Null Data Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit Transmission Method and Apparatus

Abstract

This invention provides a null data physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU) transmission method and apparatus that avoids using only one fixed physical layer version of null data PPDU (NDP) and flexibly and fully leverages the advantages of both the first and second NDPs, thereby improving sensing performance. [Solution] The method involves a first device transmitting a Sensing Null Data PPDU Announcement (NDPA) frame indicating that it will transmit an NDP, and then the first device transmitting either a first NDP or a second NDP. The physical layer version of the first NDP is different from the physical layer version of the second NDP. Accordingly, the second device receives the Sensing NDPA frame and the NDP from the first device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001]

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202210346893.X, titled "Null-Data Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit Transmission Method and Apparatus", filed with the China National Intellectual Property Administration on April 2, 2022, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002]

[0002] Technical Field Embodiments of this application relate to the field of communications, and in particular, to a null-data physical layer protocol data unit transmission method and apparatus.

Background Art

[0003]

[0003] The sensing process has been discussed in wireless local area network (WLAN) standards such as 802.11bf. The generally accepted sensing procedure basically includes the following main stages: the sensing session setup stage, the measurement setup stage, and the measurement instance stage.

[0004]

[0004] In the measurement instance stage, a WLAN device can transmit a null data PPDU announcement (NDPA) frame, which is used to notify that the WLAN device will transmit a null data PPDU (NDP) following the NDPA frame. The PPDU is a physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU). A device that receives the NDPA frame can obtain channel information, etc., by measuring the NDP following the NDPA. [Overview of the project]

[0005]

[0005] The present application provides a null data physical layer protocol data unit transmission method and apparatus that avoids using only one fixed physical layer version of NDP and flexibly and fully utilizes the advantages of a first NDP and a second NDP, thereby improving sensing performance.

[0006]

[0006] According to a first aspect, a method for transmitting null data physical layer protocol data units is provided. The method can be performed by a first device, which may be performed by a component of the first device, for example, a processor, a chip, or a chip system, or which may be performed by a logic module or software capable of performing all or part of the functions of the first device. The method includes: a step of transmitting a sensing NDPA frame, which indicates that the sensing NDPA frame is to transmit an NDP; and a step of transmitting an NDP, where the NDP is a first NDP or a second NDP, and the physical layer version of the first NDP is different from the physical layer version of the second NDP.

[0007]

[0007] According to this solution, the first device transmits a sensing NDPA frame and, in response, transmits either a first NDP or a second NDP. This avoids the situation where only one fixed NDP is derived from the sensing NDPA frame, or where the sensing NDPA frame corresponds to only one fixed NDP, and flexibly and fully utilizes the advantages of both the first and second NDPs, thereby improving sensing performance.

[0008]

[0008] In a possible design, the first NDP satisfies at least one of the following: the bandwidth supported by the first NDP is greater than a first threshold, or the first NDP supports puncturing. The second NDP satisfies at least one of the following: the second NDP supports secure long training field LTF, and the second NDP supports repeated LTF.

[0009]

[0009] Based on this possible design, if the bandwidth supported by the first NDP is greater than the first threshold, the sensing accuracy may be improved by transmitting the first NDP, as the greater bandwidth greatly helps to improve sensing accuracy. If the first NDP supports puncturing, the bandwidth resources can be used more efficiently by transmitting the first NDP, and resource availability can be improved. If the second NDP supports secure LTF, security performance can be improved by transmitting the second NDP. If the second NDP supports repeated LTF, the signal-to-noise ratio at the receiving end can be improved.

[0010]

[0010] In a possible design, if the first condition is met, the NDP is a first NDP; or, if the first condition is not met, the NDP is a second NDP. The first condition includes at least one of the following:

[0011] The bandwidth of the first physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU) is greater than a first threshold, and the first PPDU contains a sensing NDPA frame, or the first PPDU is the NDP; Puncture is occurring in the first PPDU; Unavailable subchannels exist on the first channel, and the first channel is used to transmit the first PPDU; The number of data streams supported by NDP must be greater than or equal to the second threshold; and The first resource is a resource unit not supported by the second NDP physical layer version, and the first resource is used to carry sensing NDPA frames, or the first resource is a resource to be measured on the first channel.

[0011]

[0012] Based on this possible design, a first NDP is transmitted when the first condition is met, and a second NDP is transmitted when the first condition is not met. Thus, different physical layer versions of the NDP can be appropriately transmitted based on the first condition.

[0012]

[0013] In a possible design, the sensing NDPA frame includes a first field, which indicates that the bandwidth of the first PPDU is greater than a first threshold.

[0013]

[0014] In a possible design, the sensing NDPA frame includes a first station information field, the first station information field includes an association identifier field, the value of which is a first specific value, which indicates that an unavailable subchannel exists in the first channel.

[0014]

[0015] In a possible design, the first station information field further includes a second field, the second field indicating an unavailable subchannel.

[0015]

[0016] In a possible design, the method includes the step of transmitting a beacon frame, the beacon frame containing first directional information, the first directional information indicating that an unavailable subchannel exists on the first channel.

[0016]

[0017] In possible designs, unavailable subchannels overlap with the subchannel range corresponding to the NDP transmission bandwidth.

[0017]

[0018] In a possible design, if the first PPDU includes a sensing NDPA frame, the preamble part of the first PPDU includes a third field, the third field indicating that puncture is occurring in the first PPDU.

[0018]

[0019] In a possible design, if the first resource is the resource to be measured on the first channel, the sensing NDPA frame includes a station information field, the station information field includes a fourth field, and the fourth field indicates the first resource.

[0019]

[0020] In a possible design, the sensing NDPA frame includes a fifth field, which indicates whether the NDP is a first NDP or a second NDP.

[0020]

[0021] In possible designs, the fifth field is located in each station information field of the sensing NDPA frame, or the fifth field is located in a field included in the sensing NDPA frame other than the sensing information field.

[0021]

[0022] In a possible design, if second station information is present in the sensing NDPA frame, the NDP is the first NDP; or, if second station information is not present in the sensing NDPA frame, the NDP is the second NDP. The second station information includes an association identifier field, the value of which is a second specific value.

[0022]

[0023] In a possible design, prior to the step of transmitting a sensing NDPA frame, the method further includes the step of transmitting a radio frame, the radio frame indicating whether the NDP is a first NDP or a second NDP, and / or the radio frame indicating the type of sensing NDPA frame.

[0023]

[0024] In a possible design, the step of transmitting the NDP includes: transmitting the NDP in the measurement instance, where the NDP is a second NDP if trigger-based sounding and NDPA sounding occur in the measurement instance.

[0024]

[0025] In a possible design, a sensing NDPA frame includes a sounding dialogue token field and a sixth field, the sounding dialogue token field includes a first subfield, the first subfield indicating the first NDPA frame, and the sixth field indicating that the sensing NDPA frame is reusing the first NDPA frame. The first NDPA frame is one of the following: a ranging NDPA frame, an ultra-high throughput (VHT) NDPA frame, a high-efficiency (HE) NDPA frame, or an ultra-high throughput (EHT) NDPA frame. Alternatively, the sensing NDPA includes a frame control field, the frame control field includes a control frame extension field, and the control field extension field indicates the type of sensing NDPA frame.

[0025]

[0026] According to a second aspect, a method for receiving a null data physical layer protocol data unit is provided. The method can be performed by a second device, which may be performed by a component of the second device, for example, a processor, a chip, or a chip system, or by a logic module or software capable of performing all or part of the functions of the second device. The method includes: receiving a sensing NDPA frame, which indicates that the sensing NDPA frame is transmitting a null data physical layer protocol data unit NDP; and receiving an NDP, which is either a first NDP or a second NDP, where the physical layer version of the first NDP is different from the physical layer version of the second NDP.

[0026]

[0027] In this solution, the second device receives a sensing NDPA frame and then, correspondingly, receives a first NDP or a second NDP. This avoids having only one fixed NDP resulting from the sensing NDPA frame, or having the sensing NDPA frame corresponding to only one fixed NDP, fully and flexibly utilizes the advantages of the first NDP and the second NDP, thereby improving the sensing performance.

[0027]

[0028] In a possible design, the first NDP satisfies at least one of the following: the bandwidth supported by the first NDP is greater than a first threshold, or the first NDP supports puncturing. The second NDP satisfies at least one of the following: the second NDP supports a secure long training field LTF, and the second NDP supports repeated LTF.

[0028]

[0029] In a possible design, when a first condition is satisfied, the NDP is the first NDP; or when the first condition is not satisfied, the NDP is the second NDP. The first condition includes at least one of the following:

[0030] The bandwidth of the first physical layer protocol data unit PPDU is greater than a first threshold, the first PPDU includes a sensing NDPA frame, or the first PPDU is an NDP; Puncturing occurs in the first PPDU; There are unavailable subchannels in the first channel, and the first channel is used to transmit the first PPDU; The quantity of data streams supported by the NDP is greater than or equal to a second threshold; and The first resource is a resource unit not supported by the second NDP physical layer version, and the first resource is used to carry sensing NDPA frames, or the first resource is a resource to be measured on the first channel.

[0029]

[0031] In a possible design, the sensing NDPA frame includes a first field, and the method further: The first field includes the step of analyzing the NDP based on the format of the first NDP if the bandwidth of the first PPDU is greater than a first threshold.

[0030]

[0032] In a possible design, a sensing NDPA frame includes a first station information field, the first station information field includes an association identifier field; and the method further includes: parsing an NDP based on the format of a first NDP, where the value of the association identifier field is a first specific value, the first specific value indicating that an unavailable subchannel exists in the first channel.

[0031]

[0033] In a possible design, the step of parsing an NDP based on the format of the first NDP, where the first station information field further includes a second field and the value of the association identifier field is a first specific value, includes the step of parsing an NDP based on the format of the first NDP, where the value of the association identifier field is a first specific value and the second field indicates an unavailable subchannel.

[0032]

[0034] In a possible design, the method includes the steps of: receiving a beacon frame, the beacon frame comprising first directional information; and, if the first directional information indicates that an unavailable subchannel exists on the first channel, parsing an NDP based on the format of a first NDP.

[0033]

[0035] In possible designs, unavailable subchannels overlap with the subchannel range corresponding to the NDP transmission bandwidth.

[0034]

[0036] In a possible design, if the first PPDU includes a sensing NDPA frame, the preamble part of the first PPDU includes a third field, and the method further includes the step of parsing the NDP based on the format of the first NDP, if the third field indicates that puncturing is occurring in the first PPDU.

[0035]

[0037] In a possible design, if the first resource is a resource to be measured on the first channel, the sensing NDPA frame includes a station information field, the station information field includes a fourth field, and the method further includes the step of parsing the NDP based on the format of the first NDP if the first resource indicated by the fourth field is a resource unit not supported by the physical layer version of the second NDP.

[0036]

[0038] In a possible design, the sensing NDPA frame includes a fifth field, and the method further includes: a step of parsing the NDP based on the format of a first NDP if the fifth field indicates that the NDP is a first NDP; and a step of parsing the NDP based on the format of a first NDP if the fifth field indicates that the NDP is a second NDP.

[0037]

[0039] In possible designs, the fifth field is located in each station information field of the sensing NDPA frame, or the fifth field is located in a field included in the sensing NDPA frame other than the sensing information field.

[0038]

[0040] In a possible design, if second station information is present in the sensing NDPA frame, the method further includes: parsing the NDP based on the format of the first NDP; and if second station information is not present in the sensing NDPA frame, parsing the NDP based on the format of the second NDP. The second station information includes an association identifier field, the value of which is a second specific value.

[0039]

[0041] In a possible design, prior to the step of receiving a sensing NDPA frame, the method further includes the step of receiving a radio frame, the radio frame indicating whether the NDP is a first NDP or a second NDP, and / or the radio frame indicating the type of sensing NDPA frame.

[0040]

[0042] In a possible design, the steps of transmitting an NDP include: transmitting an NDP in a measurement instance, wherein the NDP is a second NDP if trigger-based sounding and NDPA sounding occur in the measurement instance.

[0041]

[0043] In a possible design, a sensing NDPA frame includes a sounding dialogue token field and a sixth field, the sounding dialogue token field includes a first subfield, the first subfield indicating the first NDPA frame, and the sixth field indicating that the sensing NDPA frame is reusing the first NDPA frame. The first NDPA frame is one of the following: a ranging NDPA frame, an ultra-high throughput (VHT) NDPA frame, a high-efficiency (HE) NDPA frame, or an ultra-high throughput (EHT) NDPA frame. Alternatively, the sensing NDPA includes a frame control field, the frame control field includes a control frame extension field, and the control frame extension field indicates the type of the sensing NDPA frame.

[0042]

[0044] According to a third embodiment, a communication device is provided and configured to carry out the method described above. The communication device may be the first device in the first embodiment, or a device included in the first device, such as a chip. Alternatively, the communication device may be the second device in the second embodiment, or a device included in the second device, such as a chip. The communication device includes corresponding modules, units, or means for carrying out the method described above. The modules, units, or means may be carried out by hardware, software, or hardware running the corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the functions described above.

[0043]

[0045] In some possible designs, the communication device may include a transceiver module. Furthermore, the communication device may further include a processing module. The processing module may be configured to perform processing functions in any one of the embodiments described above and any possible implementation thereof. The transceiver module may also be referred to as a transceiver unit and is configured to perform transmission and / or reception functions in any one of the embodiments described above and any possible implementation thereof. The transceiver module may include a transceiver circuit, a transceiver device, a transceiver, or a communication interface.

[0044]

[0046] In a possible design, the transceiver module includes a transmission module and a reception module, respectively, configured to perform the transmission and reception functions in any one of the aforementioned embodiments and possible implementations thereof.

[0045]

[0047] According to a fourth aspect, a communication device is provided. The device includes a processor and memory. The memory is configured to store computer instructions. When the processor executes an instruction, the communication device becomes capable of performing the method in any one of the aforementioned aspects. The communication device may be a first device in the first aspect, or a device included in the first device, such as a chip. Alternatively, the communication device may be a second device in the second aspect, or a device included in the second device, such as a chip.

[0046]

[0048] According to a fifth aspect, a communication device is provided which includes a processor and a communication interface. The communication interface is configured to communicate with an external module of the communication device. The processor is configured to execute computer programs or instructions so that the communication device can perform the method in any one of the aforementioned aspects. The communication device may be a first device in the first aspect, or a device included in the first device, such as a chip. Alternatively, the communication device may be a second device in the second aspect, or a device included in the second device, such as a chip.

[0047]

[0049] According to a sixth aspect, a communication device is provided that includes a logic circuit and an interface circuit. The interface circuit is configured to input and / or output information. The logic circuit is configured to perform a method according to any one of the aforementioned aspects, to perform processing based on the input information and / or to generate output information. The communication device may be a first device in the first aspect, or a device included in the first device, such as a chip. Alternatively, the communication device may be a second device in the second aspect, or a device included in the second device, such as a chip.

[0048]

[0050] According to the seventh aspect, a communication device is provided which includes an interface circuit and a processor. The interface circuit is a code / data read / write interface circuit. The interface circuit is configured to receive computer executable instructions (which may be stored in memory and read directly from memory, or read via another component) and to transmit the computer executable instructions to the processor. The processor is configured to execute the computer executable instructions so that the communication device can perform any of the methods described above. The communication device may be the first device in the first aspect, or a device included in the first device, such as a chip. Alternatively, the communication device may be the second device in the second aspect, or a device included in the second device, such as a chip.

[0049]

[0051] According to the eighth aspect, a communication device is provided which includes at least one processor. The processor is configured to execute computer programs or instructions so that the communication device can perform the method in any one of the preceding aspects. The communication device may be the first device in the first aspect, or a device included in the first device, such as a chip. Alternatively, the communication device may be the second device in the second aspect, or a device included in the second device, such as a chip.

[0050]

[0052] In some possible designs, the communication device includes memory, which is configured to store the necessary computer programs or instructions. The memory may be coupled to the processor or it may be independent of the processor.

[0051]

[0053] In some possible designs, the communication device may be a chip or a chip system. If the device is a chip system, the chip system may include a chip, or it may include a chip and other discrete components.

[0052]

[0054] According to the ninth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided. The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program or instruction, and when the computer program or instruction is executed by a processor, a method in any one of the preceding aspects is performed.

[0053]

[0055] According to the tenth aspect, a computer program product is provided. When the computer program product is executed by a processor, a method in any one of the aforementioned aspects is performed.

[0054]

[0056] If the communication device provided in any one of the third through tenth embodiments is a chip, it is possible to understand that the aforementioned transmitting operation / function may be understood as outputting information, and the aforementioned receiving operation / function may be understood as inputting information.

[0055]

[0057] For the technical effects brought about by any one of the third through tenth embodiments, please refer to the technical effects brought about by the various designs of the first or second embodiment. Further details will not be explained here.

[0056]

[0058] According to the eleventh aspect, a communication system is provided. The communication system includes a first device according to the first aspect and a second device according to the second aspect. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0057] [Figure 1]

[0059] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the NDPA frame according to this application. [Figure 2]

[0060] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of another NDPA frame according to this application. [Figure 3]

[0061] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication system described in this application. [Figure 4]

[0062] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device according to this application. [Figure 5]

[0063] Figure 5 is a schematic flowchart of the NDP transmission and reception method described in this application. [Figure 6]

[0064] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first device according to this application. [Figure 7]

[0065] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second device according to this application. [Figure 8]

[0066] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the structure of another communication device according to this application. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0058]

[0067] In the description of this application, unless otherwise specified, the letter " / " indicates that the related subjects are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B can represent A or B. The term "and / or" in this application simply describes the relationship between the related subjects and indicates that there may be three possible relationships. For example, A and / or B can represent three cases: A only exists, both A and B exist, or B only exists, and A and B may be singular or plural.

[0059]

[0068] Furthermore, in the description of this application, “multiple” means two or more unless otherwise specified. “At least one of the following items” or similar expressions mean any combination of these items, including any combination of a single item or multiple items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c could be: a, b, c, a and b, a and c, b and c, or a, b, and c, where a, b, and c may be singular or plural.

[0060]

[0069] Furthermore, in order to clearly describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, terms such as “First” and “Second” are used in the embodiments of this application to distinguish the same or similar items that provide essentially the same function or purpose. Those skilled in the art will understand that terms such as “First” and “Second” do not limit the quantity or order of execution, and do not indicate limiting differences.

[0061]

[0070] Furthermore, in the embodiments of this application, the words “example” or “for example” are used to indicate that an example, illustration, or explanation is being given. No embodiment or design scheme described as “example” or “for example” in the embodiments of this application should be described as being preferable or having more advantages than another embodiment or design scheme. Strictly speaking, the use of terms such as “example” or “for example” is intended to present the relevant concepts in a concrete manner for the sake of ease of understanding.

[0062]

[0071] It is possible to understand that the “embodiments” referred to throughout this specification mean that certain features, structures, or characteristics related to these embodiments are included in at least one embodiment of this application. Therefore, embodiments throughout the specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, these particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in one or more embodiments by using any appropriate method. It will be understood that the sequence numbers of processes do not mean the order of execution in the various embodiments of this application. The order of execution of processes should be determined based on the function and internal logic of the processes and should not be interpreted as any limitation on the implementation processes of the embodiments of this application.

[0063]

[0072] In some scenarios, it is possible to understand that some optional features in the embodiments of this application can be implemented independently, without depending on other features, such as the solution currently assumed by the optional features, to solve the corresponding technical problems and achieve the corresponding effects. Alternatively, in some scenarios, optional features may be combined with other features on a case-by-case basis. Accordingly, the apparatus provided in the embodiments of this application can also implement these features or functions accordingly. Further details are not provided here.

[0064]

[0073] In this application, unless otherwise specified, identical or similar parts in the embodiments should be referenced to one another. In the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise stated or there is a logical contradiction, the terminology and / or descriptions in different embodiments are consistent and may be referenced to one another, and the technical features in different embodiments can be combined on the basis of their internal logical relationships to form new embodiments. The following embodiments of this application are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application.

[0065]

[0074] To facilitate understanding of the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the relevant technologies in this application will first be briefly described below.

[0066]

[0075] 1. Sensing initiator, sensing transmitter, and sensing receiver

[0076] Sensing initiator: A sensing initiator is a station (STA) that initiates the wireless local area network (WLAN) sensing process.

[0067]

[0077] Sensing Responder: A sensing responder is a station that participates in the WLAN sensing process initiated by a sensing initiator.

[0068]

[0078] Sensing transmitter: A sensing transmitter is a station in the sensing process that transmits physical layer protocol data units (PPDUs) for sensing measurement.

[0069]

[0079] Sensing receiver: A sensing receiver is a station that receives PPDU transmitted by a sensing transmitter and performs sensing measurement in the sensing process.

[0070]

[0080] In this application, the station may be an access point station (AP STA) or a non-access point station (non-AP STA). For ease of explanation, AP STA is abbreviated as AP in the following embodiments of this application.

[0071]

[0081] 2. Sensing process:

[0082] The sensing process, which is generally accepted in WLAN standards, can be divided into the following five stages:

[0083] (1) Sensing session setup

[0084] This stage indicates that a sensing session is set up between stations, and relevant parameters (specific parameters are determined) may be exchanged at this stage. A sensing session may be understood as a protocol reached between two stations, i.e., a sensing initiator and a sensing responder. A sensing initiator may maintain sensing sessions with multiple sensing responders.

[0072]

[0085] (2) Measurement setup

[0086] This stage is used by the sensing initiator and sensing responder to exchange and unify any parameters, attributes, or similar elements used in the sensing process. These parameters may include, for example, the roles of the sensing initiator and sensing responder (e.g., sensing transmitter or sensing receiver), and the measurement feedback type.

[0073]

[0087] In order to clearly identify measurement setups, a method of labeling them, that is, a method of indicating each measurement setup using an identifier (ID), is being used in current standardization discussions.

[0074]

[0088] (3) Measurement Instance

[0089] Sensing measurements are conducted within a measurement instance, and multiple sensing responders are allowed to participate in a single measurement instance. Each measurement instance is identified by an identifier.

[0075]

[0090] Measurement instances may be classified into trigger-based (TB) sensing measurement instances and non-TB sensing measurement instances. For example, a trigger-based sensing measurement instance may include the following phases: polling phase, null data PPDU announcement (NDPA) sounding phase, trigger frame (TF) sounding phase, reporting phase, etc.

[0076]

[0091] The polling phase is used to determine whether the station that received the query will participate in the measurement and provide feedback in the current measurement instance.

[0077]

[0092] During the NDPA sounding phase, the sensing initiator can notify the sensing responder via the NDPA frame that the sensing responder will transmit a null data PPDU (NDP) following the NDPA frame. The NDPA frame instructs the sensing responder that it needs to listen for the NDP and other configuration information, and the sensing responder can learn channel information and other details by measuring the NDP following the NDPA.

[0078]

[0093] During the trigger frame sounding phase, the sensing initiator triggers via a trigger frame to prompt the sensing responder to send an NDP, and the sensing initiator measures the NDP for sensing.

[0079]

[0094] During the reporting phase, the sensing responder can transmit sensing measurement-related information, such as channel information, to the sensing initiator via a feedback frame.

[0080]

[0095] Optionally, a single measurement instance may include both the NDPA sounding phase and the trigger frame sounding phase; a single measurement instance may include the NDPA sounding phase but not the trigger frame sounding phase; or a single measurement instance may not include the NDPA sounding phase but may include the trigger frame sounding phase.

[0081]

[0096] (4) Measurement setup termination

[0097] Measurement setup termination is used to terminate the measurement setup process corresponding to a sensing responder; that is, after the measurement setup process has ended, the sensing responder is no longer bound to the corresponding measurement setup but may still be in a sensing session.

[0082]

[0098] (5) Sensing session termination

[0099] The "End Sensing Session" command is used to terminate a sensing session. After the sensing session ends, the station will not participate in processes such as sensing measurement.

[0083]

[0100] 3. NDPA variants:

[0101] Currently, NDPA has the following four variants: Ultra-high throughput (VHT) NDPA frame, Ranging NDPA frame, High-efficiency (HE) NDPA frames, and Extremely high throughput (EHT) NDPA frame.

[0084]

[0102] Accordingly, the NDPs corresponding to the four variants mentioned above are: VHT NDP (compatible with VHT NDPA frames), HE ranging NDP (compatible with ranging NDP frames), HE Sounding NDP (corresponding to HE NDPA frames), and It is EHT NDP (corresponding to EHT NDPA frames).

[0085]

[0103] For example, the structure of a VHT NDPA frame may be as shown in Figure 1, and may include the following: A frame control field having a length of 2 octets. A duration field with a length of 2 octets, The receiver address (RA) field has a length of 6 octets. A transmission address (TA) field with a length of 6 octets, A sounding dialog token field having a length of 1 octet, A station information list (STA info list) having a length of 2 × N octets, and A frame check sequence (FCS) field with a length of 4 octets. A station information list may contain N station information fields, each with a length of 2 octets.

[0086]

[0104] The structure of the HE NDPA frame, EHT NDPA frame, and ranging NDPA frame may be as shown in Figure 2 and may include the following: A frame control field having a length of 2 octets, A duration field having a length of 2 octets, RA field having a length of 6 octets, A TA field having a length of 6 octets, A sounding dialogue token field having a length of 1 octet, N station information (STA info) fields, each having a length of 4 octets, and A frame check sequence (FCS) field with a length of 4 octets.

[0087]

[0105] It should be noted that the lengths of each field in this application are merely illustrative examples. The lengths of the fields are not particularly limited in this application. In actual applications, the lengths of the fields may be different.

[0088]

[0106] The four NDPA variants mentioned above may be distinguished by using the values ​​of bits 0 (B0) and 1 (B1) in the sounding dialogue token. For example, the NDPA variants corresponding to various values ​​of B0 and B1 in the sounding dialogue token may be those shown in Table 1.

[0089] Table 1

[0090] [Table 1]

[0107] In the sounding dialogue token, B0 and B1 are called NDPA variant subfields in the EHT standard and NDPA type subfields in the ranging standard (802.11az). Although the names B0 and B1 differ in the different standards, the device's interpretation of the two bits remains unaffected.

[0091]

[0108] It should be noted that the length of each station information field in a VHT NDPA frame is 2 octets, while the length of each station information field in HE NDPA frames, EHT NDPA frames, and ranging NDPA frames is 4 octets. Furthermore, the station information field is interpreted differently for different NDPA variants.

[0092]

[0109] Each station information field in HE NDPA frames, EHT NDPA frames, and ranging NDPA frames includes an 11-bit (B0 to B10) association identifier (AID) subfield. Each station information field in VHT NDPA frames includes a 12-bit (B0 to B11) or 13-bit (B0 to B12) AID subfield.

[0093]

[0110] The AID subfield indicates or corresponds to the station's AID. After receiving an NDPA frame, the station can parse the station information fields one by one. If the AID indicated by the AID subfield within the station information field is the station's AID, then the station information field is the field corresponding to the station, and the station can continue to parse the station information field to obtain information.

[0094]

[0111] The N station information fields in the NDPA frame may correspond one-to-one with the N stations, and the station information fields are used to carry the information requested by the station corresponding to the station information field. Different stations may require different information, meaning that different station information fields can carry different information.

[0095]

[0112] With respect to HE NDPA frames and ranging NDPA frames, the common fields (fields prior to the station information field) in the structure shown in Figure 2 may not be sufficient to carry the information required by each station. Therefore, to extend the common parts that all stations need to read, an extended common field using a special AID identifier is added to HE NDPA frames and ranging NDPA frames. Specifically, the extended common field is a special station information field, and the value of the AID subfield of the special station information field is a special value or special AID. For example, the meanings corresponding to the various values ​​of the AID subfield may be as shown in Table 2 below.

[0096] Table 2

[0097] [Table 2]

[0113] 2043, 2044, 2045, and 2047 can be understood as the aforementioned special values ​​or special AIDs.

[0098]

[0114] The aforementioned NDPA variant may be considered as NDPA in non-802.11bf standards, and the corresponding NDP may be considered as NDP in non-802.11bf standards. Therefore, NDPA and NDP must be designed in accordance with the 802.11bf standard.

[0099]

[0115] Based on this, the present application provides an NDP transmission method and designs a sensing NDP applicable to the 802.11bf standard. The first or second NDP is derived from the sensing NDP. This avoids the use of only a fixed type of NDP and flexibly and fully utilizes the advantages of both the first and second NDPs, thereby improving sensing performance.

[0100]

[0116] The embodiments of this application may be applicable to wireless local area network (WLAN) scenarios, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11bf standard, or other 802.11 system standards such as 802.11a / b / g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, or the next generation of 802.11ax, such as 802.11be or a further next generation standard. Alternatively, the embodiments of this application may be applicable to wireless local area network systems such as Internet of Things (IoT) networks or vehicle-to-X (V2X) networks. Indeed, the embodiments of this application are also applicable to other possible communication systems, such as long-term evolution (LTE) systems, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) systems, LTE time division duplex (TDD) systems, universal mobile telecommunication systems (UMTS), worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication systems, and future fifth-generation (5G) communication systems.

[0101]

[0117] The communication systems applicable to this application are merely illustrative examples and are not limited to those listed. A unified explanation is provided here, and further details are not given below.

[0102]

[0118] Firstly, the present application provides a WLAN communication system to which embodiments of the present application are applicable. The WLAN communication system includes a first device and a second device.

[0103]

[0119] Optionally, both the first and second devices may be APs. Alternatively, one of the first and second devices may be an AP, and the other a non-AP STA. Alternatively, both the first and second devices may be non-AP STAs.

[0104]

[0120] In one example, Figure 3 is a diagram of the architecture of a WLAN communication system according to the present application. Figure 3 uses an example in which the WLAN communication system includes AP 1, AP 2, non-AP STA 1, non-AP STA 2, and non-AP STA 3. It should be understood that the number of APs and non-AP STAs in Figure 3 are merely examples, and there may be more or fewer APs and non-AP STAs.

[0105]

[0121] For example, in the communication system shown in Figure 3, AP 1 may be the first device, and non-AP STA 1 may be the second device. Alternatively, AP 1 may be the first device, and AP 2 may be the second device. Alternatively, one of non-AP STA 2 and non-AP STA 3 may be the first device, and the other the second device. It should be understood that the APs and non-AP STAs in Figure 3 may have other combinations as the first and second devices. This is not limited to these combinations.

[0106]

[0122] In the embodiments of this application, the non-AP STA may be a wireless communication chip, a wireless sensor, or a wireless communication terminal. For example, the non-AP STA may be a user terminal, user equipment, access equipment, subscriber station, subscriber unit, mobile station, user agent, or user device that supports wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) communication functionality. A user terminal may include various handheld devices, vehicle-mounted devices, wearable devices, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, computing devices, or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem having wireless communication capabilities, and may also include various forms of user equipment (UE), mobile non-AP station (MS), terminal, terminal equipment, portable communication devices, handheld devices, portable computing devices, entertainment devices, game devices or systems, global positioning system devices, or any other suitable device configured to perform network communication over a wireless medium. Furthermore, non-AP STA can support the 802.11bf standard. Non-AP STA can also support multiple WLAN standards such as the 802.11be standard, or next-generation standards such as 802.11be, 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, and 802.11a.

[0107]

[0123] In the embodiments of this application, an AP can be a device deployed in a wireless communication network that provides wireless communication capabilities to non-AP STAs associated with the AP. APs are primarily deployed in homes, buildings, and campuses. A typical coverage radius of an AP is tens to hundreds of meters. Naturally, APs may also be deployed outdoors. An AP acts as a bridge connecting a wired network and a wireless network, and is primarily used to connect wireless network clients to each other and then connect the wireless network to Ethernet. Specifically, an AP may be a communication device with a Wi-Fi chip, such as a base station, router, gateway, repeater, communication server, switch, or bridge. Base stations can include various forms of macro base stations, micro base stations, relay stations, etc. APs can also support the 802.11bf standard. The AP can also support multiple WLAN standards, such as the 802.11be standard, or next-generation standards including 802.11be, 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, and 802.11a.

[0108]

[0124] In some embodiments, the AP and non-AP STA in this application may be collectively referred to as WLAN devices. In specific implementations, the WLAN device may use the configuration shown in Figure 4, or may include the components shown in Figure 4.

[0109]

[0125] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the WLAN device 400 according to an embodiment of the present application. The WLAN device 400 may be a non-AP STA, or a chip or chip system (or system-on-chip) within a non-AP STA. Alternatively, the WLAN device 400 may be an AP, or a chip or chip system (or system-on-chip) within an AP. In this embodiment of the present application, the chip system may include a chip, or it may include a chip and other discrete components.

[0110]

[0126] As shown in Figure 4, the WLAN device 400 includes a processor 401 and a transceiver 402. Furthermore, the WLAN device 400 may further include memory 404. The processor 401, memory 404, and transceiver 402 may be connected via a communication line 403.

[0111]

[0127] Optionally, the processor 401 may be a central processing unit (CPU), a general-purpose processor / network processor (NP), a digital signal processing unit (DSP), a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a programmable logic device (PLD), or any combination thereof. Alternatively, the processor 401 may be another device with processing capabilities, such as a circuit, component, or software module. This is not limited to these.

[0112]

[0128] For example, processor 401 may include one or more CPUs, such as CPU 0 and CPU 1 in Figure 4. WLAN device 400 may include multiple processors. For example, in addition to processor 401 in Figure 4, WLAN device 400 may include another processor (not shown in Figure 4).

[0113]

[0129] The transceiver 402 is configured to communicate with another device or another communication network. The other communication network may be an Ethernet, a radio access network (RAN), a WLAN, or similar. The transceiver 402 may be a module, a circuit, a transceiver, or any device capable of performing communication.

[0130] Communication line 403 is configured to transmit information between components included in the WLAN device 400.

[0114]

[0131] Memory 404 is configured to store instructions. Instructions may be computer programs. Memory 404 may be read-only memory (ROM) or another type of static storage device capable of storing static information and / or instructions; random access memory (RAM) or another type of dynamic storage device capable of storing information and / or instructions; or electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or another optical disc storage, optical disc storage (including compact discs, laser discs, optical discs, digital multipurpose discs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), disc storage media, or another magnetic storage device. This is not limited to these.

[0132] It should be noted that memory 404 may be independent of processor 401 or may be integrated with processor 401. Memory 404 may be configured to store instructions, program code, some data, etc. Memory 404 may be located inside or outside the WLAN device 400. This is not limited to memory 404. Processor 401 may execute instructions stored in memory 404 and carry out the methods provided in the following embodiments of this application.

[0115]

[0133] In an optional implementation, the WLAN device 400 further includes an output device 405 and an input device 406. For example, the input device 406 may be a keyboard, mouse, microphone, joystick, or other device, and the output device 405 may be a display screen, speaker, or other device.

[0116]

[0134] It is important to understand that the configuration shown in Figure 4 does not constitute a limitation on WLAN devices. In addition to the components shown in Figure 4, WLAN devices may include more or fewer components than those shown in the diagram, combine several components, or have different component arrangements.

[0117]

[0135] The methods provided in the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below. In the embodiments of this application, it is possible to understand that the implementer may perform all or some of the steps in the embodiments of this application, and that the steps or actions are merely examples. In the embodiments of this application, other actions or various variations of actions may be performed further. Furthermore, the steps may be performed in an order different from the order presented in the embodiments of this application, and not all actions in the embodiments of this application may be performed.

[0118]

[0136] Figure 5 is a schematic flowchart of the NDP transmission and reception method described in this application. The NDP transmission and reception method includes the following steps.

[0119]

[0137] S501: The first device transmits a sensing NDPA frame. In response, the second device receives a sensing NDPA frame from the first device. The sensing NDPA frame indicates that the first device is transmitting an NDP.

[0120]

[0138] Optionally, the sensing NDPA frame may be understood as a novel NDPA variant provided in this application. The novel NDPA variant is distinct from the VHT NDPA frame, the ranging NDPA frame, the HE NDPA frame, and the EHT NDPA frame.

[0121]

[0139] It should be noted that the term “Sensing NDPA Frame” is used merely as an example to distinguish the new NDPA variant provided in this application from the four variants shown in Table 1. The name of the new NDPA variant is not particularly limited in this application. In actual applications, the new NDPA variant may have a different name, for example, Measuring NDPA. Furthermore, the Sensing NDPA Frame provided in this application may be applicable to the IEEE 802.11bf standard. Naturally, the Sensing NDPA Frame may be applicable to other 802.11 system standards, for example, the 802.11be standard or further next-generation standards.

[0122]

[0140] In some implementation scenarios, the sensing NDPA frame may reuse the ranging NDPA frame, or it may reuse a VHT NDPA frame, HE NDPA frame, or EHT NDPA frame.

[0123]

[0141] Optionally, if one of the four aforementioned NDPA frames is reused, the present application provides a novel structure for the NDPA frame. The NDPA frame includes a sounding dialogue token field, and the first subfields (B0 and B1) within the sounding dialogue token field indicate the first NDPA frame. The first NDPA frame is one of the ranging NDPA frame, VHT NDPA frame, HE NDPA frame, or EHT NDPA frame.

[0124] For example, if the first NDPA frame is a ranging NDPA, then in the first subfield, B0 could be set to equal to 1 and B1 could be set to equal to 0.

[0125] If the first NDPA frame is a VHT NDPA frame, then in the first subfield, B0 may be set to equal to 0 and B1 may be set to equal to 0.

[0126] If the first NDPA frame is an HE NDPA frame, then in the first subfield, B0 may be set to equal to 0 and B1 may be set to equal to 1.

[0127] If the first NDPA frame is an EHT NDPA frame, then in the first subfield, B0 may be set to equal 1 and B1 may be set to equal 1.

[0128]

[0142] In possible implementations, the NDPA frame further includes an additional field A indicating whether the NDPA frame is a sensing NDPA frame or a first NDPA frame. For example, if the value of field A is a first value, the NDPA frame is a sensing NDPA frame, or the value of field A being a first value indicates that the sensing NDPA frame is a reuse of the first NDPA frame. If the value of field A is a second value, the NDPA frame is a ranging NDPA frame.

[0129]

[0143] For example, field A may be located in the common part of the NDPA frame, which includes fields other than the station information field. Alternatively, field A may be located within each station information field, i.e., each station information field includes field A.

[0130]

[0144] For example, the length of field A may be 1 bit. The first value may be 1, and the second value may be 0. Alternatively, the first value may be 0, and the second value may be 1. Naturally, the length of field A may have more bits in other implementations, for example, more than 1. This is not limited to this.

[0131]

[0145] For example, Field A may be a reserved field within the common part or station information field, or it may be a newly added field within the common part or station information field. This is not particularly limited in this application.

[0132]

[0146] Optionally, after receiving an NDPA frame transmitted by the first device, the second device can analyze field A. If field A indicates that the NDPA frame is a sensing NDPA frame, other fields in the sensing NDPA frame may continue to be analyzed based on the format of the sensing NDPA frame. If field A indicates that the NDPA frame is a first NDPA frame, other fields in the first NDPA frame may continue to be analyzed based on the format of the first NDPA frame.

[0133]

[0147] In embodiments of this application, field A may be referred to as the sixth field, and field A and the sixth field may be substituted for each other. This is not particularly limited in this application.

[0134]

[0148] In another possible implementation, if special station information is present in the NDPA frame, it indicates that the NDPA frame is a sensing NDPA frame, or that the sensing NDPA frame is reusing a first NDPA frame. If the special station information field is not present in the NDPA frame, it indicates that the NDPA frame is a first NDPA frame. Alternatively, if special station information is present in the NDPA frame, the NDPA frame is a first NDPA frame; or if the special station information field is not present in the NDPA frame, the NDPA frame is a sensing NDPA frame. The value of the association identifier field included in the special station information field may be a pre-set specific value. This specific value may not be the AID corresponding to the station, but rather a reserved AID value in the conventional standard, for example, any value between 2008 and 2042.

[0135]

[0149] Optionally, after receiving an NDPA frame transmitted by the first device, the second device may determine whether the NDPA frame is a sensing NDPA or a first NDPA frame, based on whether special station information is present in the NDPA frame. If special station information is present in the NDPA frame, other fields of the sensing NDPA frame can continue to be parsed based on the format of the sensing NDPA frame. If the special station information field is not present in the NDPA frame, other fields in the first NDPA frame can continue to be parsed based on the format of the first NDPA frame.

[0136]

[0150] Furthermore, in the two possible implementations described above, the sensing NDPA frame may further include one or more of the following: a frame control field, a duration field, an RA field, a TA field, a station information list field (or N station information fields), and a frame check sequence field.

[0137]

[0151] Furthermore, in another possible implementation, the first device may transmit a radio frame before transmitting a sensing NDPA frame. The radio frame indicates the type of NDPA frame transmitted by the first device, or indicates the type of NDPA variant.

[0138] If the wireless frame indicates that the type of NDPA frame transmitted by the first device is a sensing NDPA frame, the second device analyzes the NDPA frame received in step S501 based on the format of the sensing NDPA frame.

[0139] If the wireless frame indicates that the type of NDPA frame transmitted by the first device is a first NDPA frame, the second device analyzes the NDPA frame received in step S501 based on the format of the first NDPA frame.

[0140]

[0152] In a scenario where the first device transmits a sensing NDPA frame in step S501, it is possible to understand that the wireless frame may also be considered as indicating the type of sensing NDPA frame.

[0141]

[0153] In other implementation scenarios, a sensing NDPA frame may include a frame control field. The frame control field may include a control frame extension field. The control frame extension field can indicate the type of sensing NDPA frame. In other words, an NDPA frame carrying a control frame extension field is a sensing NDPA frame, or the control frame extension field indicates that a sensing NDPA frame is a newly defined NDPA frame. That is, the control frame extension field can be used to distinguish sensing NDPA frames from ranging NDPA frames, VHT NDPA frames, HE NDPA frames, or EHT NDPA frames.

[0142]

[0154] Optionally, after receiving an NDPA frame transmitted by the first device, the second device can analyze the control frame extension field, determine that the NDPA frame is a sensing NDPA frame based on the control frame, and then continue analyzing other fields within the sensing NDPA frame based on the format of the sensing NDPA frame.

[0143]

[0155] Furthermore, in this implementation scenario, the sensing NDPA frame may further include one or more of the following: duration field, RA field, TA field, station information list field (or N station information fields), and frame check sequence field.

[0144]

[0156] S502: The first device transmits an NDP. In response, the second device receives an NDP from the first device.

[0145]

[0157] An NDP can be either a first NDP or a second NDP. The type of first NDP is different from the type of second NDP.

[0146]

[0158] Optionally, in this application, having different types of NDPs may include at least one of the following: an NDP having different physical layer (PHY) versions, supporting different functions, or having different formats. For example, physical layer versions may include, but are not limited to, EHT, HE, VHT, etc.

[0147]

[0159] For example, if two NDPs have the same physical layer version but support different functionalities, they may also be understood as different types of NDPs. For instance, an HE ranging NDP and an HE sounding NDP have the same physical layer version but support different functionalities. Therefore, it is possible to consider an HE ranging NDP and an HE sounding NDP as different types of NDPs.

[0148]

[0160] For example, if different types of NDPs mean different physical layer versions of the NDPs, then the physical layer version of the first NDP will be different from the physical layer version of the second NDP.

[0149]

[0161] Optionally, the first NDP or the second NDP may be understood as an NDP derived from the sensing NDPA frame, or as an NDP corresponding to the sensing NDPA frame.

[0150]

[0162] Optionally, the first NDP satisfies at least one of the following: the bandwidth supported by the first NDP is greater than the first threshold, or the first NDP supports puncture. For example, the first NDP may be an EHT NDP. The first threshold may be the bandwidth of the PPDU including the sensing NDP as required by the HE standard, or the maximum bandwidth of the NDP, e.g., 160 megahertz (MHz).

[0151]

[0163] Optionally, the second NDP satisfies at least one of the following: the second NDP supports a secure long training field (LTF), or the second NDP supports a repeated LTF. For example, the second NDP may be an HE ranging NDP, and the corresponding LTF is an HE-LTF, i.e., the second NDP supports a secure HE-LTF or a repeated HE-LTF. A repeated LTF means that the LTF is repeated multiple times, or the second NDP may contain multiple identical LTFs.

[0152]

[0164] According to this solution, the first device transmits a sensing NDPA frame, and the first or second NDP is derived from the sensing NDPA frame. This avoids the situation where only one fixed NDP is derived from the sensing NDPA frame, or where the sensing NDPA frame corresponds to only one fixed NDP, thereby flexibly and fully utilizing the advantages of both the first and second NDPs and improving sensing performance.

[0153]

[0165] Furthermore, if the bandwidth supported by the first NDP is greater than the first threshold, the greater bandwidth greatly contributes to improving sensing accuracy, so it is possible to improve sensing accuracy by transmitting the first NDP. If the first NDP supports puncturing, transmitting the first NDP allows for more efficient use of bandwidth resources, thereby improving resource utilization. If the second NDP supports secure LTF, transmitting the second NDP can improve security performance. If the second NDP supports repeated LTF, it is possible to improve the signal-to-noise ratio at the receiving end.

[0154]

[0166] The above describes the overall procedure of the NDP transmission and reception method provided in this application. The rules for selecting the first or second NDP in step S502 are described below.

[0155]

[0167] Optionally, if the first condition is met, the NDP in step S502 is the first NDP; or, if the first condition is not met, the NDP in step S502 is the second NDP. That is, if the first condition is met, the first device transmits the first NDP in step S502, and if the first condition is not met, the first device transmits the second NDP in step S502.

[0156]

[0168] Accordingly, if the first condition is met, the second device analyzes the received NDP based on the first NDP format. If the first condition is not met, the second device analyzes the received NDP based on the second NDP format.

[0157]

[0169] Optionally, the first condition includes at least one of the following:

[0170] (1) The bandwidth of the first PPDU is greater than the first threshold.

[0158]

[0171] Optionally, if the bandwidth of the first PPDU is greater than the first threshold, the first device can transmit the first NDP, and the second device analyzes the received NDP based on the format of the first NDP. If the bandwidth of the first PPDU is not greater than the first threshold, the first device can transmit the second NDP, and the second device analyzes the received NDP based on the format of the second NDP.

[0159]

[0172] In possible implementations, the first PPDU includes the sensing NDPA frame in step S501. In other words, the first PPDU is a PPDU that includes the sensing NDPA frame.

[0160]

[0173] In another possible implementation, the first PPDU is the NDP in step S502. The NDP in step S502 is the first NDP if the first condition is met. Therefore, the first PPDU may be considered as the first NDP.

[0161]

[0174] Optionally, the bandwidth of the first PPDU may be the bandwidth required by the first device to transmit the first PPDU, for example, the bandwidth required by the first device in a beacon frame (the beacon frame is transmitted before step S501), or the bandwidth indicated by the preamble part of the first PPDU. Alternatively, the bandwidth of the first PPDU may be the bandwidth actually occupied by the first PPDU.

[0162]

[0175] For example, suppose the bandwidth required by the first device to transmit the first PPDU is 320 MHz, but 80 MHz of the 320 MHz bandwidth is unavailable, and the bandwidth actually occupied by the first PPDU is 240 MHz. In this case, the bandwidth of the first PPDU may be understood as either 320 MHz or 240 MHz.

[0163]

[0176] Optionally, if the bandwidth of the first PPDU is greater than the first threshold, the first PPDU may be an EHT PPDU or a non-high throughput (HT) duplicate PPDU, i.e., a non-HT duplicate PPDU. Naturally, the first PPDU may also be in another form or type of PPDU. This is not particularly limited in this application.

[0164]

[0177] In possible implementations, if the first PPDU includes a sensing NDPA frame, the second device may determine whether the bandwidth of the first PPDU is greater than a first threshold based on the bandwidth required in the beacon frame, the bandwidth specified in the first PPDU, or the detected bandwidth occupied by the first PPDU. If the bandwidth of the first PPDU is greater than the first threshold, the NDP received in step S502 is determined to be the first NDP, and the NDP is parsed based on the format of the first NDP. If the first PPDU is not greater than the first threshold, the NDP received in step S502 is determined to be the second NDP, and the NDP is parsed based on the format of the second NDP.

[0165]

[0178] In another possible implementation, if the first PPDU is an NDP in step S502, the second device can determine, based on the bandwidth indicated in the first PPDU, whether the bandwidth of the first PPDU is greater than a first threshold, and perform the corresponding processing based on the determination. Alternatively, if the first threshold is 160 MHz and the required bandwidth in the beacon frame is 320 MHz, the second device can determine that the bandwidth of the first PPDU is greater than the first threshold and perform the corresponding processing. For the corresponding processing performed based on the determination, see the relevant description when the first PPDU contains a sensing NDPA frame. Further details are not provided here.

[0166]

[0179] In yet another possible implementation, the sensing NDPA frame may include a first field, the first field indicating whether the bandwidth of the first PPDU is greater than a first threshold. It will be understood that the first field indicates that the bandwidth of the first PPDU is greater than the first threshold if the bandwidth of the first PPDU is greater than the first threshold; or, if the bandwidth of the first PPDU is not greater than the first threshold, the first field indicates that the bandwidth of the first PPDU is not greater than the first threshold.

[0167]

[0180] For example, if the first threshold is 160 MHz, then a commonly used bandwidth greater than 160 MHz is 320 MHz. In this case, the first field could indicate whether the bandwidth of the first PPDU is 320 MHz.

[0168]

[0181] Optionally, in this possible implementation, if the first field indicates that the bandwidth of the first PPDU is greater than the first threshold, the second device parses the received NDP based on the format of the first NDP. If the first field indicates that the bandwidth of the first PPDU is not greater than the first threshold, the second device parses the received NDP based on the format of the second NDP.

[0169]

[0182] Optionally, condition (1) above may be replaced by: if the bandwidth of the first PPDU is greater than or equal to the first threshold, i.e., if the bandwidth of the first PPDU is equal to the first threshold, the first device may also transmit the first NDP, and accordingly, the second device will analyze the received NDP based on the format of the first NDP.

[0170]

[0183] (2) An unavailable subchannel exists on the first channel.

[0171]

[0184] The first channel is used to transmit the first PPDU. The first PPDU may be a PPDU containing a sensing NDPA frame, or it may be an NDP in step 502. For details, see the relevant explanation in condition (1) above. Details will not be explained again here.

[0172]

[0185] Optionally, if an unavailable subchannel exists on the first channel, the first device may transmit a first NDP, and the second device may analyze the received NDP based on the format of the first NDP. If no unavailable subchannel exists on the first channel, the first device may transmit a second NDP, and the second device may analyze the received NDP based on the format of the second NDP. For example, the bandwidth of one subchannel may be 20 MHz.

[0173]

[0186] Optionally, the first device can notify the second device that an unavailable subchannel exists on the first channel in one of the following two ways:

[0174]

[0187] Method 1: The sensing NDPA frame may include a first station information field. The first station information field includes an association identifier field, the value of which is a first specific value. The first specific value indicates that an unavailable subchannel exists on the first channel.

[0175]

[0188] It should be noted that the term "unavailable subchannel" in this application may also be referred to as "disallowed subchannel," and that "unavailable subchannel" and "disallowed subchannel" may be interchangeable. This is not particularly limited in this application.

[0176]

[0189] For example, the first specific value may be a value associated with an unavailable subchannel, e.g., 2047, rather than an AID corresponding to a station. Alternatively, the first specific value may be an AID value reserved in the previous standard, e.g., a value between 2008 and 2042. Alternatively, the first specific value may be 2046.

[0177]

[0190] Optionally, after receiving a sensing NDPA frame, the second device analyzes the sensing NDPA frame, and if the value of the association identifier field in the first station information field is a first specific value, the second device analyzes the NDP received in step S502 based on the format of the first NDP. If the NDPA frame does not contain the first station information field, or if the value of the association identifier field in the first station information field is not a first specific value, the second device can analyze the NDP received in step 502 based on the format of the second NDP.

[0178]

[0191] Optionally, the first station information field may be the first station information field to appear in the sensing NDPA frame. In other words, of all station information fields included in the sensing NDPA frame, the first station information field is located at the first location. Naturally, the first station information field may alternatively appear at another location within the sensing NDPA frame. This is not particularly limited in this application.

[0179]

[0192] Furthermore, the first station information field may further include a second field. The second field indicates an unavailable subchannel in the first channel. If the first PPDU is an NDP, the first channel is used to transmit the NDP, and the second field indicates that an unavailable subchannel exists in the channel for NDP transmission.

[0180]

[0193] For example, the second field may be a disabled subchannel bitmap subfield. For instance, if the total number of subchannels in the first channel is M, the disabled subchannel bitmap subfield may contain M bits. The M bits may correspond one-to-one to the M subchannels in the first channel. If the bit value is 1 (or 0), it can indicate that the subchannel corresponding to the bit is unavailable. Alternatively, if the total number of subchannels in the first channel is M, the disabled subchannel bitmap subfield may contain M / X bits. In this case, 1 bit corresponds to X subchannels in the first channel, and if the bit value is 1 (or 0), it can indicate that all of the X subchannels corresponding to the bit are unavailable.

[0181]

[0194] In other examples, if the first PPDU is an NDP, the second field may be another field indicating an unavailable subchannel in the channel for NDP transmission, and may be different from the disallowed subchannel bitmap.

[0182]

[0195] Optionally, in this scenario, if the value of the association identifier field in the first station information field is a first specific value and the second field in the first station information field indicates an unavailable subchannel, the second device parses the NDP received in step S502 based on the format of the first NDP.

[0183]

[0196] Method 2: The first device may transmit a beacon frame. The beacon frame includes first instruction information, which indicates that an unavailable subchannel exists on the first channel.

[0184]

[0197] In response, the second device is able to receive a beacon frame from the first device. If the first instruction information in the beacon frame indicates that an unavailable subchannel exists on the first channel, the second device parses the NDP based on the format of the first NDP.

[0185]

[0198] Optionally, if the beacon frame does not contain the first instruction information, or if the first instruction information indicates that an unavailable subchannel does not exist on the first channel, the second device parses the received NDP based on the second NDP format.

[0186]

[0199] Furthermore, in the two methods described above, the first device transmits the first NDP if the unavailable subchannels in the first channel overlap with the subchannel range corresponding to the NDP transmission bandwidth. If the unavailable subchannels exist in the first channel but do not overlap with the subchannel range corresponding to the NDP transmission bandwidth, the first device may transmit the first NDP or the second NDP.

[0187]

[0200] For example, suppose the bandwidth of the first channel is 320 MHz, the first channel is divided into four 80 MHz areas, the fourth 80 MHz area is unavailable, and the bandwidth actually occupied by the PPDU, including the sensing NDPA frame, is 160 MHz. In this scenario:

[0201] Regardless of whether the unavailable subchannels overlap with the subchannel range corresponding to the NDP transmission bandwidth, the first device can transmit the first NDP, and since the first NDP supports puncturing, even if the unavailable subchannels overlap with the subchannel range corresponding to the NDP transmission bandwidth, the first device can transmit the first NDP with puncturing occurring.

[0188]

[0202] If the unavailable subchannels do not overlap with the subchannel range corresponding to the NDP transmission bandwidth, for example, if the subchannel range corresponding to the NDP transmission bandwidth includes a first 80 MHz area and a second 80 MHz area, the NDP transmitted by the first device may be the NDP specified in the standard or default NDP. For example, if the standard specifies that the first NDP is transmitted in this scenario, the first device transmits the first NDP, or if the standard specifies that the second NDP is transmitted in this scenario, the first device transmits the second NDP.

[0189]

[0203] If an unavailable subchannel overlaps with a subchannel range corresponding to the NDP transmission bandwidth, for example, if the subchannel range corresponding to the NDP transmission bandwidth includes a third 80 MHz area and a fourth 80 MHz area, the subchannel range corresponding to the fourth 80 MHz area is unavailable, so the first device can transmit the first NDP instead of the second NDP.

[0190]

[0204] The subchannel range corresponding to the NDP transmission bandwidth may be the same as the subchannel range corresponding to the transmission bandwidth of the PPDU containing the sensing NDPA frame. For example, based on the above example, if the subchannel range corresponding to the transmission bandwidth of the PPDU containing the sensing NDPA frame includes a first 80 MHz area and a second 80 MHz area, then the subchannel range corresponding to the NDP transmission bandwidth also includes the first 80 MHz area and the second 80 MHz area.

[0191]

[0205] (3) Puncture occurs in the first PPDU. The first PPDU may be a PPDU containing a sensing NDPA frame, or it may be an NDP in step 502. For details, see the relevant explanation in condition (1) above. Details will not be explained again here.

[0192]

[0206] Optionally, if puncturing occurs in the first PPDU, the first device may transmit a first NDP, and the second device may analyze the received NDP based on the format of the first NDP. If puncturing does not occur in the first PPDU, the first device may transmit a second NDP, and the second device may analyze the received NDP based on the format of the second NDP.

[0193]

[0207] Optionally, if the first PPDU includes a sensing NDPA frame, the preamble part of the first PPDU may include a third field, which may indicate that puncture has occurred in the first PPDU.

[0194]

[0208] In response to this, if, after the second device receives the first PPDU, the third field indicates that puncturing has occurred in the first PPDU, the second device parses the NDP received in step S502 based on the format of the first NDP. If the preamble part of the first PPDU does not contain the third field, or if the third field indicates that puncturing does not exist in the first PPDU, the second device parses the NDP received in step S502 based on the format of the second NDP.

[0195]

[0209] Optionally, if the first PPDU is an NDP, the transmission location of the PPDU containing the sensing NDPA frame is usually the same as the transmission location of the NDP resulting from the sensing NDPA frame. Therefore, if the second device detects that puncture has occurred in the PPDU containing the sensing NDPA frame, it can also detect that puncture has occurred in the NDP resulting from the sensing NDPA frame.

[0196]

[0210] (4) The number of data streams supported by NDP is greater than or equal to the second threshold.

[0197]

[0211] Optionally, if the number of data streams supported by the NDP is greater than or equal to a second threshold, the first device can transmit the first NDP, and the second device parses the received NDP based on the format of the first NDP. If the number of data streams supported by the NDP is less than the second threshold, the first device can transmit the second NDP, and the second device parses the received NDP based on the format of the second NDP.

[0198]

[0212] Optionally, the second threshold may be the number of data streams not supported by the second NDP. For example, the second threshold may be equal to 8.

[0199]

[0213] Optionally, the first device may add field B to the sensing NDPA frame, which indicates whether the number of data streams supported by the NDP resulting from the sensing NDPA frame is greater than or equal to a second threshold. After the second device receives the sensing NDPA frame, if field B indicates that the number of data streams supported by the NDP is greater than or equal to the second threshold, the second device parses the received NDP based on the format of the first NDP. If field B indicates that the number of data streams supported by the NDP is less than the second threshold, the second device parses the received NDP based on the format of the second NDP. For example, field B can be a number of space-time streams (NSTS) subfield, a number of spatial streams (NSS) subfield, a number of columns (Nc) subfield, and similar.

[0200]

[0214] In some implementation scenarios, condition (4) may alternatively include: the total number of LTFs supported by NDP is greater than or equal to the third threshold.

[0201]

[0215] (5) The first resource is a resource unit that is not supported by the physical layer version of the second NDP.

[0202]

[0216] The first resource is used to carry the sensing NDPA frame, or the first resource is the resource to be measured in the first channel.

[0203]

[0217] Optionally, if the first resource is a resource unit not supported by the physical layer version of the second NDP, the first device can transmit the first NDP, and the second device parses the received NDP based on the format of the first NDP. If the first resource is not a resource unit not supported by the physical layer version of the second NDP, the first device can transmit the second NDP, and the second device parses the received NDP based on the format of the second NDP.

[0204]

[0218] Optionally, resource units supported by the second NDP may be defined in the protocol. Thus, the second device can know which resource units are supported by the second NDP.

[0205]

[0219] When the first resource is used to carry sensing NDPA frames, the second device can recognize the first resource by receiving the sensing NDPA frames and determine whether the first resource is a resource unit not supported by the physical layer version of the second NDP.

[0206]

[0220] If the first resource is a resource to be measured on the first channel, the sensing NDPA frame may include a station information field, and the station information field may include a fourth field indicating the first resource. After receiving the sensing NDPA frame, the second device can determine the first resource based on the indication of the fourth field and determine whether the first resource is a resource unit not supported by the physical layer version of the second NDP.

[0207]

[0221] For example, the fourth field may be a partial bandwidth information (partial BW info) subfield, where BW refers to bandwidth. Naturally, the fourth field may alternatively be another subfield within the station information field. This is not particularly limited in this application.

[0208]

[0222] Optionally, the resource unit in this application may include resource units (RUs) and / or multi-resource units (multi-RUs, MRUs).

[0209]

[0223] The above is the rule for selecting the first NDP or the second NDP in step S502. The design of sensing NDPA frames, beacon frames, etc., may be understood as an implicit indication of the first NDP and the second NDP. Furthermore, this application further provides several methods for explicitly or implicitly indicating the first NDP or the second NDP.

[0210]

[0224] In possible implementations, the sensing NDPA frame may include a fifth field, which indicates whether the NDP in step S502 is the first NDP or the second NDP. If the value of the fifth field is the third value, it indicates that the NDP is the first NDP; or, if the value of the fifth field is the fourth value, it indicates that the NDP is the second NDP.

[0211]

[0225] Optionally, the length of the fifth field may be 1 bit. The third value may be 1, and the fourth value may be 0. Alternatively, the third value may be 0, and the fourth value may be 1. Naturally, the length of the fifth field may have more bits in other implementations, for example, more than 1. This is not limited to this.

[0212]

[0226] Optionally, the fifth field may be placed in each station information field in the sensing NDPA frame, or the fifth field may be placed in a field included in the sensing NDPA frame other than the station information field.

[0213]

[0227] Optionally, after the second device receives a sensing NDPA frame, and if the fifth field indicates that the NDP is the first NDP, the second device parses the NDP based on the format of the first NDP. If the fifth field indicates that the NDP is the second NDP, the second device parses the NDP based on the format of the second NDP.

[0214]

[0228] In another possible implementation, if a second station information field is present in the sensing NDPA frame, the NDP is the first NDP. If the second station information field is not present in the sensing NDPA frame, the NDP is the second NDP. The second station information field includes an association identifier field, the value of which is a second specific value. For example, the second specific value may be 2046, 2047, or one of the values ​​between 2008 and 2042. Optionally, the second specific value may be different from the first specific value.

[0215]

[0229] Optionally, if the second device receives the sensing NDPA frame and the second station information is present in the sensing NDPA frame, the second device parses the NDP based on the format of the first NDP. If the second station information field is not present in the sensing NDPA frame, the second device parses the NDP based on the format of the second NDP.

[0216]

[0230] In yet another possible implementation, the first device may transmit a radio frame before transmitting a sensing NDPA frame. The radio frame indicates whether the NDP is a first NDP or a second NDP. If the radio frame indicates that the NDP is a first NDP, the second device parses the NDP based on the format of the first NDP; or, if the radio frame indicates that the NDP is a second NDP, the second device parses the NDP based on the format of the second NDP.

[0217]

[0231] Optionally, the radio frame may be a beacon frame. Alternatively, the radio frame may be a radio frame in the sensing measurement setup phase, such as a sensing measurement setup request frame or a sensing measurement setup response frame.

[0218]

[0232] In yet another possible implementation, in step S502, the first device may transmit an NDP in the measurement instance. If trigger-based sounding and NDPA sounding occur in the measurement instance, the NDP may be a second NDP. In trigger-based sounding, the first device may transmit a trigger frame to the second device, triggering the second device to transmit an NDP.

[0219]

[0233] In yet another possible implementation, the format of the NDP derived from the sensing NDPA frame may be determined through the format of the PPDU carrying the sensing NDPA frame. For example, if the PPDU carrying the sensing NDPA frame is an EHT PPDU, the NDP derived from the sensing NDPA frame is the first NDP. If the PPDU carrying the sensing NDPA frame is not an EHT PPDU, the NDP derived from the sensing NDPA frame is the second NDP.

[0220]

[0234] In yet another possible implementation, the format of the NDP derived from the sensing NDPA frame may be determined by whether the medium access control (MAC) frame carries fields corresponding to a particular generation of standard. For example, if the standard is an EHT standard and the MAC frame carries an EHT operation element, the NDP derived from the sensing NDPA frame is a first NDP; or, if the MAC frame does not carry an EHT operation element, the NDP derived from the sensing NDPA frame is a second NDP.

[0221]

[0235] The embodiments described above use, for illustrative purposes, examples in which the first or second NDP is derived from the sensing NDPA frame in a single format. In some embodiments, the sensing NDPA frame in this application may have two formats, or there may be two variants of the sensing NDPA frame. Of the two formats, the NDP corresponding to the first format is the first NDP, and the NDP corresponding to the second format is the second NDP. In other words, the NDP corresponding to the first variant is the first NDP, and the NDP corresponding to the second variant is the second NDP.

[0222]

[0236] Optionally, the sensing NDPA frames in the two formats described above may be implemented by reusing conventional NDPA frames, or by defining new NDPA frames. For example, one of the two implementations may be implemented by multiplexing the four NDPA frames shown in Table 1, and the other may be implemented by using the control frame extension field in the frame control field. Alternatively, the sensing NDPA frames in the two formats may be implemented by multiplexing different NDPA frames among the four NDPA frames shown in Table 1. Alternatively, the sensing NDPA frames in the two formats may be implemented by using two different values ​​in the control frame extension field. See the relevant explanation in step S501 described above. Details are not described again here.

[0223]

[0237] Optionally, the frame structure of the sensing NDPA frame in the two aforementioned formats may differ; or the meaning of some fields may differ. This is not particularly limited in this application.

[0224]

[0238] Optionally, whether the format of the sensing NDPA frame in step S501 is specifically the first format or the second format may be determined by referring to the first condition described above. For example, if the first condition is met, the format of the sensing NDPA frame is the first format; or, if the first condition is not met, the format of the sensing NDPA frame is the second format.

[0225]

[0239] Optionally, if sensing NDPA frames exist in two formats, the second device may determine the format of the NDP derived from the sensing NDPA frame based on the format of the received sensing NDPA frame, and then analyze the received NDP based on the NDP format.

[0226]

[0240] It should be noted that the aforementioned methods for implicitly indicating the first NDP or the second NDP, and the aforementioned methods for explicitly indicating the first NDP or the second NDP, may be used separately or together. This is not particularly limited in this application.

[0227]

[0241] In the embodiments described above, it is possible to understand that the methods and / or steps performed by the first device may be performed by components (e.g., chips or circuits) that can be used in the first device, and the methods and / or steps performed by the second device may be performed by components (e.g., chips or circuits) that can be used in the second device.

[0228]

[0242] The above primarily describes the solution provided in this application from the perspective of device-to-device interaction. Correspondingly, this application further provides a communication device configured to implement the method described above. The communication device may be the first device in the embodiment of the method described above, an apparatus including the first device described above, or a component that can be used in the first device. Alternatively, the communication device may be the second device in the embodiment of the method described above, an apparatus including the second device described above, or a component that can be used in the second device.

[0229]

[0243] It is possible to understand that, in order to perform the functions described above, the communication device includes hardware structures and / or software modules for performing the corresponding functions. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize, in combination with the example units and algorithmic steps described in the embodiments disclosed in this specification, that the application may be implemented in hardware or in combination of hardware and computer software. Whether the functions are performed by hardware or by hardware driven by computer software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art may use different methods to perform the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered to extend beyond the scope of this application.

[0230]

[0244] In embodiments of the present application, the communication device may be divided into functional modules based on embodiments of the method described above. For example, each functional module may be obtained by division based on its respective corresponding function, or two or more functions may be integrated into a single processing module. The integrated module may be implemented in hardware form or in the form of a software functional module. It should be noted that in embodiments of the present application, the division into modules is merely an example and is simply a logical functional division. In actual implementations, other division methods may be used.

[0231]

[0245] In an implementation scenario, for example, a communication device is the first device in the embodiment of the method described above. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first device 60. The first device 60 includes a transceiver module 602. Furthermore, the first device 60 may further include a processing module 601.

[0232]

[0246] In some embodiments, the first device 60 may further include a storage module (not shown in Figure 6) configured to store program instructions and data.

[0233]

[0247] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 602 may also be called a transceiver unit and is configured to perform transmitting and / or receiving functions. The transceiver module 602 may include transceiver circuitry, transceiver devices, transceivers, or communication interfaces.

[0234]

[0248] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 602 may include a receiving module and a transmitting module. The receiving module and the transmitting module are configured to perform the receiving and transmitting steps performed by the first device in embodiments of the method described above, and / or to support other processes of the technology described herein. The processing module 601 may be configured to perform processing-type steps (e.g., generating steps) performed by the first device in embodiments of the method described above, and / or to support other processes of the technology described herein.

[0235]

[0249] Processing module 601 is configured to generate sensing NDPA frames and NDPs. Transceiver module 602 is configured to transmit sensing NDPA frames, and sensing NDPA frames indicate that an NDP is to be transmitted. Transceiver module 602 is further configured to transmit an NDP, which is either a first NDP or a second NDP, where the physical layer version of the first NDP is different from the physical layer version of the second NDP.

[0236]

[0250] Optionally, the transceiver module 602 is further configured to transmit beacon frames, which include first instruction information indicating that an unavailable subchannel exists on the first channel.

[0237]

[0251] Optionally, the transceiver module 602 is further configured to transmit radio frames, which indicate whether the NDP is a first NDP or a second NDP, and / or the radio frame indicates the type of sensing NDP frame.

[0238]

[0252] Optionally, the transceiver module 602 may be configured to transmit NDP, which includes configuring the transceiver module 602 to transmit NDP in the measurement instance. If trigger-based sounding and NDPA sounding occur in the measurement instance, the NDP is a second NDP.

[0239]

[0253] All relevant details of the steps in the embodiments of the method described above can be referenced in the functional description of the corresponding functional module. Further details are not provided here.

[0240]

[0254] In this application, the first device 60 is presented in the form of an integrated functional module obtained by division. The “module” in this application may be an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a circuit, a processor, and a memory that executes one or more software or firmware programs, an integrated logic circuit, and / or another component capable of providing the aforementioned functions.

[0241]

[0255] In some embodiments, with respect to hardware implementation, those skilled in the art will understand that the first device 60 may take the form of the WLAN device 400 shown in Figure 4.

[0242]

[0256] For example, the function / implementation process of the processing module 601 in Figure 6 may be performed by the processor 401 in the WLAN device 400 shown in Figure 4 by calling computer executable instructions stored in memory 404, and the function / implementation process of the transceiver module 602 in Figure 6 may be performed by using the transceiver 402 in the WLAN device 400 shown in Figure 4.

[0243]

[0257] In some embodiments, when the first device 60 in Figure 6 is a chip or chip system, the functions / implementation processes of the transceiver module 602 may be performed by using the input / output interface (or communication interface) of the chip or chip system, and the functions / implementation processes of the processing module 601 may be performed by the processor (or processing circuit) of the chip or chip system.

[0244]

[0258] Since the first device 60 provided in this embodiment is capable of performing the method described above, please refer to the embodiments of the method described above for technical effects that can be achieved by the first device 60. Further details will not be described here again.

[0245]

[0259] In an implementation scenario, for example, a communication device is the second device in the embodiment of the method described above. Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second device 70. The second device 60 includes a transceiver module 702. Furthermore, the second device 70 may further include a processing module 701.

[0246]

[0260] In some embodiments, the second device 70 may further include a storage module (not shown in Figure 7) configured to store program instructions and data.

[0247]

[0261] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 702 may also be called a transceiver unit and is configured to perform transmitting and / or receiving functions. The transceiver module 702 may include transceiver circuitry, transceiver devices, transceivers, or communication interfaces.

[0248]

[0262] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 702 may include a receiving module and a transmitting module. The receiving module and the transmitting module are configured to perform the receiving and transmitting steps performed by the second device in the embodiments of the method described above, and / or to support other processes of the technology described herein. The processing module 701 may be configured to perform processing-type steps (e.g., an analysis step) performed by the second device in the embodiments of the method described above, and / or to support other processes of the technology described herein.

[0249]

[0263] The transceiver module 702 is configured to receive Sensing Null Data Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit Announcement (NDPA) frames, which indicate that the Sensing NDPA frame will transmit a Null Data Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit (NDP). The transceiver module 702 is further configured to receive NDPs, which are either a first NDP or a second NDP, where the physical layer version of the first NDP is different from the physical layer version of the second NDP.

[0250]

[0264] Optionally, if the sensing NDPA frame includes a first field, the processing module 701 is configured to analyze the NDP based on the format of the first NDP if the first field indicates that the bandwidth of the first PPDU is greater than a first threshold.

[0251]

[0265] Optionally, if the sensing NDPA frame includes a first station information field, and the first station information field includes an association identifier field, the processing module 701 is further configured to parse the NDP based on the format of the first NDP if the value of the association identifier field is a first specific value, where the first specific value indicates that an unavailable subchannel exists in the first channel.

[0252]

[0266] Optionally, the first station information field further includes a second field, and the processing module 701 is configured to parse the NDP based on the format of the first NDP, specifically: when the value of the association identifier field is a first specific value and the second field indicates an unavailable subchannel.

[0253]

[0267] Optionally, the transceiver module 702 is configured to receive a beacon frame containing first instruction information, and the processing module 701 is further configured to parse the NDP based on the format of the first NDP if the first instruction information indicates that an unavailable subchannel exists on the first channel.

[0254]

[0268] Optionally, if the first PPDU includes a sensing NDPA frame, the preamble part of the first PPDU includes a third field, and the processing module 701 is further configured to parse the NDP based on the format of the first NDP if the third field indicates that puncturing is occurring in the first PPDU.

[0255]

[0269] Optionally, if the first resource is a resource to be measured on the first channel, the sensing NDPA frame includes a station information field, and the station information field includes a fourth field; the processing module 701 is further configured to parse the NDP based on the format of the first NDP if the first resource indicated by the fourth field is a resource unit not supported by the physical layer version of the second NDP.

[0256]

[0270] Optionally, the sensing NDPA frame includes a fifth field, and the processing module 701 is configured to parse the NDP based on the format of the first NDP if the fifth field indicates that the NDP is a first NDP; or, the processing module 701 is configured to parse the NDP based on the format of the first NDP if the fifth field indicates that the NDP is a second NDP.

[0257]

[0271] Optionally, if a second station information field is present in the sensing NDPA frame, the processing module 701 is further configured to parse the NDP based on the format of the first NDP; if a second station information field is not present in the sensing NDPA frame, the processing module 701 is further configured to parse the NDP based on the format of the second NDP, the second station information field includes an association identifier field, the value of which is a second specific value.

[0258]

[0272] Optionally, the transceiver module 702 is further configured to receive radio frames, which indicate whether the NDP is a first NDP or a second NDP, and / or the radio frame indicates the type of sensing NDPA frame.

[0259]

[0273] Optionally, transceiver module 702 is specifically configured to transmit NDP in a measurement instance; if trigger-based sounding and NDPA sounding occur in a measurement instance, the NDP is a second NDP.

[0260]

[0274] All relevant details of the steps in the embodiments of the method described above can be referenced in the functional description of the corresponding functional module. Further details are not provided here.

[0261]

[0275] In this application, the second device 70 is presented in the form of an integrated functional module obtained by division. The “module” in this application may be an ASIC, circuit, processor, and memory which execute one or more software or firmware programs, an integrated logic circuit, and / or another component capable of providing the aforementioned functions.

[0262]

[0276] In some embodiments, with respect to hardware implementation, those skilled in the art will understand that the second device 70 may be in the form of the WLAN device 400 shown in Figure 4.

[0263]

[0277] For example, the function / implementation process of the processing module 701 in Figure 7 may be performed by the processor 401 in the WLAN device 400 shown in Figure 4 by calling computer executable instructions stored in memory 404, and the function / implementation process of the transceiver module 702 in Figure 7 may be performed by using the transceiver 402 in the WLAN device 400 shown in Figure 4.

[0264]

[0278] In some embodiments, when the second device 70 in Figure 7 is a chip or chip system, the functions / implementation processes of the transceiver module 702 may be performed by using the input / output interface (or communication interface) of the chip or chip system, and the functions / implementation processes of the processing module 701 may be performed by the processor (or processing circuit) of the chip or chip system.

[0265]

[0279] Since the second device 70 provided in this embodiment is capable of performing the method described above, please refer to the embodiments of the method described above for technical effects that can be achieved by the second device 70. Further details will not be described here again.

[0266]

[0280] In possible product forms, the first and second devices in the embodiments of this application can be further implemented by using one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), controllers, state machines, gate logic, individual hardware components, other suitable circuits, or any combination of circuits capable of performing the various functions described in this application.

[0267]

[0281] In another possible product form, the first device and the second device in the embodiments of the present application may be implemented by using a general-purpose bus architecture. For the sake of easy explanation, FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 800 according to an embodiment of the present application. The communication device 800 includes a processor 801 and a transceiver 802. The communication device 800 may be the first device, the second device, or a chip within the first device or the second device. FIG. 8 shows only the main components of the communication device 800. In addition to the processor 801 and the transceiver 802, the communication device may further include a memory 803 and an input / output device (not shown).

[0268]

[0282] The processor 801 is mainly configured to process communication protocols and communication data, control the entire communication device, execute software programs, and process data of software programs. The memory 803 is mainly configured to store software programs and data. The transceiver 802 may include a radio frequency circuit and an antenna. The radio frequency circuit is mainly configured to convert baseband signals and radio frequency signals and process radio frequency signals. The antenna is mainly configured to receive and transmit radio frequency signals in the form of electromagnetic waves. An input / output device such as a touch screen, a display screen, or a keyboard is mainly configured to receive data input by a user and output data to the user.

[0269]

[0283] The processor 801, the transceiver 802, and the memory 803 can be connected via a communication bus.

[0270]

[0284] After the communication device is powered on, the processor 801 can read the software program in the memory 803, interpret and execute the instructions of the software program, and process the data of the software program. When data needs to be transmitted wirelessly, the processor 801 performs baseband processing on the data to be transmitted and then outputs the baseband signal to the radio frequency circuit. The radio frequency circuit performs radio frequency processing on the baseband signal and then transmits the radio frequency signal to the outside via the antenna in the form of electromagnetic waves. When data is transmitted to the communication device, the radio frequency circuit receives the radio frequency signal via the antenna, converts the radio frequency signal into a baseband signal, and outputs the baseband signal to the processor 801. The processor 801 converts the baseband signal into data and processes the data.

[0271]

[0285] In another implementation, the radio frequency circuit and the antenna can be arranged independently of the processor that performs baseband processing. For example, in a distributed scenario, the radio frequency circuit and the antenna may be remotely arranged independently of the communication device.

[0272]

[0286] In some embodiments, the embodiments of the present application further provide a communication device. The communication device includes a processor configured to implement the method in any one of the foregoing method embodiments.

[0273]

[0287] In a possible implementation, the communication device further includes a memory. The memory is configured to store the necessary program instructions and necessary data. The processor may call the program code stored in the memory and instruct the communication device to execute the method in any one of the foregoing method embodiments. Of course, the communication device may not include a memory.

[0274]

[0288] In another possible implementation, the communication device further includes an interface circuit. The interface circuit is a code / data read / write interface circuit, which is configured to receive computer executable instructions (which may be stored in memory and read directly from memory, or read via another component) and transmit the computer executable instructions to the processor.

[0275]

[0289] In yet another possible implementation, the communication device further includes a communication interface, which is configured to communicate with modules other than the communication device.

[0276]

[0290] It is possible to understand that a communication device may be a chip or a chip system. If the communication device is a chip system, it may include a chip, or it may include a chip and other discrete components. This is not particularly limited to the embodiments of this application.

[0277]

[0291] This application further provides a computer-readable storage medium for storing computer programs or instructions. When the computer programs or instructions are executed by a computer, the functions of any one of the embodiments of the above-described method are performed.

[0278]

[0292] This application further provides a computer program product. When the computer program product is executed by a computer, the functions of any one of the embodiments of the above-described method are performed.

[0279]

[0293] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the purpose of convenient and concise explanation, detailed operating processes of the aforementioned systems, apparatus, and units should be referred to the corresponding processes in the embodiments of the methods described above. Further details are not described here.

[0280]

[0294] It is possible to understand that the systems, apparatus, and methods described in this application may be implemented in alternative or different ways. For example, the embodiments of the apparatus described are merely examples. For example, the division into units is merely a logical functional division, and other divisions may be used in actual implementations. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not implemented. Furthermore, the mutual coupling, direct coupling, or communication connection illustrated or discussed may be implemented by using some interface. Indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatus or units may be implemented electronically, mechanically, or in other forms.

[0281]

[0295] Units described as separate parts may or may not be physically separated; that is, they may be located in the same place or distributed across multiple network units. Parts illustrated as units may or may not be physical units. All or part of the units can be selected based on the actual requirements to achieve the objectives of the solution of the embodiment.

[0282]

[0296] Furthermore, the functional units in the embodiments of this application may be integrated into a single processing unit, and each unit may exist physically independently, or two or more units may be integrated into a single unit.

[0283]

[0297] All or part of the embodiments described above may be implemented using software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When software / programs are used to implement the embodiments, the embodiments may be implemented all or partly in the form of a computer program product. A computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded into a computer and executed, the procedures or functions according to the embodiments of this application will occur all or partly. The computer may be a general-purpose computer, a dedicated computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another computer-readable storage medium. For example, computer instructions may be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center by wired (e.g., coaxial cable, optical fiber, or digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, radio, or microwave). The computer-readable storage medium may be any available medium accessible by a computer, or a data storage device, such as a server or data center integrating one or more available media. The available media may be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, or magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., DVDs), semiconductor media (e.g., solid-state drives (SSDs)), or similar. In embodiments of this application, the computer may include the aforementioned devices.

[0284]

[0298] Although this application is described with reference to embodiments, a person skilled in the art can understand and implement other variations of the disclosed embodiments by examining the accompanying drawings, the disclosed content and the accompanying claims in the process of implementing the application for which protection is sought. In the claims, “comprising” does not exclude other components or other steps, and “a” or “one” does not exclude multiple cases. A single processor or another unit may perform some of the functions enumerated in the claims. Although some means are described in different dependent claims, this does not mean that those means cannot be combined to produce a better effect.

[0285]

[0299] While this application is described with reference to its specific features and embodiments, it is clear that various modifications and combinations may be made thereto without departing from the scope of protection of this application. Accordingly, the specification and accompanying drawings are merely illustrative descriptions of the application as defined by the accompanying claims and can be considered as any or all modifications, variations, combinations, or equivalents that cover the scope of this application. It is clear to a person skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to this application without departing from the scope of this application. This application is intended to encompass these modifications and variations of this application, provided that they fall within the scope of protection defined by the following claims and their equivalent technologies.

Claims

1. A null data physical layer protocol data unit transmission method, which includes: A step of transmitting a first physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU) which includes a sensing null data PPDU announcement (NDPA) frame, wherein the sensing NDPA frame indicates that a null data PPDU (NDP) is being transmitted; and A step of transmitting the aforementioned NDP, wherein the NDP is either a first NDP or a second NDP, and the physical layer version of the first NDP is different from the physical layer version of the second NDP; The NDP is the first NDP if the bandwidth of the first PPDU is equal to 320 MHz; A method wherein, when the bandwidth of the first PPDU is 160 MHz or less, the NDP is a second NDP, and the second NDP is a high-efficiency (HE) ranging NDP.

2. In the method according to claim 1, The first NDP satisfies at least one of the following: the bandwidth supported by the first NDP is greater than a first threshold, or the first NDP supports puncturing; and The method wherein the second NDP satisfies at least one of the following: the second NDP supports a secure long training field (LTF), and the second NDP supports repeated LTFs.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first NDP is an extremely high-throughput (EHT) NDP.

4. In the method according to claim 2, if the first condition is met, the NDP is the first NDP; or, if the first condition is not met, the NDP is the second NDP; and The first condition mentioned above is: The bandwidth of the first PPDU is greater than the first threshold, the first PPDU includes the sensing NDPA frame, or the first PPDU is the NDP; Puncture is occurring in the first PPDU; Unavailable subchannels exist in the first channel, and the first channel is used to transmit the first PPDU; The number of data streams supported by the aforementioned NDP is greater than or equal to the second threshold; and The first resource is a resource unit not supported by the physical layer version of the second NDP, and the first resource is used to carry the sensing NDPA frame, or the first resource is a resource to be measured on the first channel; A method that includes at least one of the following.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the sensing NDPA frame includes a first field, the first field indicating that the bandwidth of the first PPDU is greater than the first threshold.

6. A method according to claim 4, wherein the first PPDU includes instruction information, and the instruction information indicates the bandwidth of the first PPDU.

7. The method according to claim 4, wherein the first threshold is 160 megahertz MHz.

8. In the method according to claim 1, The sensing NDPA frame includes a sounding dialogue token field and a sixth field, the sounding dialogue token field includes a first subfield, the first subfield indicates a first NDPA frame, and the sixth field indicates that the sensing NDPA frame is reusing the first NDPA frame; and The first NDPA frame is one of the ranging NDPA frames, ultra-high throughput (VHT) NDPA frames, high-efficiency (HE) NDPA frames, or ultra-high throughput (EHT) NDPA frames; or A method wherein the sensing NDPA includes a frame control field, the frame control field includes a control frame extension field, and the control field extension field indicates the type of the sensing NDPA frame.

9. A method according to claim 1, wherein the sensing NDPA frame includes a field A, and the field A indicates that the NDPA frame is a sensing NDPA frame or a ranging NDPA frame.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the sensing NDPA frame further includes the station information field, and the station information field includes the field A.

11. A null data physical layer protocol data unit receiving method, which is: Steps include: receiving a first physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU) sensing null data physical layer protocol data unit announcement (NDPA) frame, the sensing NDPA frame indicating that it is transmitting a null data physical layer protocol data unit (NDP); and A step of receiving the aforementioned NDP, wherein the NDP is either a first NDP or a second NDP, and the physical layer version of the first NDP is different from the physical layer version of the second NDP; The NDP is the first NDP if the bandwidth of the first PPDU is equal to 320 MHz; A method wherein, when the bandwidth of the first PPDU is 160 MHz or less, the NDP is a second NDP, and the second NDP is a high-efficiency (HE) ranging NDP.

12. In the method according to claim 11, The first NDP satisfies at least one of the following: the bandwidth supported by the first NDP is greater than a first threshold, or the first NDP supports puncturing; and The method wherein the second NDP satisfies at least one of the following: the second NDP supports a secure long training field (LTF), and the second NDP supports repeated LTFs.

13. The method according to claim 11, wherein the first NDP is an extremely high-throughput (EHT) NDP.

14. In the method according to claim 12, if the first condition is met, the NDP is the first NDP; or, if the first condition is not met, the NDP is the second NDP; and The first condition mentioned above is: The bandwidth of the first PPDU is greater than the first threshold, the first PPDU includes the sensing NDPA frame, or the first PPDU is the NDP; Puncture is occurring in the first PPDU; Unavailable subchannels exist in the first channel, and the first channel is used to transmit the first PPDU; The number of data streams supported by the aforementioned NDP is greater than or equal to the second threshold; and The first resource is a resource unit not supported by the physical layer version of the second NDP, and the first resource is used to carry the sensing NDPA frame, or the first resource is a resource to be measured on the first channel; A method that includes at least one of the following.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the sensing NDPA frame includes a first field, and the method further: Steps to analyze the NDP based on the format of the first NDP, where the first field indicates that the bandwidth of the first PPDU is greater than the first threshold; A method that includes this.

16. A method according to claim 14, wherein the first PPDU includes instruction information, and the instruction information indicates the bandwidth of the first PPDU.

17. The method according to claim 14, wherein the first threshold is 160 megahertz MHz.

18. A communication device including a processor, A communication device wherein the processor is configured to execute computer executable instructions to carry out the method described in any one of claims 1 to 10, or to carry out the method described in any one of claims 11 to 17.

19. A computer-readable storage medium containing an instruction, wherein when the instruction is executed by a communication device, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10 or the method according to any one of claims 11 to 17 is performed.

20. It's a tip: Memory configured to store computer program instructions; and A processor that executes the computer program instructions so that the communication device including the chip can perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 17; A chip that includes this.

Images