknowledgment frame (e.g., CSI-received) to AP1. The third acknowledgment frame is an acknowledgment of receiving the correct CSI report.

[0193] Combination Figure 17 right Figure 16 The illustrated embodiment will be used for explanation. Regardless of whether it's a cross-BSS sequential probe or a joint probe sequence, after STA1 receives the BFRP trigger frame, it sends a fourth frame to AP1 via SIFS. If AP2 obtains the fourth frame via overhearing and parses it to obtain a correct CSI report, then AP2 sends a third acknowledgment frame (e.g., CSI-Received) back to AP1. AP1 continues with subsequent procedures after receiving the CSI-Received frame. This CSI report acknowledgment mechanism between AP2 and AP1 ensures that both AP1 and AP2 can correctly parse the CSI report sent back by the STA, avoiding the significant probe signaling overhead caused by restarting the entire probe sequence.

[0194] Figure 18A schematic diagram of the signaling interaction of a Co-BF detection sequence applicable to embodiments of this application is shown. Figure 18 The signaling interaction embodiment under "Scenario 2" above is shown. Wherein, Figure 18 The scheme shown is Figure 9 This is executed after the shown solution is executed. (Reference) Figure 18 The embodiment described in the figure includes at least the following:

[0195] "Case 2" could mean that AP2 fails to obtain the fourth frame through listening, or that AP2 obtains the fourth frame through listening but fails to obtain a correct CSI report after parsing it. (See reference) Figure 18 After receiving the BFRP trigger frame, STA1 sends the fourth frame to AP1 via SIFS. If AP1 obtains a correct CSI report after parsing the fourth frame, and if AP1 does not receive a third acknowledgment frame (such as a CSI-Received frame) from AP2 within the first preset time after receiving the CSI report frame (such as the fourth frame), it can be determined that AP2 has not obtained a correct CSI report. In this case, AP1 will proactively forward the aforementioned fourth frame to AP2.

[0196] For example, the first preset duration can be set to the Point Coordination Function (PCF) Interframe Space (PIFS). One PIFS is equivalent to one SIFS plus one slot time. The reason for setting the first preset duration to PIFS in this application is that, in frame switching at the Media Access Control (MAC) layer, the PIFS interval is between the SIFS and the Distributed Coordination Function (DCF) Interframe Space (DIFS). That is, one PIFS is longer than one SIFS, but shorter than the DIFS interval required for Clear Channel Assessment (CCA), which requires listening to the channel. Therefore, setting the first preset duration to PIFS will not affect frame interactions requiring an SIFS interval in existing standards, nor will it require re-competing for the channel; the fourth frame can be forwarded after a short time interval.

[0197] Understandable Figure 18This illustrates an embodiment where AP1 actively forwards a fourth frame to AP2. In a specific implementation, if AP1 does not receive a third acknowledgment frame from AP2 within a first preset time period after actively forwarding the fourth frame, it can actively forward the fourth frame to AP2 again. This continues until AP2 responds with a third acknowledgment frame, or other preset conditions are met, such as the number of forwards reaching a preset value.

[0198] It can be seen that, through such Figure 18 The method shown utilizes the CSI report verification mechanism, which can effectively ensure that AP2 can successfully obtain the correct CSI report in the above "Scenario 2".

[0199] Figure 19 A schematic diagram of the signaling interaction of a Co-BF detection sequence applicable to embodiments of this application is shown. Figure 19 An example of signaling interaction under "Scenario 3" described above is shown. Figure 19 The scheme shown is Figure 9 This is executed after the shown solution is executed. (Reference) Figure 19 The embodiment described in the figure includes at least the following:

[0200] In case 3, AP2 might obtain the fourth frame through listening and parse it to get a correct CSI report, but AP1 might not obtain a correct CSI report. (See reference) Figure 19 After receiving the BFRP trigger frame, STA1 sends the fourth frame to AP1 via SIFS. If AP2 receives the fourth frame via overhearing and parses it to obtain a correct CSI report, AP2 sends a third acknowledgment frame (e.g., CSI-Received) back to AP1. In the above "Case 3", AP1 does not receive a correct CSI report. In order to obtain a correct CSI report, after receiving AP2's third acknowledgment frame (e.g., CSI-Received) and performing SIFS, AP1 sends a first request frame (e.g., CSI-Request) to AP2 to request it to forward the fourth frame. Then AP2 forwards the fourth frame to AP1.

[0201] It can be seen that, through such Figure 19 The method shown above, in "Scenario 3," effectively ensures that AP1 successfully obtains the correct CSI report. If, in a joint detection sequence, both AP1 and AP2 are required to obtain the correct CSI report, in "Scenario 3," this can be achieved through the following method... Figure 19 The method shown ensures that the initiating AP can successfully obtain the CSI report.

[0202] For scenario 4 above, where neither AP1 nor AP2 has obtained a correct CSI report, the subsequent procedures shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions of the current 802.11be / bn standard.

[0203] The following describes the embodiments described in this article (e.g.) Figures 16-19 The implementation methods of the fourth frame, the third confirmation frame, and the first request frame involved in the document.

[0204] Figure 20 A schematic diagram of the frame structure of a fourth frame applicable to an embodiment of this application is shown. The gray shaded field is a field added based on the CSI report frame (i.e., EHT Compressed Beamforming / CQI frame) in the related art.

[0205] refer to Figure 20 The fourth field can be added before the EHT Compressed Beamforming / CQIReport field in the CSI report frame. For example, the fourth field is represented by a 1-bit value, which is 0, indicating that the receiver does not need to send back a third acknowledgment frame (such as a CSI-Received frame) after receiving a correct CSI report; and 1, indicating that the receiver needs to send back a third acknowledgment frame (such as a CSI-Received frame) after receiving a correct CSI report.

[0206] like Figure 20 The meanings of the other fields shown can be found in the latest draft protocol, and will not be repeated here.

[0207] Figure 21 A schematic diagram of the frame structure of a third confirmation frame applicable to an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0208] The third acknowledgment frame is sent by the receiver after receiving the fourth frame and parsing it to obtain a correct CSI report. Since the EHT Compressed Beamforming / CQI frame is an Action NoAck frame in related technologies, and the fourth frame is obtained by adding fields to the EHT Compressed Beamforming / CQI frame, a regular ACK frame cannot be used for the acknowledgment of the fourth frame.

[0209] In an exemplary embodiment, the third acknowledgment frame (such as a CSI-Received frame) may be defined as a new management frame in this application. Reference Figure 21In the Frame Control Field of the MAC header of a management frame, when the type field = 00 (frame type is management frame), there is an unused subtype field. Optionally, the frame type when the subtype field = 1111 can be defined as a third acknowledgment frame (such as a CSI-Received frame). For example, Table 1 is a definition table of the type field Type and the subtype field Subtype of the third acknowledgment frame (such as CSI-Received) provided in this application.

[0210] Table 1

[0211]

[0212] like Figure 21 The meanings of the other fields shown can be found in the latest draft protocol, and will not be repeated here.

[0213] Figure 22 A schematic diagram of the frame structure of a first request frame applicable to an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0214] For example, the first request frame can adopt the Action frame type in the 802.11be standard. This includes a Category field, an EHT Action field, a Sounding Dialog Token field, and a CSI Request Element. The first element (CSI Request Element), represented in grayscale, is a newly added field.

[0215] The Category field value is set to 36, indicating an EHT Action frame. (Reference) Figure 22 The EHT Action field is used to distinguish EHT action frame formats.

[0216] For example, Table 2 defines the EHT Action field values ​​associated with each frame format in the EHT Category.

[0217] Table 2

[0218] EHT Action field value meaning 0 EHT Compressed Beamforming / CQI 1 CSI Request 2-255 Reserved

[0219] refer to Figure 22 The Sounding Dialog Token field has the same value as the Sounding Dialog Token field in the UHR NDPA frame sent by AP1, indicating that the requested CSI Report is the CSI Report obtained from this UHR NDPA probe.

[0220] refer to Figure 22 The CSI Request Element field is a new field that indicates a request for the recipient to send a CSI report frame. For example, the CSI Request element ID values ​​are shown in Table 3.

[0221] Table 3

[0222] Element Element ID Element IDExtension Extensible Fragmentable CSI Request 2 N / A No No

[0223] The Length field indicates the number of bytes in the Element excluding the Element ID and Length fields.

[0224] The Feedback Segment Retransmission Bitmap indicates a request for a feedback segment in the EHT Compressed Beamforming / CQI field. If the bit at position n is 1, a feedback segment is requested where the subfield of the EHT Sounding Feedback Segment field equals n. To ensure the integrity of the CSI report, all 8 bits should be set to 1.

[0225] In the embodiment shown in 19, AP1 transmits, for example, Figure 22 The first request frame shown (e.g., a CSI-Request frame) requests AP2 to send a CSI report frame. This, in turn, improves the reliability and efficiency of the Co-BF detection sequence through the confirmation and forwarding mechanism of CSI reports between AP1 and AP2.

[0226] Figure 23 A schematic diagram illustrating the information interaction of a Co-BF detection sequence applicable to embodiments of this application is shown. Figure 20 and Figure 16 The examples shown are side-by-side, illustrating another information interaction embodiment under "Case 1" described above. Among them, Figure 23 The scheme shown is Figure 9 This is executed after the shown solution is executed. (Reference) Figure 23 The embodiment described in the figure includes at least the following:

[0227] In S710, AP1 receives the fourth frame sent by STA1. This fourth frame is a CSI report frame used by the station to report a CSI. In S720, AP1 parses the fourth frame to obtain the correct CSI report.

[0228] For example, the specific implementation of the fourth frame is as follows: Figure 20The corresponding embodiment. Since the fourth frame carries the fourth field, in S730, after receiving a correct CSI report, AP1 sends a third confirmation frame (e.g., CSI-received) to STA. The third confirmation frame is an acknowledgment of receiving a correct CSI report. The specific implementation of the third confirmation frame is as follows... Figure 21 The corresponding implementation example.

[0229] In S720', AP2 obtains the fourth frame through listening. In S730', AP2 parses the fourth frame to obtain the correct CSI report. For example, if the fourth frame carries the aforementioned fourth field, then in S740', after obtaining the correct CSI report, AP2 sends a third acknowledgment frame (e.g., CSI-received) to AP1. The third acknowledgment frame is an acknowledgment of obtaining the correct CSI report.

[0230] Combination Figure 24 right Figure 23 The illustrated embodiment will be used for explanation. Regardless of whether it's a cross-BSS sequential probe or a joint probe sequence, after STA1 receives the BFRP trigger frame, it sends a fourth frame to AP1 via SIFS. If AP1 parses this fourth frame and obtains a correct CSI report, it sends a third acknowledgment frame (e.g., CSI-Received) back to STA1, thus confirming that AP1 has correctly obtained the CSI report. If AP2 obtains the aforementioned fourth frame via overhearing and parses it to obtain a correct CSI report, AP2 sends a third acknowledgment frame (e.g., CSI-Received) to AP1, thus confirming that AP2 has correctly obtained the CSI report, and AP1 can continue with subsequent procedures. Through the aforementioned CSI report acknowledgment mechanisms between AP1 and STA1, and between AP2 and AP1, it can be ensured that both AP1 and AP2 can correctly parse the CSI reports fed back by STA, avoiding the significant probe signaling overhead caused by needing to restart the entire probe sequence.

[0231] Figure 25 A schematic diagram of the signaling interaction of a Co-BF detection sequence applicable to embodiments of this application is shown. Figure 25 and Figure 18 The illustrated embodiments are presented side-by-side, demonstrating signaling interaction embodiments under "Scenario 2" described above. Among them, Figure 25 The scheme shown is Figure 9 This is executed after the shown solution is executed. (Reference) Figure 25 The embodiment described in the figure includes at least the following:

[0232] "Case 2" could mean that AP2 fails to obtain the fourth frame through listening, or that AP2 obtains the fourth frame through listening but fails to obtain a correct CSI report after parsing it. (See reference) Figure 25After receiving the BFRP trigger frame, STA1 sends a fourth frame to AP1 via SIFS. If AP1 obtains a correct CSI report after parsing the fourth frame, AP1 sends a third acknowledgment frame to STA1. If AP1 does not receive a third acknowledgment frame (e.g., CSI-Received) from AP2 within a first preset time after sending the third acknowledgment frame, it indicates that AP2 has not obtained a correct CSI report, and therefore AP1 proactively forwards the aforementioned fourth frame to AP2.

[0233] As mentioned above, the first preset duration can be set to PIFS.

[0234] Understandable Figure 25 This illustrates an embodiment where AP1 actively forwards a fourth frame to AP2. In a specific implementation, if AP1 does not receive a third acknowledgment frame from AP2 within a first preset time period after actively forwarding the fourth frame, it can actively forward the fourth frame to AP2 again. This continues until AP2 responds with a third acknowledgment frame, or other preset conditions are met, such as the number of forwards reaching a preset value.

[0235] It can be seen that, through such Figure 25 The method shown utilizes the CSI report confirmation mechanism, which can effectively ensure that the responding AP successfully obtains the correct CSI report in the above "Scenario 2".

[0236] Figure 26 A schematic diagram of the signaling interaction of a Co-BF detection sequence applicable to embodiments of this application is shown. Figure 26 and Figure 19 The illustrated embodiments are presented side-by-side, demonstrating signaling interaction embodiments under "Scenario 3" described above. It should be noted that... Figure 26 The illustrated embodiment also applies to "Case 4" above, that is, as long as AP1 fails to obtain a CSI report, regardless of whether AP2 successfully obtains a CSI report, the following procedure is executed. Figure 26 The embodiment shown. Wherein, Figure 26 The scheme shown is Figure 9 This is executed after the shown solution is executed. (Reference) Figure 26 The embodiment described in the figure includes at least the following:

[0237] In case 3, AP2 might obtain the fourth frame through listening and parse it to get a correct CSI report, but AP1 might not obtain a correct CSI report. (See reference) Figure 26 After receiving the BFRP trigger frame, STA1 sends the fourth frame to AP1 via SIFS. If STA1 does not receive the third acknowledgment frame from AP1 within the first preset time after sending the fourth frame, it can be determined that AP1 has not obtained the correct CSI report. In this case, STA1 will actively retransmit the fourth frame to AP1.

[0238] As mentioned above, the first preset duration can be set to PIFS.

[0239] Understandable Figure 26 This illustrates an embodiment where STA1 actively retransmits a fourth frame to AP1. In a specific implementation, if STA1 does not receive a third acknowledgment frame from AP1 within a first preset time period after actively retransmitting the fourth frame, it can actively retransmit the fourth frame to AP1 again. This continues until AP1 sends back a third acknowledgment frame, or other preset conditions are met, such as the number of retransmissions reaching a preset value.

[0240] It can be seen that, through such Figure 26 The method shown utilizes the CSI report confirmation mechanism, which can effectively ensure that AP1 successfully obtains the correct CSI report in the above "Scenario 3".

[0241] Through the above Figures 16-26 As can be seen from the embodiments shown, in the Co-BF detection sequence of related technologies, when AP2 obtains the CSI report frame by listening, the failure of CSI report frame transmission may lead to problems such as invalid detection results and low detection efficiency. The embodiments of this application use a CSI report confirmation mechanism to enable the sender to know whether the receiver has successfully obtained the CSI report, and to retransmit / forward the CSI report frame in a timely manner if it is determined that the CSI report has not been successfully obtained, without executing subsequent invalid detection procedures, thereby improving the reliability and efficiency of the Co-BF detection sequence.

[0242] When AP2 (Responding AP, second access point) obtains CSIReport frames via AP1 forwarding (over the air), the parsing of the CSI report by AP1 and AP2 can be divided into three cases:

[0243] In scenario a, both AP1 and AP2 obtain the correct CSI report after parsing the CSI Report frame;

[0244] Case b: AP1 parses the CSI Report frame and obtains the correct CSI report, while AP2 does not obtain the correct CSI report;

[0245] In scenario c, neither AP1 nor AP2 received the correct CSI report.

[0246] Figure 27 A schematic diagram illustrating the information interaction of a Co-BF detection sequence applicable to embodiments of this application is shown. Figure 27 An example of information interaction under "Situation a" above is shown. Wherein, Figure 27 The scheme shown is Figure 9This is executed after the shown solution is executed. (Reference) Figure 27 The embodiment described in the figure includes at least the following:

[0247] refer to Figure 27 In S810, AP1 receives the fourth frame sent by STA1. This fourth frame is a CSI report frame used by the station to report a CSI. In S820, AP1 parses the fourth frame to obtain the correct CSI report.

[0248] For example, the specific implementation of the fourth frame is as follows: Figure 20 The corresponding embodiment. Since the fourth frame carries the fourth field, in S830, after receiving a correct CSI report, AP1 sends a third confirmation frame (e.g., CSI-received) to STA. The third confirmation frame is an acknowledgment of receiving a correct CSI report. The specific implementation of the third confirmation frame is as follows... Figure 21 The corresponding implementation example.

[0249] In S840, AP1 sends the aforementioned fourth frame to AP2. In S850, AP2 parses the fourth frame to obtain a correct CSI report. For example, if the fourth frame carries the aforementioned fourth field, then in S860, after obtaining the correct CSI report, AP2 sends a third acknowledgment frame (e.g., CSI-received) to AP1. The third acknowledgment frame is an acknowledgment of receiving the correct CSI report.

[0250] Combination Figure 28 right Figure 27 The illustrated embodiment is used for explanation. Regardless of whether it's a cross-BSS sequential probe or a joint probe sequence, after STA1 receives the BFRP trigger frame, it sends the fourth frame to AP1 via SIFS. If AP2 obtains the fourth frame over the air, when AP1 parses the fourth frame and obtains a correct CSI report, it first sends a third acknowledgment frame (e.g., CSI-Received) back to STA1, thus confirming that AP1 has correctly obtained the CSI report. After AP1 sends the aforementioned third acknowledgment frame (e.g., CSI-Received), AP2 forwards the fourth frame to AP1. Furthermore, if AP2 parses the fourth frame and obtains a correct CSI report, it returns a third acknowledgment frame to AP1, thus confirming that AP2 has correctly obtained the CSI report, and AP1 can continue with subsequent procedures. Through the aforementioned CSI report acknowledgment mechanism between AP1 and STA1, and between AP2 and AP1, it can be ensured that both AP1 and AP2 can correctly parse the CSI report fed back by STA, avoiding the significant probe signaling overhead caused by needing to restart the entire probe sequence.

[0251] Figure 29A schematic diagram of the signaling interaction of a Co-BF detection sequence applicable to embodiments of this application is shown. Figure 29 An example of signaling interaction under "Situation b" above is shown. Figure 29 The scheme shown is Figure 9 This is executed after the shown solution is executed. (Reference) Figure 29 The embodiment described in the figure includes at least the following:

[0252] refer to Figure 29 After receiving the BFRP trigger frame, STA1 sends a fourth frame to AP1 via SIFS. If AP1 obtains a correct CSI report after parsing the fourth frame, AP1 sends a third acknowledgment frame to STA1. Then, AP1 forwards the fourth frame to AP2. If, within a first preset time period after sending the fourth frame to AP2, no third acknowledgment frame (e.g., CSI-Received) is received from AP2, it indicates that AP2 failed to receive the CSI report, and therefore AP1 actively forwards the fourth frame to AP2.

[0253] As mentioned above, the first preset duration can be set to PIFS.

[0254] Understandable Figure 29 This illustrates an embodiment where AP1 actively forwards a fourth frame to AP2. In a specific implementation, if AP1 does not receive a third acknowledgment frame from AP2 within a first preset time period after actively forwarding the fourth frame, it can actively forward the fourth frame to AP2 again. This continues until AP2 responds with a third acknowledgment frame, or other preset conditions are met, such as the number of forwards reaching a preset value.

[0255] It can be seen that, through such Figure 25 As shown, in the above "situation b", the responding AP can be effectively guaranteed to successfully obtain the correct CSI report.

[0256] Figure 30 A schematic diagram of the signaling interaction of a Co-BF detection sequence applicable to embodiments of this application is shown. Figure 30 An example of signaling interaction under "case c" described above is shown. Figure 30 The scheme shown is Figure 9 This is executed after the shown solution is executed. (Reference) Figure 30 The embodiment described in the figure includes at least the following:

[0257] refer to Figure 30After receiving the BFRP trigger frame, STA1 sends the fourth frame to AP1 via SIFS. If STA1 does not receive the third acknowledgment frame from AP1 within the first preset time after sending the fourth frame, it can be determined that AP1 has not obtained the correct CSI report. In this case, STA1 will actively retransmit the fourth frame to AP1.

[0258] As mentioned above, the first preset duration can be set to PIFS.

[0259] Understandable Figure 30 This illustrates an embodiment where STA1 actively retransmits a fourth frame to AP1. In a specific implementation, if STA1 does not receive a third acknowledgment frame from AP1 within a first preset time period after actively retransmitting the fourth frame, it can actively retransmit the fourth frame to AP1 again. This continues until AP1 sends back a third acknowledgment frame, or other preset conditions are met, such as the number of retransmissions reaching a preset value.

[0260] It can be seen that, through such Figure 30 As shown, under "situation c" above, AP1 can be effectively guaranteed to successfully obtain the correct CSI report.

[0261] It should be noted that the above... Figures 16-30 The illustrated embodiment represents a mechanism for confirming CSI reports for a single STA. In other embodiments, if multiple STAs associated with AP1 require confirmation of their CSI reports, multi-user CSI confirmation can be employed.

[0262] Through the above Figures 16-30 As shown in the embodiments, regarding the issue in the Co-BF detection sequence of related technologies where AP1 or AP2 may not correctly parse the CSI report fed back by the STA, this application provides the following processing methods: When AP2 obtains the CSI report frame through a listening method, in one implementation, if AP2 obtains a correct CSI report, it actively returns the corresponding acknowledgment frame to AP1, thus enabling AP1 to actively forward a fourth frame to AP2 if it does not receive the aforementioned acknowledgment frame; in another implementation, after AP1 and AP2 obtain the correct CSI report, they respectively actively return the corresponding acknowledgment frames to STA1 and AP1, thus enabling AP1 to actively forward a fourth frame to AP2 if it does not receive the aforementioned acknowledgment frame. When AP2 obtains the CSI report frame through AP1's forwarding method, if AP2 obtains a correct CSI report, it actively returns the corresponding acknowledgment frame to AP1, thus enabling AP1 to actively forward a fourth frame to AP2 if it does not receive the aforementioned acknowledgment frame. As can be seen, this application proposes to add CSI report confirmation frames and CSI report forwarding mechanisms to the signaling interaction between AP1 and AP2, so as to improve the reliability of CSI feedback and avoid the large signaling overhead caused by re-executing the entire detection process.

[0263] This application improves the detection process of Co-BF by providing a mechanism for acknowledging UHR NDPA frames and NDP frames during Co-BF detection, and proposes a mechanism for acknowledging and forwarding CSI reports, which can effectively improve detection efficiency and save signaling overhead.

[0264] The above text combined Figures 9 to 30 The method embodiments of this application are described in detail below, in conjunction with... Figures 31 to 33 The present application describes the device embodiments in detail. It should be understood that the device embodiments correspond to the method embodiments, and similar descriptions can be referred to the method embodiments.

[0265] Figure 31 A schematic block diagram of a communication device 200 according to an embodiment of this application is shown. The communication device 200 can be an access point device, or a component within an access point device, such as a chip, circuit, or module. For example, the communication device 200 can be an initiating access point in a Co-BF. Figure 30 The communication device 200 includes a transceiver module 201 and a processing module 202.

[0266] The transceiver module 201 is configured to send a probe request frame; the transceiver module 201 is also configured to receive a probe response frame sent by the second access point; the processing module 202 is configured to generate a first frame, the first frame being configured to instruct the second access point and the first site to participate in channel probing, the first frame including a first field and / or a second field; wherein the first field is configured to instruct the receiver whether to send an acknowledgment frame after receiving the first frame, the second field is configured to instruct whether to send an acknowledgment frame after receiving the second frame, the second frame being configured to provide a training signal for channel state information (CSI) estimation; and the transceiver module 201 is also configured to send the first frame to the second access point and the associated first site.

[0267] In an exemplary embodiment, based on the communication device 200, in a first implementation, the transceiver module 201 is further configured to: if the first field indicates the sending of an acknowledgment frame, then after sending the first frame to the second access point and the associated site, receive the first acknowledgment frame sent by the second access point, wherein the first acknowledgment frame is used to confirm the successful reception of the first frame; and,

[0268] The transceiver module 201 is further configured to: in a joint probe sequence, synchronously send the second frame to the first station with the second access point, and send a third frame to the first station and the second access point; or, the transceiver module 201 is further configured to: in a cross-basic service set (BSS) sequential probe sequence, receive the second frame sent by the second access point, and send a third frame to the first station and the second access point, wherein the third frame is a beamforming report polling trigger frame.

[0269] In an exemplary embodiment, based on the communication device 200 or its first implementation, in a second implementation, the transceiver module 201 is further configured to: if the second field indicates the sending of an acknowledgment frame, then after sending the first frame to the second access point and the associated site, receive a second acknowledgment frame sent by the first site, wherein the second acknowledgment frame is used to confirm successful reception of the second frame; and,

[0270] The transceiver module 201 is further configured to: send a third frame to the second access point and the first site in a cross-basic service set (BSS) sequential probe sequence and a joint probe sequence.

[0271] In an exemplary embodiment, based on the communication device 200 and either its first or second implementation, in its third implementation, the first frame further includes: a third field, the third field being used to indicate a joint probe sequence or a sequential probe sequence.

[0272] In an exemplary embodiment, based on the communication device 200 and any one of its first to third implementations, in its fourth implementation, the first field and the third field are carried in the station information field of the first frame.

[0273] In an exemplary embodiment, based on a fourth implementation of the communication device 200, in a fifth implementation, the second field is carried in the station information field of the first frame; or, the second field is carried in the user information field of the preamble of the second frame.

[0274] In an exemplary embodiment, based on the communication device 200 and any one of its first to fifth implementations, in its sixth implementation, the transceiver module 201 is further configured to: if the second access point obtains the fourth frame through a listening method, receive the fourth frame sent by the first station, wherein the fourth frame is a CSI report frame used by the station to provide feedback on the CSI report; and if, within a first preset time period after receiving the fourth frame, no third confirmation frame is received from the second access point, then send the fourth frame to the second access point; wherein the third confirmation frame is a confirmation frame for obtaining a correct CSI report.

[0275] In an exemplary embodiment, based on the sixth implementation of the communication device 200, in its seventh implementation, during the joint detection sequence process, the transceiver module 201 is further configured to: if parsing the fourth frame does not yield a correct CSI report, and a third confirmation frame sent by the second access point is received, then send a first request frame to the second access point, the first request frame being used to obtain the fourth frame; and receive the fourth frame sent by the second access point.

[0276] In an exemplary embodiment, based on a seventh implementation of the communication device, in its eighth implementation, the first request frame is an action frame, the first frame request includes a first element, the first element being used to request the sending of a fourth frame.

[0277] In an exemplary embodiment, based on the communication device 200 and any one of its first to fifth implementations, in its ninth implementation, the transceiver module 201 is further configured to: receive a fourth frame sent by the first station, the fourth frame being a CSI report frame used by the station to provide feedback on a CSI report; send a third confirmation frame to the first station, the third confirmation frame being a confirmation frame for receiving a correct CSI report; and, if no third confirmation frame is received from the second access point within a first preset time period after sending the third confirmation frame, then send the fourth frame to the second access point.

[0278] In an exemplary embodiment, based on the communication device 200 and any one of its first to fifth implementations, in its tenth implementation, the transceiver module 201 is further configured to: receive a fourth frame sent by the first station, the fourth frame being a CSI report frame used by the station to provide feedback on a CSI report; send a third confirmation frame to the first station, the third confirmation frame being a confirmation frame for receiving a correct CSI report; send the fourth frame to the second access point; and if, within a first preset time period after sending the fourth frame, no third confirmation frame is received from the second access point, then the fourth frame is sent to the second access point.

[0279] In an exemplary embodiment, based on the communication device 200 and any one of its sixth to tenth implementations, the eleventh frame includes a fourth field, which is used to indicate whether a third confirmation frame is sent after a correct CSI report is received; the third confirmation frame is a management frame.

[0280] It should be understood that the apparatus 200 according to the embodiments of this application may correspond to the access point device in the method embodiments of this application, and the various units in the apparatus 200 and the other operations and / or functions described above are respectively for implementing Figures 9 to 30The corresponding process applied to the first access point / AP1 in the above embodiment will not be described in detail here for the sake of brevity.

[0281] Figure 32 A schematic block diagram of a communication device 300 according to an embodiment of this application is shown. The communication device 300 can be an access point device, or a component within an access point device, such as a chip, circuit, or module. For example, the communication device 300 can be a responsive access point in a Co-BF. Figure 32 The communication device 300 includes a transceiver module 301 and a processing module 302.

[0282] The transceiver module 301 is configured to receive a probe request frame sent by a first access point; the transceiver module 301 is configured to send a probe response frame to the first access point; the transceiver module 301 is also configured to receive a first frame sent by the first access point, the first frame being used to instruct the second access point and a first site associated with the first access point to participate in channel probing; and the processing module 302 is configured to parse the first frame, the first frame including a first field and / or a second field; wherein the first field is used to instruct the receiver whether to send an acknowledgment frame after receiving the first frame, the second field is used to instruct the receiver whether to send an acknowledgment frame after receiving the second frame, and the second frame is used to provide a training signal for channel state information (CSI) estimation.

[0283] In an exemplary embodiment, based on the communication device 300, in a first implementation, the transceiver module 301 is further configured to: if the first field indicates the sending of an acknowledgment frame, send a first acknowledgment frame to the first access point after receiving the first frame; and,

[0284] The transceiver module 301 is further configured to: send the second frame to the first site synchronously with the first access point during the joint probe sequence; or, the transceiver module 301 is further configured to: send the second frame to the first site and the first access point during the cross-basic service set (BSS) sequential probe sequence.

[0285] In an exemplary embodiment, based on the communication device 300 or its first implementation, in its second implementation, the first frame further includes: a third field, the third field being used to indicate a joint probe sequence or a sequential probe sequence.

[0286] In an exemplary embodiment, based on the communication device and any one of its first to second implementations, in its third implementation, the first field and the third field are carried in the site information field of the first frame.

[0287] In an exemplary embodiment, based on a third implementation of the communication device 300, in a fourth implementation, the second field is carried in the station information field of the first frame; or, the second field is carried in the user information field of the preamble of the second frame.

[0288] In an exemplary embodiment, based on the communication device 300 and any of its first to fourth implementations, in its fifth implementation, the transceiver module 301 is further configured to: receive a third frame sent by the first access point, wherein the third frame is a beamforming report polling trigger frame; the processing module 302 is configured to listen to a fourth frame sent by the first station to the first access point, wherein the fourth frame is a CSI report frame used by the station to provide feedback on a CSI report, and to parse the listened-to fourth frame; the transceiver module 301 is further configured to: send a third confirmation frame to the first access point when the processing module 302 obtains the fourth frame through listening and parses it to obtain a correct CSI report; or...

[0289] The transceiver module 301 is further configured to: receive the fourth frame sent by the first access point when the processing module 302 fails to obtain the fourth frame through monitoring or fails to obtain a correct CSI report by parsing the fourth frame; the transceiver module 301 is further configured to: send a third confirmation frame to the first access point when the processing module 302 obtains a correct CSI report by parsing the fourth frame; wherein the third confirmation frame is a confirmation frame for obtaining a correct CSI report.

[0290] In an exemplary embodiment, based on the fifth implementation of the communication device 300, in its sixth implementation, during the joint detection sequence process, the transceiver module 301 is further configured to receive a first request frame sent by the first access point when the processing module 302 obtains the fourth frame through the processing module monitoring method and parses it to obtain a correct CSI report, the first request frame being used to obtain the fourth frame; the transceiver module 301 is further configured to send the fourth frame to the first access point.

[0291] In an exemplary embodiment, based on the sixth implementation of the communication device 300, in its seventh implementation, the first request frame is an action frame, the first frame request includes a first element, and the first element is used to request the sending of a fourth frame.

[0292] In an exemplary embodiment, based on the communication device 300 and any one of its first to fourth implementations, in its eighth implementation, the transceiver module 301 is further configured to: receive a third frame sent by the first access point, wherein the third frame is a beamforming report polling trigger frame;

[0293] The processing module 302 is further configured to: listen to the fourth frame sent by the first station to the first access point, wherein the fourth frame is a CSI report frame used by the station to provide feedback on the CSI report;

[0294] The transceiver module 301 is further configured to: send a third confirmation frame to the first access point when the processing module 302 obtains a correct CSI report after parsing the fourth frame it has been monitored; or, the transceiver module 301 is further configured to: receive the fourth frame sent by the first access point when the processing module 302 fails to obtain the fourth frame through monitoring or fails to obtain a correct CSI report after parsing the fourth frame.

[0295] In an exemplary embodiment, based on the communication device 300 and any one of its first to fourth implementations, in its ninth implementation, the transceiver module 301 is further configured to: receive a third frame sent by the first access point, wherein the third frame is a beamforming report polling trigger frame; and receive a fourth frame sent by the first access point, wherein the fourth frame is a CSI report frame used by the station to provide feedback on the CSI report; the transceiver module 301 is further configured to: send a third confirmation frame to the first access point, wherein the third confirmation frame is a confirmation frame for obtaining a correct CSI report.

[0296] In an exemplary embodiment, based on any one of the fifth to ninth implementations of the communication device 300, in its tenth implementation, the fourth frame includes a fourth field, which is used to indicate whether a third confirmation frame is sent after a correct CSI report is received; the third confirmation frame is a management frame.

[0297] It should be understood that the apparatus 300 according to the embodiments of this application may correspond to the access point device in the method embodiments of this application, and the various units in the apparatus 300 and the other operations and / or functions described above are respectively for implementing Figures 9 to 30 The corresponding process applied to the second access point / AP2 in the above embodiment will not be described in detail here for the sake of brevity.

[0298] Figure 33 This is a schematic block diagram of another communication device 400 provided according to an embodiment of this application. The communication device 400 can be a site device, or a component within a site device, such as a chip, circuit, or module. For example, the communication device can be a site associated with the Co-BF's initiating access point.

[0299] like Figure 33As shown, the communication device 400 includes a transceiver module 401 and a processing module 402. The transceiver module 401 is used to receive a first frame sent by the first access point, the first frame indicating that the second access point and the first site participate in channel detection. The processing module 402 is used to parse the first frame, the first frame including a first field and / or a second field; wherein the first field indicates whether the receiver sends an acknowledgment frame after receiving the first frame, the second field indicates whether the receiver sends an acknowledgment frame after receiving a second frame, and the second frame provides a training signal for Channel State Information (CSI) estimation.

[0300] In an exemplary embodiment, based on the communication device 400, in a first implementation, the transceiver module 401 is further configured to: if the second field indicates the sending of an acknowledgment frame, send a second acknowledgment frame to the first access point, the second acknowledgment frame being used to confirm successful reception of the second frame; receive a third frame sent by the first access point, the third frame being a beamforming report polling trigger frame; and send a fourth frame to the first access point, the fourth frame being a CSI report frame used by the site to provide feedback on the CSI report.

[0301] In an exemplary embodiment, based on the communication device 400 or its first implementation, in its second implementation, the first frame further includes: a third field, the third field being used to indicate a joint probe sequence or a sequential probe sequence.

[0302] In an exemplary embodiment, based on the communication device 400 and either its first or second implementation, in its third implementation, the first field and the third field are carried in the station information field of the first frame.

[0303] In an exemplary embodiment, based on a third implementation of the communication device 400, in a fourth implementation, the second field is carried in the station information field of the first frame; or, the second field is carried in the user information field of the preamble of the second frame.

[0304] In an exemplary embodiment, based on the communication device 400 and any one of its first and fourth implementations, in its fifth implementation, the transceiver module 401 is further configured to: if, within a first preset time period after sending the fourth frame to the first access point, no third acknowledgment frame is received from the first access point, retransmit the fourth frame to the first access point; wherein, the third acknowledgment frame is an acknowledgment frame for obtaining a correct CSI report.

[0305] In an exemplary embodiment, based on a fifth implementation of the communication device 400, in a sixth implementation, the fourth frame includes a fourth field, which is used to indicate whether a third confirmation frame is sent after a correct CSI report is received; the third confirmation frame is a management frame.

[0306] It should be understood that the apparatus 400 according to the embodiments of this application may correspond to the access point device in the method embodiments of this application, and the various units in the apparatus 400 and the other operations and / or functions described above are respectively for implementing Figures 9 to 30 The corresponding process applied to the first station / STA1 in the above embodiment will not be described in detail here for the sake of brevity.

[0307] The configuration provided in this embodiment is used to send a first frame (e.g., a first frame) to the communication device 200 of the first AP to instruct the second AP and the first STA to participate in channel detection. Figure 10 The improved UHR NDPA frame shown is illustrated here. The first frame includes a first field and / or a second field. The first field indicates whether an acknowledgment frame should be sent after receiving the first frame, and the second field indicates whether an acknowledgment frame should be sent after receiving a second frame (e.g., an NDP frame) that provides training signals for Channel State Information (CSI) estimation. Therefore, the first AP can determine whether the second AP and the first STA have successfully received the relevant probe signaling (e.g., the first and second frames), and thus decide whether to continue probing or retry, effectively improving probe efficiency.

[0308] This application provides an access point device, characterized in that it includes: a processor and a memory, the memory being used to store a computer program, and the processor being used to call and run the computer program stored in the memory to implement the method applied to the access point device in this application embodiment.

[0309] This application provides a site device, characterized in that it includes: a processor and a memory, the memory being used to store a computer program, and the processor being used to call and run the computer program stored in the memory to implement the method applied to the site device in this application embodiment.

[0310] Figure 34 This is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device 500 provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 34 The communication device 500 shown includes a processor 510, which can call and run computer programs from memory to implement the methods in the embodiments of this application.

[0311] Optionally, such as Figure 34As shown, the communication device 500 may further include a memory 520. The processor 510 can call and run computer programs from the memory 520 to implement the methods in the embodiments of this application. For example, when the communication device 500 is an access point device, the processor 510 can call and run computer programs from the memory 520 to implement the various steps of the method embodiments executed by the access point device, achieving the same technical effect. When the communication device 500 is a terminal device, the processor 510 can call and run computer programs from the memory 520 to implement the various steps of the method embodiments executed by the site device, achieving the same technical effect.

[0312] Alternatively, the memory 520 may be a separate device independent of the processor 510, or it may be integrated into the processor 510.

[0313] Optionally, such as Figure 34 As shown, the communication device 500 may also include a transceiver 530, and the processor 510 may control the transceiver 530 to communicate with other devices. Specifically, it may send information or data to other devices or receive information or data sent by other devices.

[0314] Optionally, transceiver 530 may include a transmitter and a receiver. Transceiver 530 may further include antennas, and the number of antennas may be one or more.

[0315] Figure 35 This is a schematic structural diagram of the chip according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 35 The chip 600 shown includes a processor 610, which can call and run computer programs from memory to implement the methods in the embodiments of this application.

[0316] Optionally, such as Figure 35 As shown, chip 600 may further include memory 620. Processor 610 can retrieve and run computer programs from memory 620 to implement the methods described in this embodiment.

[0317] Alternatively, the memory 620 may be a separate device independent of the processor 610, or it may be integrated into the processor 610.

[0318] Optionally, the chip 600 may also include an input interface 630. The processor 610 can control the input interface 630 to communicate with other devices or chips, for example, to acquire information or data sent by other devices or chips.

[0319] Optionally, the chip 600 may also include an output interface 640. The processor 610 can control the output interface 640 to communicate with other devices or chips, for example, to output information or data to other devices or chips.

[0320] Optionally, the chip can be applied to the access point device in the embodiments of this application, and the chip can implement the corresponding processes implemented by the access point device in the various methods of the embodiments of this application. For the sake of brevity, it will not be described in detail here.

[0321] Optionally, the chip can be applied to the site device in the embodiments of this application, and the chip can implement the corresponding processes implemented by the site device in the various methods of the embodiments of this application. For the sake of brevity, it will not be described in detail here.

[0322] It should be understood that the chip mentioned in the embodiments of this application may also be referred to as a system-on-a-chip, system chip, chip system, or system-on-a-chip, etc.

[0323] Figure 36 This is a schematic block diagram of a communication system 700 provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 36 As shown, the communication system 700 includes an access point device 710 and a site device 720.

[0324] The access point device 710 can be used to implement the corresponding functions implemented by the access point device in the above method, and the site device 720 can be used to implement the corresponding functions implemented by the site device in the above method. For the sake of brevity, these will not be elaborated here.

[0325] It should be understood that the processor in the embodiments of this application may be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. In implementation, the steps of the above method embodiments can be completed by integrated logic circuits in the processor's hardware or by instructions in software form. The processor described above may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components. It can implement or execute the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly embodied in the execution of a hardware decoding processor, or executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software modules may reside in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, or other mature storage media in the art. The storage medium is located in the memory, and the processor reads the information in the memory and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the steps of the above method.

[0326] It is understood that the memory in the embodiments of this application can be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. The volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example, but not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), Synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), Double Data Rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), Enhanced Synchronous DRAM (ESDRAM), Synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM), and Direct Rambus RAM (DRRAM). It should be noted that the memory used in the systems and methods described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0327] It should be understood that the above-described memory is exemplary and not a limiting description. For example, the memory in the embodiments of this application may also be static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDRSDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous link dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct memory bus RAM (DR RAM), etc. That is to say, the memory in the embodiments of this application is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0328] This application also provides a readable storage medium storing a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the various processes of the above method embodiments.

[0329] Optionally, the readable storage medium can be applied to the access point device in the embodiments of this application, and the computer program causes the processor to execute the corresponding process implemented by the access point device in the method embodiments of this application. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0330] Optionally, the readable storage medium can be applied to the site device in the embodiments of this application, and the computer program causes the processor to execute the corresponding process implemented by the first site device in the method embodiments of this application. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0331] This application also provides a computer program product, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the various processes of the above-described method embodiments.

[0332] Optionally, the computer program product can be applied to the access point device in the embodiments of this application, and the computer program causes the processor to execute the corresponding process implemented by the access point device in the method embodiments of this application. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0333] Optionally, the computer program product can be applied to the site device in the embodiments of this application, and the computer program causes the processor to execute the corresponding process implemented by the first site device in the method embodiments of this application. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0334] This application also provides a computer program. When executed by a processor, this computer program implements the various processes of the above-described method embodiments.

[0335] Optionally, the computer program can be applied to the access point device in the embodiments of this application. The computer program causes the processor to execute the corresponding process implemented by the access point device in the method embodiments of this application. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0336] Optionally, the computer program can be applied to the site device in the embodiments of this application. The computer program causes the processor to execute the corresponding process implemented by the first site device in the method embodiments of this application. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0337] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0338] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0339] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0340] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0341] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0342] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a portion of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0343] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to the first access point, including: Send a probe request frame; Receive the probe response frame sent by the second access point; A first frame is generated, which is used to indicate that the second access point and the first site participate in channel detection. The first frame includes a first field and / or a second field. Send the first frame to the second access point and the associated first site; The first field is used to indicate whether the receiver sends an acknowledgment frame after receiving the first frame, the second field is used to indicate whether an acknowledgment frame is sent after receiving the second frame, and the second frame is used to provide a training signal for Channel State Information (CSI) estimation.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, If the first field indicates that an acknowledgment frame should be sent, then after sending the first frame to the second access point and the associated site, the method further includes: Receive a first confirmation frame sent by the second access point, the first confirmation frame being used to confirm the successful reception of the first frame; In a joint probe sequence, the second frame is sent to the first site synchronously with the second access point, and a third frame is sent to both the first site and the second access point; or, in a cross-basic service set (BSS) sequential probe sequence, the second frame sent by the second access point is received, and a third frame is sent to both the first site and the second access point, wherein the third frame is a beamforming report polling trigger frame. If the first confirmation frame is not received, proceed with the subsequent steps.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, If the second field indicates that an acknowledgment frame should be sent, then after sending the first frame to the second access point and the associated site, the method further includes: Receive a second confirmation frame sent by the first station, the second confirmation frame being used to confirm the successful reception of the second frame; During the sequential and joint probing processes across the Basic Service Set (BSS), a third frame is sent to the first site and the second access point. If the second confirmation frame is not received, the subsequent process will not be executed; The first frame further includes a third field, which is used to indicate a joint detection sequence or a sequential detection sequence.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, If the second access point obtains the fourth frame through monitoring, the method further includes: Receive the fourth frame sent by the first station, the fourth frame being a CSI report frame used by the station to provide feedback on the CSI report; If no third confirmation frame is received from the second access point within a first preset time period after receiving the fourth frame, then the fourth frame is sent to the second access point. In the joint detection sequence process, the method further includes: If the parsing of the fourth frame does not yield a correct CSI report, and a third confirmation frame is received from the second access point, then a first request frame is sent to the second access point. The first request frame is used to obtain the fourth frame. Receive the fourth frame sent by the second access point; Wherein, the first request frame is an action frame, the first frame request includes a first element, the first element is used to request the sending of a fourth frame; the fourth frame includes a fourth field, the fourth field is used to indicate whether to send a third confirmation frame after receiving a correct CSI report; the third confirmation frame is a confirmation frame for receiving a correct CSI report, the third confirmation frame is a management frame.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, If the second access point obtains the fourth frame through monitoring, the method further includes: Receive the fourth frame sent by the first station, the fourth frame being a CSI report frame used by the station to provide feedback on the CSI report; Send a third confirmation frame to the first station, the third confirmation frame being a confirmation that a correct CSI report has been received; If no third confirmation frame is received from the second access point within a first preset time period after the third confirmation frame is sent, the fourth frame is sent to the second access point; or, if the third confirmation frame is received from the second access point, subsequent operations are performed.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive the fourth frame sent by the first station, the fourth frame being a CSI report frame used by the station to provide feedback on the CSI report; Send a third confirmation frame to the first station, the third confirmation frame being a confirmation that a correct CSI report has been received; The fourth frame is sent to the second access point; If no third acknowledgment frame is received from the second access point within a first preset time period after sending the fourth frame, then the fourth frame is sent to the second access point; or, If a third confirmation frame is received from the second access point, then subsequent operations are performed.

7. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to the second access point, including: Receive the probe request frame sent by the first access point; Send a probe response frame to the first access point; Receive a first frame sent by the first access point, the first frame being used to instruct the second access point and the first site associated with the first access point to participate in channel detection; Parse the first frame, which includes a first field and / or a second field; The first field is used to indicate whether the receiver sends an acknowledgment frame after receiving the first frame, and the second field is used to indicate whether the receiver sends an acknowledgment frame after receiving the second frame. The second frame is used to provide a training signal for Channel State Information (CSI) estimation.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, If the first field indicates that an acknowledgment frame should be sent, the method further includes: After receiving the first frame, a first confirmation frame is sent to the first access point; During a joint probe sequence, the second frame is sent to the first site synchronously with the first access point; or, during a cross-basic service set (BSS) sequential probe sequence, the second frame is sent to both the first site and the first access point. The first frame further includes a third field, which is used to indicate a joint detection sequence or a sequential detection sequence.

9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive the third frame sent by the first access point, wherein the third frame is a beamforming report polling trigger frame; Listen to the fourth frame sent by the first station to the first access point, the fourth frame being a CSI report frame used by the station to report a CSI report; If the fourth frame is obtained through monitoring and a correct CSI report is parsed, a third confirmation frame is sent to the first access point; or... If the fourth frame is not obtained through listening or if the correct CSI report is not obtained by parsing the fourth frame, the fourth frame sent by the first access point is received, and if the correct CSI report is obtained by parsing the fourth frame, a third confirmation frame is sent to the first access point. In the joint detection sequence process, if the fourth frame is obtained through listening and a correct CSI report is parsed, the method further includes: The first request frame sent by the first access point is received, and the first request frame is used to obtain the fourth frame. Send the fourth frame to the first access point; Wherein, the first request frame is an action frame, the first frame request includes a first element, the first element is used to request the sending of a fourth frame; the fourth frame includes a fourth field, the fourth field is used to indicate whether to send a third confirmation frame after receiving a correct CSI report; the third confirmation frame is a confirmation frame for receiving a correct CSI report, the third confirmation frame is a management frame.

10. The method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive the third frame sent by the first access point, wherein the third frame is a beamforming report polling trigger frame; Listen to the fourth frame sent by the first station to the first access point, the fourth frame being a CSI report frame used by the station to report a CSI report; If a correct CSI report is obtained after parsing the fourth frame that has been monitored, a third acknowledgment frame is sent to the first access point; or, if the fourth frame is not obtained through monitoring or if a correct CSI report is not obtained after parsing the fourth frame, the fourth frame sent by the first access point is received.

11. The method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive the third frame sent by the first access point, wherein the third frame is a beamforming report polling trigger frame; Receive the fourth frame sent by the first access point, the fourth frame being a CSI report frame used by the site to report CSI; A third confirmation frame is sent to the first access point, the third confirmation frame being a confirmation that a correct CSI report has been received.

12. A communication method, characterized in that, The first site associated with the first access point includes: Receive a first frame sent by the first access point, the first frame being used to instruct the second access point and the first site to participate in channel detection; Parse the first frame, which includes a first field and / or a second field; The first field is used to indicate whether the receiver sends an acknowledgment frame after receiving the first frame, and the second field is used to indicate whether the receiver sends an acknowledgment frame after receiving the second frame. The second frame is used to provide a training signal for Channel State Information (CSI) estimation.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, If the second field indicates that an acknowledgment frame should be sent, the method further includes: Send a second confirmation frame to the first access point, the second confirmation frame being used to confirm successful reception of the second frame; Receive the third frame sent by the first access point, wherein the third frame is a beamforming report polling trigger frame; Send a fourth frame to the first access point, the fourth frame being a CSI report frame used by the site to report CSI; The first frame further includes a third field, which is used to indicate a joint detection sequence or a sequential detection sequence.

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a fourth frame to the first access point, the fourth frame being a CSI report frame used by the site to report CSI; If a third confirmation frame is not received from the first access point within a first preset time period after the fourth frame is sent to the first access point, the fourth frame is retransmitted to the first access point. The fourth frame includes a fourth field, which indicates whether a third confirmation frame should be sent after a correct CSI report is received; the third confirmation frame is a confirmation frame for receiving a correct CSI report, and the third confirmation frame is a management frame.

15. A communication device, characterized in that, include: The transceiver module is used to send probe request frames; The transceiver module is also used to receive probe response frames sent by the second access point; The processing module is used to generate a first frame, which is used to indicate that the second access point and the first site participate in channel detection. The first frame includes a first field and / or a second field. Wherein, the first field is used to indicate whether the receiver sends an acknowledgment frame after receiving the first frame, the second field is used to indicate whether an acknowledgment frame is sent after receiving the second frame, and the second frame is used to provide a training signal for Channel State Information (CSI) estimation; The transceiver module is also used to send the first frame to the second access point and the associated first site.

16. A communication device, characterized in that, include: The transceiver module is used to receive probe request frames sent by the first access point; The transceiver module is also used to send a probe response frame to the first access point; The transceiver module is used to receive a first frame sent by the first access point, wherein the first frame is used to instruct the second access point and the first site associated with the first access point to participate in channel detection. The processing module is used to parse the first frame, wherein the first frame includes a first field and / or a second field; The first field is used to indicate whether the receiver sends an acknowledgment frame after receiving the first frame, and the second field is used to indicate whether the receiver sends an acknowledgment frame after receiving the second frame. The second frame is used to provide a training signal for Channel State Information (CSI) estimation.

17. A communication device, characterized in that, include: The transceiver module is used to receive a first frame sent by the first access point, the first frame being used to instruct the second access point and the first site to participate in channel detection; The processing module is used to parse the first frame, wherein the first frame includes a first field and / or a second field; The first field is used to indicate whether the receiver sends an acknowledgment frame after receiving the first frame, and the second field is used to indicate whether the receiver sends an acknowledgment frame after receiving the second frame. The second frame is used to provide a training signal for Channel State Information (CSI) estimation.

18. An access point device, characterized in that, include: A processor and a memory for storing a computer program, the processor for calling and running the computer program stored in the memory to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-11.

19. A site device, characterized in that, include: A processor and a memory for storing a computer program, the processor for calling and running the computer program stored in the memory to perform the method as described in any one of claims 12-14.

20. A chip, characterized in that, include: A processor for retrieving and running a computer program from memory, causing a device having the chip mounted to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 1-11, or the method as claimed in any one of claims 12-14.

21. A readable storage medium, characterized in that, Used to store a computer program that causes a computer to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 1-11, or the method as claimed in any one of claims 12-14.

22. A communication system, characterized in that, It includes an access point device and a site device, the access point device being configured to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-11, and the site device being configured to perform the method as described in any one of claims 12-14.

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