Beam management method and communication device

Abstract

The present application provides a beam management method and a communication device. The method may be applied to the field of millimeter wave communication. The method includes: a communication device 1 exchanging radio frame 1 and radio frame 3 with a communication device 2 in a frequency band 1, where radio frame 1 indicates that a search for a millimeter wave transmission beam at the communication device 1 side is about to begin, and radio frame 3 indicates the communication device 2 to feed back an index of the received millimeter wave transmission beam; and the communication device 1 exchanging radio frame 2 with the communication device 2 in a frequency band 2, where radio frame 2 is used to search for a millimeter wave transmission beam at the communication device 1 side, and frequency band 1 is smaller than frequency band 2. In this way, in the present application, a search for a millimeter wave beam may be performed in a communication scenario involving a high frequency band and a low frequency band.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202310098092.0, filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of the People's Republic of China on January 16, 2023, for the invention entitled "Beam Management Method and Communication Apparatus," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The present application relates to the field of communications technology, and more particularly to beam management methods and communications devices. [Background technology]

[0003] The 802.11ad protocol is a protocol dedicated to millimeter-wave communication and relates to millimeter-wave beam searching. Specifically, millimeter-wave beam searching can be divided into three subprocesses: a subprocess of searching for millimeter-wave transmit beams at an access point (AP), a subprocess of searching for millimeter-wave transmit beams at a station (STA), and a subprocess of searching for joint training between millimeter-wave receive beams and millimeter-wave beams at the access point / station. In addition, signaling related to millimeter-wave beam searching is transmitted in a high-frequency band and is applicable to high-frequency band application scenarios.

[0004] Currently, the application of millimeter wave communication in communication scenarios related to high frequency bands and low frequency bands is being discussed in standards. Searching for millimeter wave beams may not be applicable to the aforementioned communication scenarios. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a method for searching for millimeter wave beams that is applicable to communication scenarios related to high frequency bands and low frequency bands. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present application provides a beam management method and communication device for performing or executing millimeter wave beam searching in communication scenarios involving high and low frequency bands.

[0006] According to a first aspect, a beam management method is provided. The method includes: a first communication device transmitting a first radio frame in a first frequency band to a second communication device, the first radio frame indicating that a search for a millimeter-wave transmit beam is about to begin; the first communication device transmitting a second radio frame in a second frequency band to the second communication device, the second radio frame being used to search for the millimeter-wave transmit beam; and the first communication device transmitting a third radio frame in the first frequency band to the second communication device, the third radio frame instructing the second communication device to feed back an index of the received millimeter-wave transmit beam. The first frequency band is smaller than the second frequency band.

[0007] It will be understood that the first communication device and the second communication device exchange the first radio frame and the third radio frame in a first frequency band, and the first communication device and the second communication device exchange the second radio frame in a second frequency band. In addition, the first frequency band is smaller than the second frequency band. In other words, the first frequency band may be a low frequency band, and the second frequency band may be a high frequency band. In this way, in the present application, signaling interaction in the low frequency band can assist in searching for a millimeter wave beam in the high frequency band, so that searching for a millimeter wave beam can be performed in a communication scenario involving the high frequency band and the low frequency band.

[0008] In addition, compared with existing methods for searching millimeter-wave beams, the present application can reduce the time consumed for searching millimeter-wave beams by adjusting between high and low frequency bands, and does not require the use of a dedicated control signal mode (e.g., control PHY mode), which can simplify protocols and specific implementations.

[0009] In a possible embodiment, the method further includes the first communication device receiving a fourth radio frame from the second communication device in the first frequency band, the fourth radio frame including an index of the millimeter wave transmit beam received by the second communication device.

[0010] This can complete the process of searching for a millimeter wave transmission beam at the first communication device side.

[0011] In a possible embodiment, the method further includes the first communication device transmitting a fifth radio frame to the second communication device in the first frequency band, the fifth radio frame being used to request performing a search for millimeter wave receive beams and further indicating the number of millimeter wave receive beams; the first communication device receiving a fifth radio frame from the second communication device in the first frequency band, the fifth radio frame further instructing performing a search for millimeter wave receive beams; and the first communication device receiving a second radio frame from the second communication device in the second frequency band, the second radio frame being further used to search for millimeter wave receive beams.

[0012] Specifically, the first communication device and the second communication device exchange a fifth radio frame in the first frequency band to request the peer end to perform or confirm the millimeter wave receiving beam search, and the first communication device receives a second radio frame in the second frequency band from the second communication device to finally complete the process of searching for the millimeter wave receiving beam at the first communication device side.

[0013] In a possible embodiment, the fifth radio frame is further used to request that millimeter wave beam combining training be performed, and the fifth radio frame further indicates the number of millimeter wave transmit beams and the number of millimeter wave receive beams in the combining training.

[0014] In this way, the first communication device and the second communication device can exchange a fifth radio frame in the first frequency band, thereby completing millimeter wave beam combining training on the first communication device side and the second communication device side.

[0015] Specifically, by performing the aforementioned millimeter wave beam combining training, the present application can achieve sophisticated combining of millimeter wave beams between a first communication device and a second communication device, and can better support millimeter wave communication between the first communication device and the second communication device.

[0016] In a possible embodiment, the fifth radio frame further indicates that millimeter-wave beam combining training is performed.

[0017] In a possible embodiment, the second radio frame is further used for millimeter-wave beam-combining training.

[0018] In a possible embodiment, the first radio frame includes a null data physical protocol data unit announcement NDPA, and an application identifier AID field of the NDPA includes a first value, the first value indicating that a search for a millimeter wave transmission beam is about to begin.

[0019] In this way, to achieve compatibility with existing protocols, AID values ​​not used in existing protocols can be used.

[0020] In a possible embodiment, the second radio frame includes a null data physical protocol data unit NDP, the NDP including a beam index field, the beam index field indicating an index of a millimeter wave transmission beam.

[0021] According to the above-mentioned design of the structure of the second radio frame, in the present application, the first communication device and the second communication device can complete the process of searching for a millimeter wave transmission beam by exchanging the second radio frame.

[0022] In a possible embodiment, the NDP further includes at least one of the following: a bandwidth field, a partial AID field, a number of symbols in the long training field, a number of millimeter wave transmission beams field, a cyclic redundancy check code field, or a number of remaining millimeter wave beams to be transmitted field.

[0023] In a possible embodiment, the fifth radio frame includes at least one of the following: a millimeter wave receive beam training request field, a millimeter wave receive beam training confirmation field, a millimeter wave beam combining training request field, a millimeter wave beam combining training confirmation field, a number of millimeter wave receive beams to be trained field, or a number of millimeter wave transmit beams to be trained field.

[0024] According to the above-mentioned design of the structure of the fifth radio frame, in the present application, the first communication device and the second communication device can complete processes such as millimeter wave receiving beam search, millimeter wave beam combining training, etc. by exchanging the fifth radio frame.

[0025] According to a second aspect, a beam management method is provided, the method including: a second communication device receiving a first radio frame from a first communication device on a first frequency band, the first radio frame indicating that a search for a millimeter-wave transmit beam is about to begin; a second radio frame from the first communication device on a second frequency band, the second radio frame being used to search for a millimeter-wave transmit beam; and a third radio frame from the first communication device on the first frequency band, the third radio frame instructing the second communication device to feed back an index of the received millimeter-wave transmit beam. The first frequency band is smaller than the second frequency band.

[0026] In a possible embodiment, the method further includes the second communication device transmitting a fourth radio frame to the first communication device in the first frequency band, the fourth radio frame including an index of the millimeter wave transmit beam on which it was received.

[0027] In a possible embodiment, the method further includes the second communication device receiving a fifth radio frame from the first communication device in the first frequency band, the fifth radio frame being used to request performing a search for millimeter wave receive beams and further indicating the number of millimeter wave receive beams; the second communication device transmitting the fifth radio frame in the first frequency band to the first communication device, the fifth radio frame further instructing performing a search for millimeter wave receive beams; and the second communication device transmitting a second radio frame in the second frequency band to the first communication device, the second radio frame being further used to search for millimeter wave receive beams.

[0028] In a possible embodiment, the fifth radio frame is further used to request that millimeter wave beam combining training be performed, and further indicates the number of millimeter wave transmit beams and the number of millimeter wave receive beams in the combining training.

[0029] In a possible embodiment, the fifth radio frame further indicates that millimeter-wave beam combining training is performed.

[0030] In a possible embodiment, the second radio frame is further used for millimeter-wave beam-combining training.

[0031] In a possible embodiment, the first radio frame includes a null data physical protocol data unit announcement NDPA, and an application identifier AID field of the NDPA includes a first value, the first value indicating that a search for a millimeter wave transmission beam is about to begin.

[0032] In a possible embodiment, the second radio frame includes a null data physical protocol data unit NDP, the NDP including a beam index field, the beam index field indicating an index of a millimeter wave transmission beam.

[0033] In a possible embodiment, the NDP further includes at least one of the following: a bandwidth field, a partial AID field, a number of symbols in the long training field, a number of millimeter wave transmission beams field, a cyclic redundancy check code field, or a number of remaining millimeter wave beams to be transmitted field.

[0034] In a possible embodiment, the fifth radio frame includes at least one of the following: a millimeter wave receive beam training request field, a millimeter wave receive beam training confirmation field, a millimeter wave beam combining training request field, a millimeter wave beam combining training confirmation field, a number of millimeter wave receive beams to be trained field, or a number of millimeter wave transmit beams to be trained field.

[0035] According to a third aspect, a communications device configured to perform the method according to the first aspect is provided. In one design, the device may include modules / units corresponding to the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the first aspect. The modules / units may be implemented by hardware circuits, software, or a combination of hardware circuits and software. In another design, the device includes a transceiver unit configured to transmit a first radio frame to a second communications device in a first frequency band, the first radio frame indicating that a search for a millimeter-wave transmit beam is about to begin. The transceiver unit is further configured to transmit a second radio frame to the second communications device in a second frequency band, the second radio frame being used to search for a millimeter-wave transmit beam. The transceiver unit is further configured to transmit a third radio frame to the second communications device in the first frequency band, the third radio frame instructing the second communications device to feed back an index of the received millimeter-wave transmit beam. The first frequency band is smaller than the second frequency band.

[0036] In a possible embodiment, the transceiver unit is further configured to receive a fourth radio frame from the second communication device in the first frequency band, the fourth radio frame including an index of the received millimeter wave transmit beam.

[0037] In a possible implementation, the transceiver unit is further configured to transmit a fifth radio frame to the second communication device on the first frequency band, the fifth radio frame being used to request that a search for millimeter-wave receive beams be performed and further indicating the number of millimeter-wave receive beams. The transceiver unit is further configured to receive a fifth radio frame from the second communication device on the first frequency band, the fifth radio frame further indicating that a search for millimeter-wave receive beams be performed. The transceiver unit is further configured to receive a second radio frame from the second communication device on the second frequency band, the second radio frame being further used to search for millimeter-wave receive beams.

[0038] In a possible embodiment, the fifth radio frame is further used to request that millimeter wave beam combining training be performed, and the fifth radio frame further indicates the number of millimeter wave transmit beams and the number of millimeter wave receive beams in the combining training.

[0039] In a possible embodiment, the fifth radio frame further indicates that millimeter-wave beam combining training is performed.

[0040] In a possible embodiment, the second radio frame is further used for millimeter-wave beam-combining training.

[0041] In a possible embodiment, the first radio frame includes a null data physical protocol data unit announcement NDPA, and an application identifier AID field of the NDPA includes a first value, the first value indicating that a search for a millimeter wave transmission beam is about to begin.

[0042] In a possible embodiment, the second radio frame includes a null data physical protocol data unit NDP, the NDP including a beam index field, the beam index field indicating an index of a millimeter wave transmission beam.

[0043] In a possible embodiment, the NDP further includes at least one of the following: a bandwidth field, a partial AID field, a number of symbols in the long training field, a number of millimeter wave transmission beams field, a cyclic redundancy check code field, or a number of remaining millimeter wave beams to be transmitted field.

[0044] In a possible embodiment, the fifth radio frame includes at least one of the following: a millimeter wave receive beam training request field, a millimeter wave receive beam training confirmation field, a millimeter wave beam combining training request field, a millimeter wave beam combining training confirmation field, a number of millimeter wave receive beams to be trained field, or a number of millimeter wave transmit beams to be trained field.

[0045] According to a fourth aspect, a communications device configured to perform the method according to the second aspect is provided. In one design, the device may include modules / units corresponding to the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the first aspect. The modules / units may be implemented by hardware circuits, software, or a combination of hardware circuits and software. In another design, the device includes a transceiver unit configured to receive a first radio frame from a first communications device in a first frequency band, the first radio frame indicating that a search for a millimeter-wave transmit beam is about to begin. The transceiver unit is further configured to receive a second radio frame from the first communications device in a second frequency band, the second radio frame being used to search for a millimeter-wave transmit beam. The transceiver unit is further configured to receive a third radio frame from the first communications device in the first frequency band, the third radio frame instructing the second communications device to feed back an index of the received millimeter-wave transmit beam. The first frequency band is smaller than the second frequency band.

[0046] In a possible embodiment, the transceiver unit is further configured to transmit a fourth radio frame to the first communication device in the first frequency band, the fourth radio frame including an index of the received millimeter wave transmit beam.

[0047] In a possible implementation, the transceiver unit is further configured to receive a fifth radio frame from the first communication device on the first frequency band, the fifth radio frame being used to request that a search for millimeter-wave receive beams be performed and further indicating the number of millimeter-wave receive beams. The transceiver unit is further configured to transmit a fifth radio frame to the second communication device on the first frequency band, the fifth radio frame further indicating that a search for millimeter-wave receive beams be performed. The transceiver unit is further configured to transmit a second radio frame to the first communication device on the second frequency band, the second radio frame being further used to search for millimeter-wave receive beams.

[0048] In a possible embodiment, the fifth radio frame is further used to request that millimeter wave beam combining training be performed, and further indicates the number of millimeter wave transmit beams and the number of millimeter wave receive beams in the combining training.

[0049] In a possible embodiment, the fifth radio frame further indicates that millimeter-wave beam combining training is performed.

[0050] In a possible embodiment, the second radio frame is further used for millimeter-wave beam-combining training.

[0051] In a possible embodiment, the first radio frame includes a null data physical protocol data unit announcement NDPA, and an application identifier AID field of the NDPA includes a first value, the first value indicating that a search for a millimeter wave transmission beam is about to begin.

[0052] In a possible embodiment, the second radio frame includes a null data physical protocol data unit NDP, the NDP including a beam index field, the beam index field indicating an index of a millimeter wave transmission beam.

[0053] In a possible embodiment, the NDP further includes at least one of the following: a bandwidth field, a partial AID field, a number of symbols in the long training field, a number of millimeter wave transmission beams field, a cyclic redundancy check code field, or a number of remaining millimeter wave beams to be transmitted field.

[0054] In a possible embodiment, the fifth radio frame includes at least one of the following: a millimeter wave receive beam training request field, a millimeter wave receive beam training confirmation field, a millimeter wave beam combining training request field, a millimeter wave beam combining training confirmation field, a number of millimeter wave receive beams to be trained field, or a number of millimeter wave transmit beams to be trained field.

[0055] According to a fifth aspect, there is provided a communications device including a processor configured to execute a computer program or instructions or to enable a logic circuit to cause the communications device to perform a method according to the first aspect and any one of its possible implementations, or to cause the communications device to perform a method according to the second aspect and any one of its possible implementations.

[0056] In a possible implementation, the communication device further includes a memory, the memory configured to store computer programs or instructions.

[0057] In a possible embodiment, the communication device further comprises a communication interface, the communication interface being configured to input and / or output signals.

[0058] According to a sixth aspect, there is provided a communication device including a logic circuit and an input / output interface, the input / output interface configured to input and / or output signals, and the logic circuit configured to perform the method of the first aspect and any one of its possible implementations, or the logic circuit configured to perform the method of the second aspect and any one of its possible implementations.

[0059] According to a seventh aspect, there is provided a computer-readable storage medium comprising a computer program or instructions which, when run on a computer, perform a method according to the first aspect and any one of possible implementations thereof, or a method according to the second aspect and any one of possible implementations thereof.

[0060] According to an eighth aspect, there is provided a computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed on a computer, perform a method according to the first aspect and any one of possible implementations thereof, or a method according to the second aspect and any one of possible implementations thereof.

[0061] According to a ninth aspect, there is provided a computer program which, when run on a computer, performs the method according to the first aspect and any one of its possible implementations, or the method according to the second aspect and any one of its possible implementations.

[0062] For a description of the beneficial effects of the second to ninth aspects, please refer to the description of the beneficial effects of the first aspect, and the details will not be repeated here. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0063] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram of an application scenario 100 according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 2] 2 is a schematic interactive flowchart of a beam management method 200 according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 3] 1 is a diagram of the structure of a radio frame 1 according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram of the structure of radio frame 2 according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 5] 5 is a schematic interactive flowchart of a beam management method 500 according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 6] 6 is a schematic interactive flowchart of a beam management method 600 according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 7] 7 is a schematic interactive flowchart of a beam management method 700 according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 8] 8 is a schematic interactive flowchart of a beam management method 800 according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 9] 9 is a block diagram of a communication device 900 according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 10] 1 is a block diagram of a communication device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 11] 11 is a block diagram of a communication device 1100 according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 12] 12 is a block diagram of a communication device 1200 according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 13] 13 is a block diagram of a communication device 1300 according to an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0064] The technical solutions of the present application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0065] The technical solution of the present application is applicable to wireless local area network (WLAN) scenarios, for example, IEEE 802.11 system standards, such as the 802.11a / b / g standard, the 802.11n standard, the 802.11ac standard, the 802.11ax standard, the 802.11ad standard, the 802.11ay standard, the 802.11aj standard, or the 802.11bf standard, or its next generation standard, for example the 802.11be standard, or further next generation standards.

[0066] Although the present application is primarily described using examples in which WLAN networks, particularly networks employing the IEEE 802.11 system standard, are deployed, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various aspects of embodiments of the present application can be extended to other networks using various standards and protocols, such as Bluetooth, high performance radio local area networks (HIPERLAN), wide area networks (WAN), personal area networks (PAN), or other networks that become known or developed in the future. Thus, various aspects provided herein are applicable to any suitable wireless network, regardless of the coverage area and radio access protocol used.

[0067] The technical solutions of the present application can be further applied to various communication systems, such as global system for mobile communications (GSM), code division multiple access (CDMA) systems, wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA) systems, general packet radio service (GPRS) systems, long term evolution (LTE) systems, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) systems, LTE time division duplex (TDD) systems, universal mobile telecommunication system (UMTS), worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication systems, fifth generation (5G) systems or new radio (NR), future sixth generation (6G) systems, and internet of things (IoT) networks or vehicle-to-vehicle (VoIP) systems. It can further be applied to wireless local area network systems such as vehicle to x (V2X).

[0068] The above-mentioned communication system to which the present application is applicable is only an example for the purpose of illustration, and the communication system to which the present application is applicable is not limited thereto, which is described here only once and will not be described in detail again below.

[0069] A terminal in this application may be a user equipment (UE), access terminal, subscriber unit, subscriber station, mobile station, mobile console, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal, wireless communication device, user agent, or user device. Alternatively, the terminal may be a cellular phone, a cordless phone, a session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile device with wireless communication capabilities, a computing device, another processing device connected to a wireless modem, an in-vehicle device, a wearable device, a terminal device of a 5G network, a terminal device of a future 6G network, a terminal device of a public land mobile network (PLMN), etc. This is not a limitation of the embodiments of this application.

[0070] The network device of the present application may be a device configured to communicate with a terminal. The network device may be a base transceiver station (BTS) of a global system for mobile communications (GSM) or a code division multiple access (CDMA) system, a NodeB (NodeB, NB) of a wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA) system, an evolved NodeB (eNB or eNodeB) of an LTE system, or a radio controller in a cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenario. Alternatively, the network device may be a relay station, an access point, an in-vehicle device, a wearable device, a network device of a 5G network, a network device of a future 6G network, a network device of a PLMN network, etc. This is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0071] 1 is a diagram of an application scenario 100 according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 1, an access point (AP) may be a communication server, a router, or a switch, or any one of the aforementioned network devices, and a station (STA) may be a mobile phone or a computer, or any one of the aforementioned terminals, which is not limited in the embodiment of the present application.

[0072] It should be understood that the technical solution of the present application is not only applicable to the communication between an AP and one or more STAs, but also applicable to the communication between a STA and one or more APs, applicable to the intercommunication between APs, and applicable to the intercommunication between STAs. For ease of explanation, the present application will be described by only using an example in which an AP communicates with one or more SATs. However, this explanation does not impose any limitations on the actual application scope of the technical solution of the present application, which will be described only once here and will not be described in detail again below.

[0073] An access point may be an access point used by a terminal (such as a mobile phone) to access a wired (or wireless) network, and is mainly deployed in a home, building, or campus. A typical coverage radius is several tens of meters or more than 100 meters. Of course, an access point may alternatively be located outdoors. An access point corresponds to a bridge that connects a wired network to a wireless network. An access point is mainly used to connect various wireless network clients together and then connect the wireless network to Ethernet. Specifically, an access point may be a terminal device (such as a mobile phone) or a network device (such as a router) that has a Wi-Fi chip. An access point may also be a device that supports the 802.11be standard. Alternatively, the access point may be a device that supports multiple WLAN standards in the 802.11 family, such as 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11ad, 802.11ay, 802.11aj, 802.11bf, 802.11be, and future generations of 802.11be. The access point of the present application may be an HE AP, an EHT AP, or an access point applicable to future generations of Wi-Fi standards.

[0074] The station may be a wireless communication chip, a wireless sensor, a wireless communication terminal, etc., and may also be referred to as a user. For example, the station may be a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a set-top box, a smart TV, a smart wearable device, an in-vehicle communication device, a computer, etc. that supports Wi-Fi communication functions. Optionally, the station may support the 802.11be standard. Alternatively, the station may support multiple WLAN standards in the 802.11 family, such as 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11ad, 802.11ay, 802.11aj, 802.11bf, 802.11be, and the next generation of 802.11be.

[0075] For example, the access point and station may each be a device used in the Internet of Vehicles, Internet of Things nodes, sensors, smart cameras, smart remote controls, or smart water / electricity meters in a smart home, sensors in a smart city, etc. in the IoT.

[0076] It should be understood that the technical solution of the present application is not only applicable to communication between an AP and one or more STAs, but also applicable to communication between a STA and one or more APs, applicable to mutual communication between APs, and applicable to mutual communication between STAs. For ease of explanation, the present application will be described only using an example in which an AP communicates with one or more STAs. However, this explanation does not impose any limitations on the actual application scope of the technical solution of the present application, which will be described only once here and will not be described in detail again below.

[0077] The wireless communication system provided in this application may be a WLAN or a cellular network. The method may be performed by a communication device of the wireless communication system or a chip or processor within the communication device. The communication device may be, for example, a wireless communication device supporting parallel transmission over multiple links, referred to as a multi-link device or a multi-band device. Compared with a device supporting only single-link transmission, a multi-link device has higher transmission efficiency and higher throughput. A multi-link device includes one or more affiliated STAs. An affiliated STA is a logical station and can operate on one link. An affiliated STA may be an AP or a non-AP STA. For ease of explanation, in this application, a multi-link device whose affiliated STA is an AP may be referred to as a multi-link AP, a multi-link AP device, or an AP multi-link device, and a multi-link device whose affiliated STA is a non-AP STA may be referred to as a multi-link STA, a multi-link STA device, or an STA multi-link device.

[0078] As mentioned above, the 802.11ad protocol is a protocol dedicated to millimeter wave communication and is related to searching for millimeter wave beams. Specifically, searching for millimeter wave beams includes the following sub-processes:

[0079] 1. Searching for millimeter-wave transmission beams on the AP side. Specifically, the AP transmits directional multi-gigabit (DMG) beacon frames in each millimeter-wave transmission beam direction in control mode physical layer signaling (Control PHY) mode. In response, the STA receives the DMG beacon frames from the AP in a pseudo-omnidirectional manner and selects the best millimeter-wave transmission beam direction from the received millimeter-wave transmission beam directions.

[0080] 2. Searching for millimeter wave transmission beams on the STA side. Specifically, the STA randomly selects a slot for access and searches for millimeter wave transmission beams within the slot. The STA also transmits a sector sweep (SSW) frame to the AP in control PHY mode. The sector sweep frame includes not only the index of the millimeter wave transmission beam on the STA side, but also the index of the millimeter wave transmission beam received by the STA.

[0081] 3. Searching for millimeter wave receiving beams and performing millimeter wave beam-combining training on the AP / STA side. Specifically, the signals related to searching for millimeter wave receiving beams and performing millimeter wave beam-combining training on the AP / STA side are in the form of beam refinement protocol (BRP) packets. For a description of BRP packets, please refer to existing protocols. Details will not be described here. In addition, the execution of searching for millimeter wave receiving beams and performing millimeter wave beam-combining training by the AP / STA is basically the same as the above-mentioned search for millimeter wave transmitting beams. Details will not be repeated here.

[0082] It should be understood that for signaling related to searching for millimeter-wave beams, please refer to the description of the 802.11ad protocol. Details will not be described here. Signaling related to searching for millimeter-wave beams is transmitted in a high frequency band and is applicable to high-frequency band application scenarios. Currently, the application of millimeter-wave communication in communication scenarios related to high and low frequency bands is being discussed in the standard. The above-described method for searching for millimeter-wave beams may not be applicable to communication scenarios related to high and low frequency bands. Specifically, searching for millimeter-wave beams is determining a suitable positioning beam. Assuming that a directional beam is not determined, transmission of signaling related to searching for millimeter-wave beams is mainly performed in the control PHY mode, but the signal transmission rate in the control PHY mode is low. As a result, the above-described process of searching for millimeter-wave beams takes a long time. In addition, signals in the control PHY mode need to be specially designed and implemented. This increases the complexity of the protocol and implementation. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a method for searching millimeter wave beams that is applicable to communication scenarios involving high and low frequency bands.

[0083] Hereinafter, a beam management method according to an embodiment of the present application will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0084] 2 is a schematic interaction flowchart of a beam management method 200 according to an embodiment of the present application. The procedures of the method in FIG. 2 may be performed by the communication device 1 and the communication device 2, or may be performed by modules and / or components (e.g., chips or integrated circuits) installed in the communication device 1 and the communication device 2 and having corresponding functions. This is not limited. In the following, the communication device 1 and the communication device 2 are used as an example for explanation. The communication device 1 may be an AP, and the communication device 2 may be an STA. Or, the communication device 1 may be an STA, and the communication device 2 may be an AP. This is not limited. As shown in FIG. 2, the method 200 includes the following steps:

[0085] S210: Communication device 1 transmits radio frame 1 to communication device 2 in frequency band 1, where radio frame 1 indicates that a search for a millimeter-wave transmit beam is about to begin.

[0086] In response, communication device 2 receives radio frame 1 from communication device 1 in frequency band 1 and determines, based on radio frame 1, that communication device 1 is about to perform a search for a millimeter-wave transmission beam.

[0087] It should be understood that when the communication device 1 is an AP, the communication device 2 may be one or more STAs. In other words, S210 may be as follows: The AP broadcasts a radio frame 1 to one or more STAs in a frequency band 1, and the radio frame 1 indicates to the one or more STAs that the AP is about to start searching for a millimeter wave transmission beam on the AP side. When the communication device 1 is a STA, the communication device 2 may be an AP. In other words, S210 may be as follows: The STA transmits a radio frame 1 to the AP in a frequency band 1, and the radio frame 1 indicates to the AP that the STA is about to start searching for a millimeter wave transmission beam on the STA side. In other words, the AP and the STA exchange radio frame 1 in a frequency band 1 to indicate to the receiving end (communication device 2) that the transmitting end (communication device 1) is about to start searching for a millimeter wave transmission beam.

[0088] In a possible embodiment, after communication device 2 determines, based on radio frame 1, that communication device 1 is about to start searching for a millimeter wave transmission beam, communication device 2 can further determine, based on radio frame 1, that communication device 2 needs to enable a high frequency link and be in an omnidirectional reception state. Enabling the high frequency link can enable communication device 2 and communication device 1 to perform a search for a millimeter wave transmission beam, i.e., communication device 1 can complete the search for a millimeter wave transmission beam.

[0089] S220: Communication device 1 transmits radio frame 2 to communication device 2 in frequency band 2, and radio frame 2 is used to search for a millimeter wave transmission beam.

[0090] Correspondingly, the communication device 2 receives a radio frame 2 from the communication device 1 in the frequency band 2, and performs a search for a millimeter wave transmission beam based on the radio frame 2.

[0091] It should be understood that when the communication device 1 is one STA, the communication device 2 is one AP. In other words, S220 may be as follows: one STA transmits one or more radio frames 2 to one AP in frequency band 2. When one STA transmits one radio frame 2 to the AP, the one radio frame 2 corresponds to multiple millimeter-wave transmission beams on the STA side. When one STA transmits multiple radio frames 2 to the AP, the one radio frame 2 corresponds to one millimeter-wave transmission beam on the STA side (for a specific description of the radio frame 2, please refer to FIG. 4 and details will not be provided here). When the communication device 1 is one AP, the communication device 2 is one or more STAs. In other words, S220 may be as follows: one AP transmits multiple radio frames 2 to one or more STAs, and each radio frame 2 corresponds to one millimeter-wave transmission beam on the AP side. Specifically, in the former case, the STA transmits one or more radio frames 2 to the AP in frequency band 2. One radio frame 2 may correspond to multiple millimeter wave transmission beams on the STA side, or one radio frame 2 may correspond to one millimeter wave transmission beam on the STA side. This is not limited. In the latter case, one AP transmits multiple radio frames 2 to one or more STAs in frequency band 2, and the number of radio frames 2 corresponds to the number of millimeter wave transmission beams on the AP side. In the former case, the AP may receive or feed back some or all of the millimeter wave transmission beams transmitted by the STA side. This is not limited. In the latter case, different STAs may receive some or all of the radio frames 2 transmitted by the AP side. This is also not limited. For a specific description, please refer to the description below.

[0092] S230: Communication device 1 transmits radio frame 3 to communication device 2 in frequency band 1, and radio frame 3 instructs communication device 2 to feed back the index of the received millimeter-wave transmit beam.

[0093] In response to this, communication device 2 receives radio frame 3 from communication device 1 in frequency band 1, and determines based on radio frame 3 that the index of the millimeter wave transmit beam received by communication device 2 needs to be fed back to communication device 1.

[0094] Specifically, when the communication device 1 is an AP and the communication device 2 is one or more STAs, the AP can broadcast N radio frames 2 to the STAs, and each STA on the STA side can receive the N radio frames 2 from the AP in an omnidirectional receiving manner and can receive M radio frames 2 among the N radio frames 2, where M≦N (M and N are both positive integers). Therefore, the indices of the millimeter-wave transmission beams fed back by different STAs to the AP can be different. For example, the AP broadcasts 10 radio frames 2 to three STAs (STA 1, STA 2, and STA 3), and STA 1 receives the first three radio frames 2 of the 10 radio frames 2, STA 2 receives the middle four radio frames 2 of the 10 radio frames 2, and STA 3 receives the last three radio frames 2 of the 10 radio frames 2. In response to this, STA 1 feeds back to the AP the indices of the millimeter wave transmission beams corresponding to the first three radio frames 2 of the 10 radio frames 2, STA 2 feeds back to the AP the indices of the millimeter wave transmission beams corresponding to the middle four radio frames 2 of the 10 radio frames 2, and STA 3 feeds back to the AP the indices of the millimeter wave transmission beams corresponding to the last three radio frames 2 of the 10 radio frames 2.

[0095] In an example, when communication device 2 receives multiple radio frames 2 from communication device 1, communication device 2 may feed back indices of the multiple received millimeter-wave transmit beams to communication device 1 in descending order of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) values ​​of the millimeter-wave transmit beams. In another example, when communication device 2 does not receive a radio frame 2 from communication device 1, communication device 2 may feed back to communication device 1 that a radio frame 2 corresponding to a millimeter-wave transmit beam has not been received (i.e., feed back null).

[0096] It will be understood that in method 200, communication device 1 and communication device 2 exchange radio frame 1 and radio frame 3 in frequency band 1, and communication device 1 and communication device 2 exchange radio frame 2 in frequency band 2. In addition, frequency band 1 is smaller than frequency band 2. In other words, frequency band 1 may be a low frequency band, and frequency band 2 may be a high frequency band. In this way, in the present application, signaling interaction in the low frequency band can assist in searching for a millimeter wave beam in the high frequency band, so that searching for a millimeter wave beam can be performed in a communication scenario involving the high frequency band and the low frequency band.

[0097] In addition, compared with existing methods for searching millimeter-wave beams, the present application can reduce the time consumed for searching millimeter-wave beams by adjusting between high and low frequency bands, and does not require the use of a dedicated control signal mode (e.g., the aforementioned control PHY mode), which can simplify protocols and specific implementations.

[0098] Optionally, in a possible implementation, the method 200 may further include:

[0099] S240: Communication device 1 receives radio frame 4 from communication device 2 in frequency band 1, where radio frame 4 includes an index of a millimeter-wave transmit beam received by communication device 2.

[0100] Specifically, communication device 1 and communication device 2 exchange radio frame 2 in frequency band 2, and communication device 2 may receive part or all of radio frame 2 from communication device 1 in frequency band 2. Furthermore, communication device 2 transmits radio frame 4 to communication device 1 in frequency band 1 under the instruction of radio frame 3, the radio frame including the index of the millimeter-wave transmit beam received by communication device 2. For a detailed description of S240, please refer to the above description of S230. Details will not be repeated here. This allows communication device 1 to complete the search for the millimeter-wave transmit beam, eliminating the need to use a dedicated control signal mode, thereby simplifying the protocol and specific implementation.

[0101] Optionally, in a possible implementation, the method 200 may further include:

[0102] S250: Communication device 1 transmits radio frame 5 to communication device 2 in frequency band 1, where radio frame 5 is used to request performing a search for millimeter wave receiving beams, and radio frame 5 further indicates the number of millimeter wave receiving beams.

[0103] S260: The communication device 1 receives a radio frame 5 from the communication device 2 in the frequency band 1, and the radio frame 5 indicates performing a search for a millimeter-wave receiving beam.

[0104] S270: Communication device 1 receives radio frame 2 from communication device 2 in frequency band 2, and radio frame 2 is further used to search for a millimeter-wave receiving beam.

[0105] Specifically, when searching for a millimeter wave receive beam, communication device 1 may be one AP and communication device 2 may be one STA. Or, communication device 1 may be one STA and communication device 2 may be one AP. This is not limited here. For ease of explanation, communication device 1 and communication device 2 here are not limited. In this embodiment of the present application, radio frame 2 is not only used to search for a millimeter wave transmit beam, but can also be used to search for a millimeter wave receive beam. In other words, radio frame 2 can be used to search for millimeter wave beams (including millimeter wave transmit beams and millimeter wave receive beams).

[0106] It will be understood that when searching for a millimeter-wave receiving beam, communication device 1 and communication device 2 exchange radio frames 5 in frequency band 1 to request the peer end to perform or confirm searching for a millimeter-wave receiving beam. Then, communication device 1 receives (via the pseudo-omnidirectional antenna or pseudo-omnidirectional beam) the radio frame 2 transmitted by communication device 2 in frequency band 2. Correspondingly, communication device 1 performs searching for a millimeter-wave receiving beam at the communication device 1 side based on receiving the radio frame 2 transmitted by communication device 2.

[0107] Before searching for a millimeter-wave receive beam (i.e., before S270), communication device 2 transmits radio frame 5 to communication device 1 in frequency band 1. The radio frame 5 transmitted by communication device 2 is used to confirm the radio frame 5 transmitted by communication device 1. That is, the radio frame 5 transmitted by communication device 2 to communication device 1 in frequency band 1 can be used to confirm the radio frame 5 transmitted by communication device 1. In other words, communication device 2 transmits radio frame 5 to communication device 1 to indicate that communication device 2 will transmit radio frame 2 to communication device 1 to be used by communication device 1 to perform a search for a millimeter-wave receive beam.

[0108] In the example, the radio frame 5 transmitted by the communication device 1 may further indicate the number of millimeter-wave receiving beams on the side of the communication device 1. Correspondingly, the communication device 2 determines the number of millimeter-wave receiving beams corresponding to the radio frame 2 based on the number of millimeter-wave receiving beams indicated by the radio frame 5 transmitted by the communication device 1. The structure of the radio frame 2 will be further described below.

[0109] In a possible embodiment, radio frame 5 may further be used to request that millimeter-wave beam combining training be performed, and radio frame 5 further indicates the number of millimeter-wave transmit beams and the number of millimeter-wave receive beams in the combining training. This allows for the implementation of sophisticated combinations of millimeter-wave beams between communication device 1 and communication device 2, and can better support millimeter-wave communication between communication device 1 and communication device 2. Millimeter-wave beam combining training will be described further below and will not be described in detail here.

[0110] It should be noted that in method 200, radio frame 2 may be used to search for a millimeter-wave beam, and searching for a millimeter-wave beam may include searching for a millimeter-wave transmit beam and searching for a millimeter-wave receive beam. This is not limited to this. When the content of radio frame 2 is transmitted, the present application supports an example in which one radio frame 2 corresponds to one millimeter-wave transmit beam and may further support an example in which one radio frame 2 corresponds to multiple millimeter-wave transmit beams. In addition, the present application also supports an example in which one radio frame 2 corresponds to one millimeter-wave receive beam and may further support an example in which one radio frame 2 corresponds to multiple millimeter-wave receive beams. This is related to the design of the frame structure of radio frame 2. For details, please refer to the description below.

[0111] It is further noted that S250 to S270 may be executed before S240, which is not limited here.

[0112] Some radio frames of the method 200 will now be described with reference to other accompanying drawings.

[0113] 3 is a diagram of a structure of radio frame 1 according to an embodiment of the present application. Radio frame 1 may be (or include) a null data physical protocol data unit announcement (NDPA) frame. The structure of the NDPA is shown in FIG. 3. The NDPA frame includes the following fields: a frame control field, a duration field, a receiver address (RA), a transmitter address (TA), a sounding dialog token field, at least one station information (STA info) field, a frame check sequence (FCS) field, etc. In the present application, the value of an application identifier (AID) field in the STA info field may be set to a first value, and the first value may be an unused value (e.g., not applicable), such as 2043, 2045, or 2046. In this way, in the present application, the first value of the AID field can indicate that the communication device 1 is about to start searching for a millimeter wave transmission beam. For descriptions of other fields of the NDPA frame, please refer to existing protocols. Details will not be described here. For designs of the STA information field, please refer to existing protocols. Details will not be described here.

[0114] FIG. 4 is a diagram of the structure of radio frame 2 according to an embodiment of the present application. Radio frame 2 includes a null data physical protocol data unit (NDP). The structure of the NDP is shown in FIG. 4. Specifically, the NDP includes a legacy-short training field (L-STF), a legacy-long training field (L-LTF), a legacy signal (L-SIG), a very high throughput signal A (VHT-SIG-A), a VHT-STF, a VHT-LTF, and a VHT-SIG-B. The VHT-SIG-A includes a beam index field, which indicates the index of the millimeter-wave transmit beam (or millimeter-wave receive beam).

[0115] In an example, the VHT-SIG-A further includes at least one of the following fields: a bandwidth (BW) field, a partial AID field, a number of symbols in the LTF field (or number of millimeter-wave beams field), a cyclic redundancy check code (CRC) field, or a number of remaining millimeter-wave beams to be transmitted field (CDOWN). The bandwidth field may be used to enable the NDP to use more bandwidth configurations, making the process of searching for millimeter-wave beams more flexible. The partial AID field may allow the receiving end to identify whether the NDP is being transmitted to the receiving end. The number of symbols field or number of millimeter-wave beams field may be used to inform the receiving end of the number of millimeter-wave beams that need to be measured so that the receiving end can determine when to receive the NDP.

[0116] It will be understood that when one radio frame 2 corresponds to one or more millimeter-wave transmit beams (or millimeter-wave receive beams), it may mean that one millimeter-wave transmit beam (or millimeter-wave receive beam) corresponds to a specific number of LTF symbols in the radio frame 2. For example, each millimeter-wave transmit beam (or millimeter-wave receive beam) corresponds to k LTF symbols in the NDP in one radio frame 2, where k≧1. Therefore, when one radio frame 2 corresponds to one millimeter-wave transmit beam, the NDP in the radio frame 2 includes k LTF symbols, and the beam index field in the NDP indicates the index of one millimeter-wave transmit beam. When one radio frame 2 corresponds to h millimeter-wave transmit beams, the NDP in the radio frame 2 includes k*h LTF symbols. Therefore, in the above content description, the number of transmitted radio frames 2 is not limited in this application.

[0117] In a possible embodiment, radio frame 5 may include at least one of the following fields: a millimeter-wave receive beam training request (Rx_request) field, a millimeter-wave receive beam training confirmation (Rx_grant) field, a millimeter-wave beam combining training request (combine_request) field, a millimeter-wave beam combining training confirmation (combine_grant) field, a number of millimeter-wave receive beams to be trained (L-RX) field, or a number of millimeter-wave transmit beams to be trained (L-TX) field. According to the structural design of the fifth radio frame, in the present application, the first communication device and the second communication device can complete processes such as millimeter-wave receive beam search, millimeter-wave beam combining training, etc. by exchanging the fifth radio frame. More specifically, communication device 1 and communication device 2 can communicate parameters based on radio frame 5, thereby completing processes such as millimeter-wave receive beam search, millimeter-wave beam combining training, etc.

[0118] In a possible embodiment, radio frame 3 may be a trigger frame and is used to trigger communication device 2 to feed back the index of the millimeter wave transmit beam received by communication device 2 to communication device 1. Radio frame 3 may use an unused value to instruct communication device 2 to feed back the index of the millimeter wave transmit beam received by communication device 2. For example, the value of trigger type in the trigger frame (radio frame 3) may be any one of 8 to 15, which may instruct communication device 2 to feed back the index of the millimeter wave transmit beam received by communication device 2. This is not limited.

[0119] In a possible embodiment, radio frame 3 may alternatively be a request frame, used to request communication device 2 to feed back to communication device 1 the index of the millimeter wave transmission beam received by communication device 2.

[0120] The method 200 shown in FIG. 2 will now be further described with reference to the other accompanying drawings.

[0121] 5 is a schematic interaction flowchart of a beam management method 500 according to an embodiment of the present application. The steps of the method in FIG. 5 may be performed by an AP and an STA, or may be performed by a module and / or component (e.g., a chip or integrated circuit) installed in the AP and the STA and having corresponding functions. This is not limited thereto. In the following, the AP and the STA are used as an example for explanation. As shown in FIG. 5, the method 500 includes the following steps:

[0122] S510: The AP broadcasts an NDPA frame to L (eg, L≧1) STAs in the low frequency band.

[0123] Correspondingly, each of the L STAs receives the NDPA frame transmitted by the AP in the low frequency band.

[0124] S520: The AP broadcasts the N NDPs to the L STAs in a high frequency band.

[0125] Correspondingly, each of the L STAs receives some or all of the N NDPs transmitted by the AP in the high frequency band, with one millimeter wave transmission beam corresponding to one NDP.

[0126] S530: The AP broadcasts a trigger frame to L STAs in a low frequency band.

[0127] In response, the L STAs receive a trigger frame (which may be radio frame 3) from the AP in the low frequency band, and based on the trigger frame, determine that the index of the millimeter wave transmit beam received by the STA needs to be fed back to the AP.

[0128] S540: L STAs transmit feedback frames to the AP in the low frequency band.

[0129] In response, the AP receives feedback frames from the STAs in the low frequency band, and determines the index of the millimeter wave transmit beam received by each STA based on the feedback frames.

[0130] Specifically, after receiving the trigger frame, the STA may feed back the index of the received millimeter wave transmit beam to the AP in a trigger-based PPDU (TB-PPDU) (which may be radio frame 4). If the STA receives multiple NDPs, the STA may feed back the index of the received millimeter wave transmit beam to the AP in descending order of the SNR of the millimeter wave transmit beam. If the STA does not receive an NDP, the STA feeds back a null value to the AP.

[0131] According to the above solution, in the present application, signaling interaction in the low frequency band can assist in searching for a millimeter wave transmission beam in the high frequency band. In this way, searching for a millimeter wave transmission beam can be performed in communication scenarios related to the low frequency band and the high frequency band, and the time consumed in the entire process of searching for a millimeter wave transmission beam can be reduced.

[0132] Compared with existing methods for searching millimeter-wave transmission beams, the present application can reduce the time consumed for millimeter-wave beam transmission searching by adjusting between high and low frequency bands, and does not require the use of a dedicated control signal mode (e.g., the aforementioned control PHY mode), which can simplify the protocol and specific implementation.

[0133] Fig. 6 is a schematic interaction flowchart of a beam management method 600 according to an embodiment of the present application. The steps of the method in Fig. 6 may be performed by an AP and an STA, or may be performed by a module and / or component (e.g., a chip or integrated circuit) installed in the AP and the STA and having corresponding functions. This is not limited thereto. In the following, the AP and the STA are used as an example for explanation. As shown in Fig. 6(a), the method 600 includes the following steps:

[0134] S610: The STA transmits an NDPA frame to the AP in the low frequency band.

[0135] In response, the AP receives the NDPA frame transmitted by the STA in the low frequency band.

[0136] S620: The STA transmits one NDP to the AP in the high frequency band.

[0137] Correspondingly, the AP receives one NDP from the STA in the high frequency band, and one NDP can correspond to multiple millimeter wave transmission beams on the STA side, that is, one millimeter wave transmission beam corresponds to k LTF symbols (k≧1) in one NDP.

[0138] Optionally, in S620, the STA can alternatively transmit N NDPs (N≧2) to the AP in a high frequency band, where each NDP corresponds to one millimeter wave transmission beam on the STA side. For this scenario, please refer to the example description in (b) of FIG. 6. Details will not be described here.

[0139] S630: The STA transmits a request frame to the AP in the low frequency band.

[0140] In response, the AP receives a request frame (which may be radio frame 3) from the STA in the low frequency band and determines based on the request frame that the index of the millimeter wave transmit beam received by the AP needs to be fed back to the STA.

[0141] S640: The AP transmits a feedback frame to the STA in the low frequency band.

[0142] In response, the STA receives a feedback frame from the AP in the low frequency band, and determines the index of the millimeter wave transmit beam received by the AP based on the feedback frame.

[0143] According to the above solution, in the present application, signaling interaction in the low frequency band can assist in searching for a millimeter wave transmission beam in the high frequency band. In this way, searching for a millimeter wave transmission beam can be performed in communication scenarios related to the low frequency band and the high frequency band, and the time consumed in the entire process of searching for a millimeter wave transmission beam can be reduced.

[0144] Compared with existing methods for searching millimeter-wave transmission beams, in the present application, the time consumed for searching millimeter-wave transmission beams can be reduced by adjusting between high-frequency bands and low-frequency bands, and there is no need to use a dedicated control signal mode (e.g., the aforementioned control PHY mode), which can simplify the protocol and specific implementation.

[0145] It should be noted that (a) of FIG. 6 is described by using an example in which a STA transmits one NDP to an AP in a high frequency band, but the scenario in which a STA transmits N NDPs (N≧2) to an AP in a high frequency band is not limited thereto. For details, see (b) of FIG. 6. The content shown in (b) of FIG. 6 is basically the same as the content shown in (a) of FIG. 6 (the difference between the two is whether a STA transmits one NDP to an AP or N NDPs to an AP in a high frequency band). For simplicity, the content shown in (b) of FIG. 6 will not be described here.

[0146] 7 is a schematic interaction flowchart of a beam management method 700 according to an embodiment of the present application. The steps of the method in FIG. 7 may be performed by an AP and an STA, or may be performed by a module and / or component (e.g., a chip or integrated circuit) installed in the AP and the STA and having corresponding functions. This is not limited thereto. In the following, the AP and the STA are used as an example for explanation. As shown in FIG. 7(a), the method 700 includes the following steps:

[0147] S710: The AP transmits radio frame 5 to the STA in the low frequency band.

[0148] In response, the STA receives radio frame 5 from the AP in the low frequency band. Specifically, the radio frame 5 transmitted by the AP can be used to request the STA to perform a search for a millimeter-wave receiving beam on the AP side.

[0149] S720: The STA transmits wireless frame 5 to the AP in the low frequency band.

[0150] In response, the AP receives radio frame 5 from the STA in the low frequency band. Specifically, the radio frame 5 transmitted by the STA may be used to confirm the radio frame 5 in S710, that is, the STA may instruct the AP to perform a search for a millimeter-wave receiving beam on the AP side.

[0151] S730: The STA transmits one NDP to the AP in the high frequency band.

[0152] In response, the AP receives one NDP from the STA in the high frequency band. One NDP can correspond to multiple millimeter wave receiving beams, i.e., one millimeter wave receiving beam corresponds to k LTF symbols in one NDP.

[0153] Optionally, in S730, the STA can alternatively transmit N (N≧2) NDPs to the AP in the high frequency band, each NDP corresponding to one millimeter wave receiving beam. For this scenario, please refer to the example description in (b) of Figure 7. Details will not be described here.

[0154] According to the above solution, in the present application, signaling interaction in the low frequency band can assist in searching for a millimeter wave receiving beam in the high frequency band. In this way, searching for a millimeter wave receiving beam can be performed in communication scenarios related to the low frequency band and the high frequency band, and the time consumed in the entire process of searching for a millimeter wave receiving beam can be reduced.

[0155] Compared with existing methods for searching millimeter-wave receiving beams, the present application can reduce the time consumed for searching millimeter-wave receiving beams by adjusting between high and low frequency bands, and does not require the use of a dedicated control signal mode (e.g., the aforementioned control PHY mode), which can simplify the protocol and specific implementation.

[0156] It should be understood that the method 700 is described by using an example in which the search for a millimeter-wave receiving beam is completed at the AP side. However, the method 700 is also applicable to the search for a millimeter-wave receiving beam at the STA side. Details will not be described here.

[0157] It should be noted that (a) of FIG. 7 is described by using an example in which a STA transmits one NDP to an AP in a high frequency band, but the scenario in which a STA transmits N NDPs (N≧2) to an AP in a high frequency band is not limited thereto. For details, see (b) of FIG. 7. The content shown in (b) of FIG. 7 is basically the same as the content shown in (a) of FIG. 7 (the difference between the two is whether a STA transmits one NDP to an AP or N NDPs to an AP in a high frequency band). For simplicity, the content shown in (b) of FIG. 7 will not be described here.

[0158] 8 is a schematic interaction flowchart of a beam management method 800 according to an embodiment of the present application. The steps of the method in FIG. 8 may be performed by an AP and an STA, or may be performed by a module and / or component (e.g., a chip or integrated circuit) installed in the AP and the STA and having corresponding functions. This is not limited thereto. In the following, the AP and the STA are used as an example for explanation. As shown in FIG. 8(a), the method 800 includes the following steps:

[0159] S810: The AP transmits a radio frame 5 to the STA in the low frequency band.

[0160] In response, the STA receives radio frame 5 from the AP in the low frequency band. Specifically, the radio frame 5 transmitted by the AP may be used to request the STA to perform millimeter-wave beam combining training. Furthermore, the radio frame 5 may further indicate the number of millimeter-wave transmitting beams Tx_N and the number of millimeter-wave receiving beams Rx_N on the AP side.

[0161] S820: The STA transmits wireless frame 5 to the AP in the low frequency band.

[0162] In response, the AP receives radio frame 5 from the STA in the low frequency band. Specifically, the radio frame 5 transmitted by the STA may be used to confirm the radio frame 5 in S810, i.e., to indicate to the AP that the STA will perform millimeter-wave beam combining training. Furthermore, the radio frame 5 transmitted by the STA may also be used to request the AP to perform millimeter-wave beam combining training. Furthermore, the radio frame 5 may further indicate the number of millimeter-wave transmit beams Tx_M and the number of millimeter-wave receive beams Rx_M on the STA side.

[0163] S830: The AP transmits radio frame 5 to the STA in the low frequency band.

[0164] In response, the STA receives radio frame 5 from the AP in the low frequency band. Specifically, radio frame 5 of S830 can be used to confirm radio frame 5 of S820, i.e., the AP agrees to the millimeter-wave beam combining training on the STA side.

[0165] S840: The AP transmits Rx_M NDPs in the high frequency band, and each NDP is used to measure Tx_N transmit beams, and the STA transmits Rx_N NDPs in the high frequency band, and each NDP is used to measure Tx_M transmit beams.

[0166] Correspondingly, the STA may receive some or all of the Rx_M NDPs from the AP, and the AP may also receive some or all of the Rx_M NDPs from the STA.

[0167] S850: The AP and the STA exchange request frames and feedback frames in the low frequency band.

[0168] Specifically, the AP transmits a request frame to the STA in the low frequency band, which is used to request the STA to feedback the index of the millimeter wave transmit beam received by the STA. Correspondingly, the STA transmits a feedback frame to the AP in the low frequency band, which is used to feedback the index of the millimeter wave transmit beam received by the STA to the AP. In addition, the STA transmits a request frame to the AP in the low frequency band, which is used to request the AP to feedback the index of the millimeter wave transmit beam received by the AP. Correspondingly, the AP transmits a feedback frame to the STA in the low frequency band, which is used to feedback the index of the millimeter wave transmit beam received by the AP to the STA. For how the AP feeds back the index of the millimeter wave beam to the STA, please refer to the above description of S240. For how the STA feeds back the index of the millimeter wave beam to the AP, please also refer to the above description. Details will not be repeated here.

[0169] In a possible embodiment, in S840, the AP can transmit Rx_M*Tx_N NDPs to the STA in the high frequency band, each NDP being used to measure one millimeter wave beam, and the STA can transmit Rx_N*Tx_M NDPs to the AP in the high frequency band, each NDP being used to measure one millimeter wave beam.

[0170] According to the above solution, in the present application, signaling interaction in the low frequency band can support millimeter wave beam combining training in the high frequency band. In this way, millimeter wave beam combining training can be performed in communication scenarios related to the low frequency band and the high frequency band, and the time consumed in the entire process of millimeter wave beam combining training can be reduced.

[0171] It should be understood that the method 800 is described by using an example in which the millimeter-wave beam-combining training on the AP side is completed. However, the method 800 is also applicable to the millimeter-wave beam-combining training on the STA side, and details will not be described here.

[0172] While the method embodiments have been described above in the embodiments of the present application, the corresponding apparatus embodiments will be described below.

[0173] To realize various functions in the aforementioned methods provided in the present application, the terminal and the network device may each include a hardware structure and / or a software module, and may realize functions in the form of a hardware structure, a software module, or a combination of a hardware structure and a software module.Whether a function among the aforementioned functions is performed by using a hardware structure, a software module, or a combination of a hardware structure and a software module depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0174] 9 is a block diagram of a communication device 900 according to an embodiment of the present application. The communication device 900 includes a processor 910 and a communication interface 920. The processor 910 and the communication interface 920 may be connected to each other through a bus 930. The communication device 900 may be configured to implement the functions of an AP or may be configured to implement the functions of an STA.

[0175] Optionally, the communications device 900 further comprises a memory 940 .

[0176] Memory 940 may include, but is not limited to, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), or portable read-only memory (compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)). Memory may be any medium capable of holding or storing expected program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer, but is not limited to such medium. Memory 9009000 is configured to store associated instructions and data.

[0177] In the embodiments of the present application, the processor may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit, a field programmable gate array or other programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic device, or a discrete hardware component, capable of implementing or executing the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of the present application. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, etc. The steps of the methods disclosed with reference to the embodiments of the present application may be directly executed and completed by a hardware processor, or may be executed and completed by using a combination of hardware and software modules in a processor. For example, the processor 910 may be one or more central processing units (CPUs). When the processor 910 is a CPU, the CPU may be a single-core CPU or a multi-core CPU.

[0178] When the communication device 900 is configured to realize the functions of an AP, for example, the processor 910 is configured to perform the following operations: transmitting an NDPA frame to a STA in a low frequency band, and transmitting an NDP, etc. to the STA in a high frequency band.

[0179] The foregoing is merely used as an example for illustration purposes. If the communication device 900 is configured to realize the functions of an AP, the communication device 900 is responsible for performing AP-related methods or steps in the foregoing method embodiments.

[0180] When the communication device 900 is configured to realize the functions of a STA, for example, the processor 910 is configured to perform the following operations: receiving an NDPA frame from an AP in a low frequency band, and receiving an NDP, etc. from the AP in a high frequency band.

[0181] The above content is only used as an example for explanation. If the communication device 900 is configured to realize the function of a STA, the communication device 900 is responsible for performing the STA-related methods or steps in the above method embodiments.

[0182] The above description is merely an example for explanation. For specific details, please refer to the contents described in the above method embodiments. In addition, for the implementation of each operation in FIG. 9, please refer to the corresponding descriptions of the method embodiments shown in FIG. 2 to FIG. 8.

[0183] 10 is a block diagram of a communication device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present application. The communication device 1000 may be an AP or STA in the above-mentioned embodiment, or a chip or module in the AP or STA, and is configured to perform the method in the above-mentioned embodiment. The communication device 1000 includes a transceiver unit 1010. The transceiver unit 1010 will be described below using an example.

[0184] The transceiver unit 1010 may include a transmitting unit and a receiving unit configured to respectively implement the transmitting or receiving functions in the above-described method embodiments, and may further include a processing unit configured to implement functions other than the transmitting or receiving functions.

[0185] When the communication device 1000 is configured to function as an AP, for example, the transceiver unit 1010 is configured to transmit an NDPA frame to the STA in a low frequency band, and is further configured to transmit an NDP or the like to the STA in a high frequency band.

[0186] Optionally, the communication device further includes a processing unit 1020 configured to perform methods or steps relating to operations such as the processing in the method embodiments described above.

[0187] Optionally, the communication device 1000 further includes a storage unit 1030. The storage unit 1030 is configured to store programs or codes used to perform the aforementioned methods.

[0188] The above content is used only as an example for explanation purposes. When the communication device 1000 is configured to realize the function of an AP, the communication device 1000 is responsible for performing AP-related methods or steps in the above method embodiments.

[0189] The communication device 1000 is an STA. For example, the transceiver unit 1010 is configured to receive an NDPA frame from an AP in a low frequency band. The transceiver unit 1010 is further configured to receive an NDP or the like from the AP in a high frequency band.

[0190] Optionally, the communication device further includes a processing unit 1020 configured to perform methods or steps relating to operations such as the processing in the method embodiments described above.

[0191] Optionally, the communication device 1000 further includes a storage unit 1030. The storage unit 1030 is configured to store programs or codes used to perform the aforementioned methods.

[0192] The above content is used only as an example for explanation. When the communication device 1000 is configured to realize the function of an STA, the communication device 1000 is responsible for performing the STA-related methods or steps in the above method embodiments.

[0193] In addition, for the implementation of each operation in Figure 10, please refer to the corresponding description of the contents shown in the above method embodiments, and the details will not be repeated here.

[0194] The communication devices shown in Figures 9 and 10 are configured to implement the contents described in the above method embodiments, so please refer to the contents described in the above method embodiments for specific execution steps and methods of the communication devices shown in Figures 9 and 10.

[0195] It should be understood that the aforementioned transceiver unit may include a transmitting unit and a receiving unit. The transmitting unit is configured to perform a transmitting action of the communication device, and the receiving unit is configured to perform a receiving action of the communication device. For ease of description, in the embodiment of the present application, the transmitting unit and the receiving unit are combined into one transceiver unit, which is described only once here and will not be described in detail again below.

[0196] 11 is a diagram of a communication device 1100 according to an embodiment of the present application. The communication device 1100 may be configured to implement the functions of an AP or a STA in the above-described method. The communication device 1100 may be a chip of an AP or a STA. The communication device 1100 includes an input / output interface 1120 and a processor 1110. The input / output interface 1120 may be an input / output circuit. The processor 1110 may be a signal processor, a chip, or another integrated circuit capable of executing the method in the present application. The input / output interface 1120 is configured to input and output signals or data.

[0197] For example, the communication device 1100 is an AP, and the input / output interface 1120 is configured to transmit an NDPA frame to the STA in a low frequency band. The input / output interface 1120 is further configured to transmit an NDP, etc. to the STA in a high frequency band. The processor 1110 is configured to process radio frame 4, etc. from the STA. The processor 1110 is further configured to perform some or all of the steps of any method provided in the present application.

[0198] For example, the communication device 1100 is a STA, and the input / output interface 1120 is configured to receive an NDPA frame from an AP in a low frequency band. The input / output interface 1120 is further configured to receive an NDP, etc. from the AP in a high frequency band. The processor 1110 is configured to perform some or all of the steps of any method provided in the present application.

[0199] In possible implementations, the processor 1110 executes instructions stored in memory to implement functions performed by an AP or STA.

[0200] Optionally, communications device 1100 further includes a memory. Optionally, the processor and the memory are integrated with each other. Optionally, the memory is external to communications device 1100.

[0201] In a possible implementation, the processor 1110 may be a logic circuit, and the processor 1110 inputs / outputs messages or signaling via the input / output interface 1120. The logic circuit may be a signal processor, a chip, or another integrated circuit capable of performing the methods in the embodiments of the present application.

[0202] The above description of the communication device 1100 in Figure 11 is merely an example for illustration. The communication device 1100 can be configured to perform the method of the above-mentioned embodiment. For specific content, please refer to the description of the above-mentioned method embodiment. Details will not be repeated here.

[0203] 12 is a block diagram of a communication device 1200 according to an embodiment of the present application. The communication device 1200 may be an AP or a chip. The communication device 1200 may be configured to perform the operations performed by the AP in the above-described method embodiments.

[0204] When the communication device 1200 is an AP, e.g., a base station, FIG. 12 is a simplified diagram of the structure of the base station. The base station includes a portion 1210, a portion 1220, and a portion 1230. The portion 1210 is mainly configured to perform baseband processing and base station control. The portion 1210 is typically the control center of the base station and may be commonly referred to as a processor. In the embodiment of the aforementioned method, the portion 1210 is configured to control the base station to perform processing operations on the network device side. The portion 1220 is mainly configured to store computer program code and data. The portion 1230 is mainly configured to transmit and receive radio frequency signals and perform conversion between radio frequency signals and baseband signals. The portion 1230 may be commonly referred to as a transceiver module, a transceiver device, a transceiver circuit, a transceiver, etc. The transceiver module of the portion 1230 may also be referred to as a transceiver device, a transceiver, etc., and includes an antenna 1233 and a radio frequency circuit (not shown in FIG. 12). The radio frequency circuit is mainly configured to perform radio frequency processing. Optionally, in portion 1230, a component configured to realize a receiving function may be considered a receiving unit, and a component configured to realize a transmitting function may be considered a transmitting unit. In other words, portion 1230 includes a receiver 1232 and a transmitter 1231. The receiver may be referred to as a receiving module, a receiving device, a receiver circuit, etc., and the transmitter may be referred to as a transmitting module, a transmitter, a transmitter circuit, etc.

[0205] Portion 1210 and portion 1220 may include one or more boards, each of which may include one or more processors and one or more memories. The processor is configured to read and execute programs in the memory to implement baseband processing functions and control the base station. When multiple boards are present, the boards may be interconnected to increase processing power. In optional implementations, multiple boards may share one or more processors, multiple boards may share one or more memories, or multiple boards may simultaneously share one or more processors.

[0206] In an embodiment, the transceiver module of portion 1230 is configured to perform the receive and transmit related processes performed by the network device in the embodiments shown in Figures 2-8. The processor of portion 1210 is configured to perform the processing related processes performed by the network device in the embodiments shown in Figures 2-8.

[0207] In another embodiment, the processor of portion 1210 is configured to perform the processing-related processes performed by the communications device in the embodiments illustrated in FIGS.

[0208] In another embodiment, the transceiver module of portion 1230 is configured to perform the receive and transmit related processes performed by the communications device in the embodiments shown in FIGS.

[0209] It should be understood that Figure 12 is merely an example rather than a limitation, and a network device including a processor, memory, and transceiver may not rely on the structure shown in Figures 9-11.

[0210] When the communication device 1200 is a chip, the chip includes a transceiver, a memory, and a processor. The transceiver may be an input / output circuit or a communication interface. The processor may be a processor, a microprocessor, or an integrated circuit integrated on a chip. A transmitting operation performed by the network device in the above-described method embodiments may be understood as an output of the chip, and a receiving operation performed by the network device in the above-described method embodiments may be understood as an input of the chip.

[0211] 13 is a block diagram of a communication device 1300 according to an embodiment of the present application. The communication device 1300 may be a STA, a processor of the STA, or a chip. The communication device 1300 may be configured to perform the operations performed by the STA in the above-described method embodiments.

[0212] 13 is a simplified diagram of the configuration of a terminal device (STA) when a communication device 1300 is a STA. As shown in FIG. 13, the STA includes a processor, a memory, and a transceiver. The memory can store computer program code. The transceiver includes a transmitter 531, a receiver 532, a radio frequency circuit (not shown in FIG. 13), an antenna 533, and an input / output device (not shown in FIG. 13).

[0213] The processor is primarily configured to process communication protocols and communication data, control the terminal device, execute software programs, process data of the software programs, etc. The memory is primarily configured to store software programs and data. The radio frequency circuit is primarily configured to perform conversion between baseband signals and radio frequency signals and process radio frequency signals. The antenna is primarily configured to receive / transmit radio frequency signals in the form of electromagnetic waves. The input / output device, such as a touch screen, display, or keyboard, is primarily configured to receive data input by a user and output data to the user. It should be noted that some types of terminal devices may not have input / output devices.

[0214] When data needs to be transmitted, the processor performs baseband processing on the data to be transmitted and outputs the baseband signal to the radio frequency circuit. After performing radio frequency processing on the baseband signal, the radio frequency circuit transmits the radio frequency signal to the outside in the form of electromagnetic waves through an antenna. When data is transmitted to the terminal device, the radio frequency circuit receives the radio frequency signal through the antenna, converts the radio frequency signal to a baseband signal, and outputs the baseband signal to the processor. The processor converts the baseband signal to data and processes the data. For simplicity, FIG. 5 shows only one memory, one processor, and one transceiver. In an actual terminal device product, there may be one or more processors and one or more memories. The memory may be referred to as a storage medium, a storage device, etc. The memory may be located independently of the processor or integrated with the processor. This is not a limitation of this application.

[0215] In this embodiment of the present application, the antenna and radio frequency circuitry having the transceiver functionality may be considered as a transceiver module of the terminal device, and the processor having the processing functionality may be considered as a processing module of the terminal device.

[0216] 13, the terminal device includes a processor 1310, a memory 1320, and a transceiver 1330. The processor 1310 may be referred to as a processing unit, a processing board, a processing module, a processing device, etc. The transceiver 530 may be referred to as a transceiver unit, a transceiver device, a transceiver apparatus, etc.

[0217] Optionally, components configured to implement receiving functions in the transceiver 1330 may be considered receiving units, and components configured to implement transmitting functions in the transceiver 530 may be considered transmitting modules. That is, the transceiver 1330 includes a receiver and a transmitter. A transceiver may also sometimes be referred to as a transceiver device, a transceiver module, a transceiver circuit, or the like. A receiver may also sometimes be referred to as a receiver device, a receiving module, a receiver circuit, or the like. A transmitter may also sometimes be referred to as a transmitter device, a transmitting module, a transmitter circuit, or the like.

[0218] For example, in an embodiment, the processor 1310 is configured to perform processing actions on the STA side in the embodiments shown in Figures 2-8, and the transceiver 1330 is configured to perform receiving and transmitting actions on the STA side in Figures 2-8.

[0219] For example, in an embodiment, the processor 510 is configured to perform processing actions on the terminal device side in the embodiments shown in Figures 2 to 8, and the transceiver 1330 is configured to perform receiving and transmitting actions on the STA side in Figures 2 to 8.

[0220] It should be understood that Figure 13 is merely an example rather than a limitation, and the terminal device including the transceiver module and processing module may not rely on the structure shown in Figures 11 and 12.

[0221] When the communication device 1300 is a chip, the chip includes a processor, a memory, and a transceiver. The transceiver may be an input / output circuit or a communication interface. The processor may be a processing module, a microprocessor, or an integrated circuit integrated on the chip. A transmitting operation performed by the terminal device in the above-described method embodiments may be understood as an output of the chip, and a receiving operation performed by the terminal device in the above-described method embodiments may be understood as an input of the chip.

[0222] The present application further provides a chip including a processor, configured to retrieve and execute instructions stored in the memory from the memory so that a communications device in which the chip is installed performs the method of the above example.

[0223] The present application further provides another chip including an input interface, an output interface, and a processor. The input interface, the output interface, and the processor are connected to each other via an internal connection path, and the processor is configured to execute code in the memory, and when the code is executed, the processor is configured to perform the method of the above example. Optionally, the chip further includes a memory. The memory is configured to store a computer program or code.

[0224] The present application further provides a processor configured to be coupled to the memory and configured to perform methods and functions related to the network device or terminal device in any one of the preceding embodiments.

[0225] Another embodiment of the present application provides a computer program product including instructions, which when run on a computer, perform the methods of the above embodiments.

[0226] The present application further provides a computer program, which, when run on a computer, performs the method of the above embodiments.

[0227] In another embodiment of the present application, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, which stores a computer program, which, when executed by a computer, performs the method of the above embodiment.

[0228] In describing embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise specified, "plurality" means two or more. "At least one of the following items (elements)" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of a single item (element) or multiple items (elements). For example, at least one of a, b, or c can represent a, b, c, a and b, a and c, b and c, or a, b, and c, where a, b, and c can be singular or plural.

[0229] In addition, in order to clearly describe the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, terms such as "first" and "second" are used in the embodiments of the present application to distinguish between the same or similar things that basically provide 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 execution order, and terms such as "first" and "second" do not indicate clear differences. In addition, in the embodiments of the present application, words such as "example" or "for example" are used to represent an example, illustration, or explanation.

[0230] Unless otherwise specified, " / " in the description of the embodiments of the present application represents an "or" relationship between related objects. For example, A / B may represent A or B. In the present application, "and / or" describes only the association relationship between related objects and represents that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B can represent the following three cases: when only A exists, when both A and B exist, and when only B exists, and A and B may be singular or plural.

[0231] In the embodiments of the present application, the sequence numbers of the above processes do not mean the execution order. The execution sequence of the processes should be determined based on the functions and internal logic of the processes, and should not be construed as any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of the present application.

[0232] Those skilled in the art may recognize that the units and algorithm steps in the examples described with reference to the embodiments disclosed herein may be realized by electronic hardware or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether a function is realized by hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art may implement the described functions using various methods for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered to go beyond the scope of this application.

[0233] For the purpose of easy description, it can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art that the detailed working processes of the aforementioned systems, devices and units should be referred to the corresponding processes of the aforementioned method embodiments, and the details will not be repeated here.

[0234] It should be understood that in some embodiments provided in the present application, the disclosed system, apparatus, and method may be realized in other ways. For example, the described apparatus embodiments are merely examples. For example, the division into units is merely a logical division of function, and other division schemes may be used in actual implementation. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not implemented.

[0235] Additionally, the shown or described mutual couplings or direct couplings or communication connections may be realized through some interfaces, and indirect couplings or communication connections between devices or units may be realized in electronic, mechanical or other forms.

[0236] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and the components displayed as units may or may not be physical units. Specifically, the components may be located in one location or distributed across multiple network units. To achieve the objectives of the solutions in the embodiments, some or all of the units may be selected based on actual requirements.

[0237] In addition, the functional units in the embodiments of the present application may be integrated into one processing unit, or each of the units may exist physically alone, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit.

[0238] When a function is realized in the form of a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, the function may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, or portions contributing to the prior art, or portions of the technical solutions may be essentially realized in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes some instructions for instructing a computer device (which may be a personal computer, a server, or a network device) to perform all or part of the steps of the methods described in the embodiments of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes any medium capable of storing program code, such as a USB flash drive, a removable hard disk, a ROM, a RAM, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, etc.

[0239] The contents in the embodiments of this application may be cross-referenced. Unless otherwise specified or unless a logical contradiction occurs, the terms and / or descriptions of different embodiments are consistent and may be referenced to each other, and the technical features of different embodiments may be combined into a new embodiment based on the internal logical relationship between the technical features.

[0240] It should be understood that in the embodiments of the present application, a terminal device, an access network device, or a core network device may perform some or all of the steps of the embodiments of the present application. These steps or operations are merely examples. In the embodiments of the present application, other operations or variations of various operations may also be performed. In addition, the steps may be performed in an order different from that presented in the embodiments of the present application, and not all operations in the embodiments of the present application may be performed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0241] 100 Application Scenarios 200 Beam Management Methods 500 Beam Management Method 510 processor 530 Transceiver 531 Transmitter 532 receiver 533 Antenna 600 Beam Management Method 700 Beam Management Method 800 Beam Management Method 900 Communication Equipment 910 processor 920 Communication Interface 930 Bus 940 memory 1000 Communication Equipment 1010 Transceiver Unit 1020 Processing Unit 1030 Storage Unit 1100 Communication equipment 1110 processor 1120 Input / Output Interface 1200 Communication Equipment 1210 parts 1220 parts 1230 parts 1231 Transmitter 1232 receiver 1233 Antenna 1300 Communication Equipment 1310 processor 1320 memory 1330 transceiver

Claims

1. 1. A beam management method comprising: transmitting, by a first communication device, a first radio frame on a first frequency band to a second communication device, the first radio frame indicating that a search for a millimeter-wave transmit beam is about to begin; transmitting, by the first communication device, a second radio frame in a second frequency band to the second communication device, the second radio frame being used to search for the millimeter wave transmit beam; transmitting, by the first communication device, a third radio frame on the first frequency band to the second communication device, the third radio frame instructing the second communication device to feed back an index of a received millimeter-wave transmit beam; wherein the first frequency band is smaller than the second frequency band.

2. The method comprises:

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving, by the first communication device, a fourth radio frame from the second communication device on the first frequency band, the fourth radio frame including the index of the received millimeter wave transmit beam.

3. The method comprises: transmitting, by the first communication device, a fifth radio frame in the first frequency band to the second communication device, the fifth radio frame being used to request that a search for millimeter-wave receive beams be performed, the fifth radio frame further indicating the number of millimeter-wave receive beams; receiving, by the first communication device, the fifth radio frame from the second communication device on the first frequency band, the fifth radio frame further instructing to perform a search of the millimeter-wave receive beam; receiving, by the first communication device, the second radio frame from the second communication device in the second frequency band, the second radio frame being further used to search for the millimeter-wave receive beam; 3. The method of claim 1 or 2, further comprising:

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the fifth radio frame is further used to request that millimeter-wave beam combining training be performed, and the fifth radio frame further indicates the number of millimeter-wave transmit beams and the number of millimeter-wave receive beams in the millimeter-wave beam combining training.

5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the fifth radio frame further indicates performing the millimeter-wave beam-combining training.

6. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the first radio frame includes a Null Data Physical Protocol Data Unit Announcement (NDPA), and an Application Identifier (AID) field within the NDPA includes a first value, the first value indicating that a search for the millimeter-wave transmit beam is about to begin.

7. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the second radio frame includes a null data physical protocol data unit (NDP), the NDP including a beam index field, the beam index field indicating an index of a millimeter wave transmission beam.

8. The NDP comprises: Bandwidth field, partial AID field, number of symbols in long training field, number of millimeter wave transmission beams field, cyclic redundancy check code field, or number of remaining millimeter wave beams to be transmitted field The method of claim 7, further comprising at least one of:

9. The fifth radio frame comprises: Millimeter wave receive beam training request field, millimeter wave receive beam training confirmation field, millimeter wave beam combining training request field, millimeter wave beam combining training confirmation field, number of millimeter wave receive beams to be trained field, or number of millimeter wave transmit beams to be trained field 9. The method of claim 3, comprising at least one of:

10. 1. A beam management method comprising: receiving, by a second communication device, a first radio frame from a first communication device on a first frequency band, the first radio frame indicating that a search for a millimeter-wave transmit beam is about to begin; receiving, by the second communication device, a second radio frame from the first communication device on a second frequency band, the second radio frame being used to search for the millimeter wave transmit beam; receiving, by the second communication device, a third radio frame from the first communication device on the first frequency band, the third radio frame instructing the second communication device to feed back an index of a received millimeter-wave transmit beam; wherein the first frequency band is smaller than the second frequency band.

11. The method comprises:

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising the step of transmitting, by the second communication device, a fourth radio frame on the first frequency band to the first communication device, the fourth radio frame including the index of the received millimeter-wave transmit beam.

12. The method comprises: receiving, by the second communication device, a fifth radio frame from the first communication device on the first frequency band, the fifth radio frame being used to request performing a search for millimeter-wave receive beams, the fifth radio frame further indicating a number of millimeter-wave receive beams; transmitting, by the second communication device, the fifth radio frame to the first communication device on the first frequency band, the fifth radio frame further instructing the first communication device to perform a search of the millimeter-wave receive beam; transmitting, by the second communication device, the second radio frame in the second frequency band to the first communication device, the second radio frame being further used to search for the millimeter-wave receive beam; 12. The method of claim 10 or 11, further comprising:

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the fifth radio frame is further used to request that millimeter-wave beam combining training be performed, and the fifth radio frame further indicates the number of millimeter-wave transmit beams and the number of millimeter-wave receive beams in the millimeter-wave beam combining training.

14. The method of claim 13 , wherein the fifth radio frame further indicates performing the millimeter-wave beam-combining training.

15. 15. The method of claim 10, wherein the first radio frame includes a Null Data Physical Protocol Data Unit Announcement (NDPA), and an Application Identifier (AID) field within the NDPA includes a first value, the first value indicating that a search for the millimeter-wave transmit beam is about to begin.

16. 16. The method of claim 10, wherein the second radio frame includes a null data physical protocol data unit (NDP), the NDP including a beam index field, the beam index field indicating an index of a millimeter wave transmission beam.

17. The NDP comprises: Bandwidth field, partial AID field, number of symbols in long training field, number of millimeter wave transmission beams field, cyclic redundancy check code field, or number of remaining millimeter wave beams to be transmitted field 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising at least one of:

18. The fifth radio frame comprises: Millimeter wave receive beam training request field, millimeter wave receive beam training confirmation field, millimeter wave beam combining training request field, millimeter wave beam combining training confirmation field, number of millimeter wave receive beams to be trained field, or number of millimeter wave transmit beams to be trained field 18. The method of any one of claims 12 to 17, comprising at least one of:

19. A communication device comprising a processor, the processor being configured to enable the communication device to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 18 by executing a computer program or instructions or by means of logic circuits.

20. 20. The communication device of claim 19, further comprising a memory, the memory configured to store the computer program or the instructions.

21. 21. The communication device according to claim 19 or 20, further comprising a communication interface, the communication interface being configured to input and / or output signals.

22. 1. A communication device comprising a logic circuit and an input / output interface, the input / output interface configured to input and / or output signals; 19. A communications device, wherein the logic circuitry is configured to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 18.

23. a computer-readable storage medium, the computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program or instruction; A computer-readable storage medium, the computer program or instructions of which, when executed in a computer, perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 18.

24. A computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed on a computer, perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 18.

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