Antenna pattern switching method and apparatus

Abstract

An antenna pattern switching method and apparatus can be applied to the field of WLAN technology, for example, to WLAN communication systems supporting the 802.11 series protocol. In this method, before a first time point, the AP receives a physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU) using a first antenna pattern; and after the first time point, it receives a PPDU using a second antenna pattern. Based on this solution, during the reception of a single PPDU, the AP can receive the same PPDU using two antenna patterns in sequence; in other words, the AP can perform antenna pattern switching during the reception of a single PPDU. The switching process does not need to rely on the RTS / CTS mechanism; in other words, to improve the flexibility and applicability of antenna pattern switching, and further to improve reception performance in multiple scenarios (e.g., scenarios where the RTS / CTS mechanism is not used, and scenarios where the RTS / CTS mechanism is used), the source of the PPDU does not need to be recognized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202310645081.X, titled "Antenna Pattern Switching Method and Device", filed with the China National Intellectual Property Administration on June 1, 2023, and the entire disclosure of the Chinese patent application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] Embodiments of this application relate to the field of communications, and in particular, to an antenna pattern switching method and device.

Background Art

[0003] With the continuous development of wireless local area network (WLAN) technology, the theoretical upper limit of the physical layer rate of products that can currently support the WLAN 802.11ax protocol has reached 9.6 gigabits per second (Gbp). However, in actual product applications, this rate upper limit is usually not achievable. The reasons are as follows. 1. The gain of a general omnidirectional antenna is limited, and thus, the signal-to-noise ratio of the medium or long-distance users is limited. 2. There are various types of interference during communication.

[0004] To overcome the above-mentioned effects, smart antenna technology can be used in a WLAN system. Smart antenna technology is a technology that selects diversity using different antenna patterns. During communication, the optimal antenna pattern is selected. In this way, the received signal-to-noise ratio of the user signal can be increased, the optimal signal beam direction can be matched, and interference can be reduced.

[0005] Generally, access points (APs) switch antenna patterns during uplink reception to use the optimal pattern for reception. However, current antenna pattern switching is determined by request to send (RTS) frames and clear to send (CTS) frames. [Overview of the Initiative]

[0006] Embodiments of the present invention provide an antenna pattern switching method and apparatus for implementing antenna pattern switching without relying on an RTS / CTS mechanism, in order to improve the flexibility and applicability of antenna pattern switching.

[0007] According to a first embodiment, an antenna pattern switching method is provided. The method may be performed by an access point (AP), by a module used within the AP, for example, by the AP's processor, chip or chip system, or by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or some of the AP's functions. The method includes the steps of receiving a physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU) by using a first antenna pattern before a first time point; and receiving a PPDU by using a second antenna pattern after the first time point.

[0008] Based on this solution, during the reception of a single PPDU, the AP can use two antenna patterns sequentially to receive the same PPDU; in other words, the AP can perform antenna pattern switching during the reception of a single PPDU. This switching process does not need to depend on the RTS / CTS mechanism; in other words, to improve the flexibility and applicability of antenna pattern switching, and further to improve reception performance in multiple scenarios (e.g., scenarios where the RTS / CTS mechanism is not used, and scenarios where the RTS / CTS mechanism is used), the source of the PPDU does not need to be recognized.

[0009] According to a second aspect, an antenna pattern switching method is provided. The method includes a step in which a station (STA) transmits a PPDU. Before a first time point, the AP receives a physical layer protocol data unit PPDU using a first antenna pattern; after a first time point, the AP receives a PPDU using a second antenna pattern. For the technical effects brought about by the second aspect, please refer to the technical effects brought about by the first aspect. Further details will not be described again here.

[0010] In a possible design relating to the first or second aspect, a first time point is within a first time-domain resource, which is used to carry a first field of the PPDU, and the first field is used for automatic gain control (AGC) and / or synchronization. For example, the first field is a short training field or a synchronization field. The short training field is one of the following: legacy short training field (L-STF), high throughput short training field (HT-STF), high throughput greenfield short training field (HT-GF-STF), very high throughput short training field (VHT-STF), high efficiency short training field (HE-STF), or extremely high throughput short training field (EHT-STF).

[0011] In a possible design relating to the first or second aspect, the first time point is prior to the second time point, and the second time point is the start of the first time-domain resource.

[0012] Based on possible designs, the AP completes the antenna pattern switching before the start of the time-domain resource carrying the first field. Since the first field is used for AGC and / or synchronization, the AP can complete the antenna pattern switching before performing AGC; in other words, it can perform the antenna pattern switching first and then perform AGC. Therefore, when performing AGC, the AP can take into account the changes in received signal strength and channel changes caused by the antenna pattern switching and perform AGC level adjustments and similar actions more accurately to improve receiving performance.

[0013] In relation to the first or second aspect, in a possible design, the first time point is prior to the second time point, the duration between the second time point and the end of the first time domain resource is longer than or equal to the first duration, and the first duration is the duration required to perform AGC and / or synchronization.

[0014] Based on this possible design, the AP completes the antenna pattern switching before the second time point. Since the duration between the second time point and the end of the time-domain resource carrying the first field is longer than the duration required to perform AGC, and the first field is used for AGC, the AP can complete AGC after the second time point and before the end of the time-domain resource carrying the first field. In other words, the AP can complete the antenna pattern switching before performing AGC; in other words, it can perform the antenna pattern switching first and then perform AGC. Therefore, when performing AGC, the AP can take into account the changes in received signal strength and channel changes caused by the antenna pattern switching and perform AGC level adjustments and similar adjustments more accurately to improve receiving performance.

[0015] In a possible design relating to the first or second aspect, a first time point is within a first time-domain resource, which is used to carry a first field of the PPDU, where the first field indicates the receiving parameters of the PPDU. For example, the receiving parameters of the PPDU may include receiving parameters for the PPDU's data and / or signaling.

[0016] Generally, the fields indicating the received parameters of the PPDU data are located before the fields used for AGC. Therefore, based on this possible design, the AP can complete the antenna pattern switching before performing AGC; in other words, it can perform the antenna pattern switching first and then perform AGC. Thus, when performing AGC, the AP can take into account the changes in received signal strength and channel changes caused by the antenna pattern switching and perform AGC level adjustments and similar adjustments more accurately to improve receiving performance.

[0017] In a possible design relating to the first or second aspect, the first time point is prior to the second time point, the second time point is the start of the second time-domain resource, the second time-domain resource is used to carry the second field of the PPDU, and the second field is used for AGC and / or synchronization.

[0018] In relation to the first or second aspect, in a possible design, the first time point is prior to the second time point, the duration between the second time point and the end of the second time-domain resource is longer than or equal to the first duration, the second time-domain resource is used to carry the second field of the PPDU, the second field is used for AGC and / or synchronization, and the first duration is the duration required to perform AGC and / or synchronization.

[0019] In a possible design relating to the first or second aspect, the method further includes the step of determining a second antenna pattern based on a first signal quality, wherein the first signal quality is the signal quality of a PPDU received prior to a first time point.

[0020] Based on this feasible design, during PPDU reception, the AP determines the target antenna pattern (i.e., the second antenna pattern) based on the signal quality of the received PPDU, without recognizing the current STA identifier or relying on the RTS frame, thereby improving the flexibility and applicability of antenna pattern switching. In addition, during PPDU reception, the AP determines the target antenna pattern in real time by using the signal reception quality of the PPDU, improving the adaptability of the target antenna pattern and further improving reception performance.

[0021] In relation to the first or second aspect, in a possible design, the step of determining a second antenna pattern based on a first signal quality includes, if the first signal quality is greater than or equal to a first threshold, the step of determining a second antenna pattern based on the first signal quality and a mapping relationship between the signal quality range and the antenna pattern.

[0022] Based on this possible design, the target antenna pattern can be determined based on the signal quality of the PPDU and the mapping relationship between the signal quality range and the antenna pattern. Compared to methods that repeatedly transmit RTS / CTS frames and methods that traverse phase shift combinations, the training overhead of the target antenna pattern is reduced.

[0023] In relation to the first or second aspect, in a possible design, if the first signal quality is greater than or equal to a first threshold, the second antenna pattern is an antenna pattern corresponding to the first signal quality range, and the first signal quality is within the first signal quality range.

[0024] In a possible design related to the first aspect or the second aspect, in the step of determining the second antenna pattern based on the first signal quality, the step of determining the index of the second antenna pattern based on the first signal quality, the second signal quality range, and the number of antenna patterns, where the second signal quality range is the constraint range of the signal quality measurement number; and the step of determining the second antenna pattern based on the index of the second antenna pattern and the mapping relationship between the index of the antenna pattern and the antenna pattern.

[0025] Based on this possible design, the target antenna pattern can be determined based on the signal quality of the PPDU and the mapping relationship between the index and the antenna pattern. In comparison with the method of repeatedly transmitting the RTS / CTS frame and the method of traversing the phase shift combination, the training overhead of the target antenna pattern is reduced.

[0026] In a possible design related to the first aspect or the second aspect, the index index of the second antenna pattern satisfies the following relationship: [Number]

[0027] M represents the first signal quality, M min represents the minimum value of the second signal quality range, M max represents the maximum value of the second signal quality range, ceil(*) represents rounding up, and N represents the number of antenna patterns.

[0028] In a possible design related to the first aspect or the second aspect, the first antenna pattern is an omnidirectional antenna pattern. When the second signal quality is greater than or equal to the second threshold, the second antenna pattern is a directional antenna pattern. The second signal quality is the signal quality of the PPDU received before the first time point.

[0029] According to a third aspect, a communication device is provided for implementing the method described above. The communication device includes corresponding modules, units, or means for implementing the method. The modules, units, or means may be implemented by hardware, software, or hardware running the corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to multiple functions.

[0030] In a possible design, the communication device includes an interface module. Furthermore, the communication device may further include a processing module. The interface module may be configured to implement receiving and transmitting functions in any one of the aforementioned embodiments and possible implementations thereof. The processing module may be configured to implement processing functions in any one of the aforementioned embodiments and possible implementations thereof.

[0031] In possible designs, the interface module may include a transceiver circuit, a transceiver machine, a transceiver, a communication interface, or an interface circuit.

[0032] According to a fourth aspect, a communication device including a processor and memory is provided. The memory is configured to store computer instructions, and when the processor executes an instruction, the communication device is made to perform a method according to any of these aspects.

[0033] According to a fifth aspect, a communication device is provided that includes a processor and a communication interface. The communication interface is configured to communicate with an external module of the communication device, and the processor is configured to execute a computer program or instructions to cause the communication device to perform any of the methods described in the preceding aspects.

[0034] According to the sixth aspect, a communication device is provided which includes at least one processor. The processor is configured to execute computer programs or instructions stored in memory to cause the communication device to execute the method in any of the preceding aspects. The memory may be coupled to the processor or may be independent of the processor.

[0035] According to the seventh aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided. The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program or instruction. When the computer program or instruction is executed on a communication device, the communication device is made to perform a method according to any of the preceding aspects.

[0036] According to the eighth aspect, a computer program product including instructions is provided. When the computer program product is executed on a communication device, the communication device is made to perform the method in any of the preceding aspects.

[0037] According to the ninth aspect, a communication device (for example, the communication device may be a chip or a chip system) is provided. The communication device includes a processor configured to implement the functions of any of these aspects.

[0038] In some possible designs, the communication device further includes memory, which is configured to store the necessary program instructions and data.

[0039] In some possible designs, if the device is a chip system, the device may include a chip, or it may include a chip and other discrete devices.

[0040] It can be understood that the communication device in any one of the third to ninth embodiments may be an AP in the first or second embodiment, and may be a module applied to the AP, for example, a processor, chip or chip system of the AP, or a logic module capable of implementing all or some of the functions of the AP.

[0041] If the communication device in any one of the third to ninth embodiments is a chip, it can be understood that the transmission operation / function of the communication device may be understood as an information output, and the reception operation / function of the communication device may be understood as an information input.

[0042] For the technical effects resulting from any of the designs in the third through ninth embodiments, please refer to the technical effects resulting from the different designs in the first and second embodiments. Further details will not be explained here.

[0043] According to the tenth aspect, a communication system is provided. The communication system includes an AP and an STA in the second aspect. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0044] [Figure 1] This is a schematic flowchart of the carrier sense multiple access with collision avoidance (CSMA / CA) mechanism according to the present invention.

[0045] [Figure 2] This is a diagram illustrating the scenario of the hidden node problem according to this application.

[0046] [Figure 3] This is a diagram of the frame structure of the PPDU according to the present invention.

[0047] [Figure 4] This is a diagram illustrating the antenna pattern switching according to the present invention.

[0048] [Figure 5] This is a schematic flowchart of the antenna pattern determination process according to the present invention.

[0049] [Figure 6] This is a diagram showing the structure of the communication system according to the present invention.

[0050] [Figure 7] This is a schematic flowchart of the antenna pattern switching method according to the present invention.

[0051] [Figure 8] This diagram shows the points at which several antenna patterns are switched according to the present invention. [Figure 9] This diagram shows the points at which several antenna patterns are switched according to the present invention. [Figure 10] This diagram shows the points at which several antenna patterns are switched according to the present invention. [Figure 11] This diagram shows the points at which several antenna patterns are switched according to the present invention. [Figure 12] This diagram shows the points at which several antenna patterns are switched according to the present invention. [Figure 13] This diagram shows the points at which several antenna patterns are switched according to the present invention.

[0052] [Figure 14] This is a schematic flowchart of the alternative antenna pattern switching method according to the present invention.

[0053] [Figure 15] This is a schematic flowchart of yet another antenna pattern switching method according to the present invention.

[0054] [Figure 16] This diagram shows the point at which the antenna pattern is switched according to the present invention.

[0055] [Figure 17] This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device according to the present invention.

[0056] [Figure 18] This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another communication device according to the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0057] In the description of this application, unless otherwise specified, " / " represents an "or" relationship between related objects. For example, A / B may represent A or B. In this application, "and / or" describes only the correspondence between related objects and indicates that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B may represent three cases: A exists only, both A and B exist, and B exists only, where A and B may be singular or plural.

[0058] In addition, unless otherwise specified, in the description of this application, “multiple” means two or more. “At least one of the following items (elements)” or similar expressions mean any combination of these items, including any single item (element) or any combination of multiple items (elements). For example, at least one item (element) of a, b, or c may be a, b, c, a and b, a and c, b and c, or a, b and c, where a, b and c may be singular or plural.

[0059] In addition, in order to clearly describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, terms such as "first" and "second" are used in the embodiments of this application to distinguish between the same items or similar items that provide essentially the same function or purpose. Those skilled in the art will understand that terms such as "first" and "second" do not limit the number or order of execution, and that terms such as "first" and "second" do not indicate a clear distinction.

[0060] In embodiments of this application, the terms “example” or “for example” are used to indicate that an example, illustration, or explanation is being given. No embodiment or design solution described as “example” or “for example” in embodiments of this application should be described as having more advantages than another embodiment or design solution. Strictly speaking, the use of terms such as “example” or “for example” is intended to present the relevant concepts in a particular manner for ease of understanding.

[0061] It should be understood that the “embodiments” referred to throughout this specification mean that certain features, structures, or characteristics relating to an embodiment are included in at least one embodiment of the Application. Therefore, the various embodiments throughout this specification are not necessarily the same embodiment. In addition, these particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in one or more embodiments in any suitable manner. It should be understood that the sequence numbers of processes do not mean the execution order in the various embodiments of the Application. The execution order of a process should be determined based on the function and internal logic of the process and should not be construed as any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of the Application.

[0062] In this application, it can be understood that both "when" and "if" mean that the corresponding process is performed under objective circumstances, and are not intended to limit time, require no decision on behavior during implementation, and do not imply any other limitations.

[0063] In some scenarios, it may be understood that some optional features in embodiments of the present application can be implemented independently of other features, for example, the solutions currently on which these optional features solve the corresponding technical problems and achieve the corresponding effects. Alternatively, in some scenarios, these optional features can be combined with other features on a required basis. Accordingly, the apparatus provided in embodiments of the present application may also implement these features or functions accordingly. Details are not described here.

[0064] In this Application, unless otherwise specified, cross-referencing may occur between the same or similar parts of various embodiments. In the various embodiments of this Application, unless otherwise stated or unless there is a logical contradiction, the terminology and / or descriptions in different embodiments may be consistent and cross-referenced, and the technical features in different embodiments may be combined based on their internal logical relationships to form new embodiments. The following implementations of this Application are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this Application.

[0065] To facilitate understanding of the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the relevant technologies or terms used in this application will be briefly explained below.

[0066] 1. Listen Before Talk (LBT) Mechanism

[0067] In wireless local area network (WLAN) systems, the LBT mechanism is implemented based on the carrier sense multiple access with collision avoidance (CSMA / CA) protocol. As shown in Figure 1, the LBT mechanism requires that the channel be listened to before data frames are transmitted, that a clear channel assessment is performed, and that data transmission is performed only when it is guaranteed that the channel is idle. If the channel is busy, a random time backoff is performed.

[0068] However, the LBT mechanism can lead to the hidden node problem. For example, as shown in Figure 2, there are three nodes A, B, and C on the same frequency. Nodes A and B, and Node B and C can detect signals transmitted to each other. Due to distance, obstacles, or similar factors, Nodes A and C cannot detect signals transmitted to each other. In this case, if Nodes A and C transmit signals simultaneously, a conflict occurs when Node B receives the signal. This problem is the hidden node problem.

[0069] To address the hidden node problem, the industry has defined the CSMA / CA protocol with request to send (RTS) and clear to send (CTS) mechanisms (where RTS / CTS are optional in the CSMA / CA protocol). As shown in Figure 1, in this protocol, a transmitting node first sends an RTS frame after detecting that the channel is idle and waits for the receipt of a CTS frame. The RTS frame requires a non-target node to receive the RTS frame in order to stop sending data frames. The target node responds to the RTS frame by sending a CTS frame after receiving the RTS frame. The CTS frame also requires a non-target node to receive the CTS frame in order to stop sending data frames. The transmitting node sends a data frame after receiving the CTS frame. If the transmitting node does not receive a CTS frame, a random time backoff is performed.

[0070] Based on the example shown in Figure 2, when the RTS / CTS mechanism is used and node A needs to send a data frame to node B, node A first sends an RTS frame with node B as the target node. After receiving the RTS frame, node B sends a CTS frame with node A as the target node. Since nodes B and C can detect signals being transmitted to each other, the CTS frame may be received by node C, and as a result, node C may stop transmitting data frames within the specified period based on the CTS frame. Furthermore, in the subsequent processing of node A sending a data frame to node B, the signals received by node B are not interfered with by node C.

[0071] 2. Frame structure of the Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit (PPDU)

[0072] As shown in Figure 3(a), the frame structure of a PPDU in the 802.11a protocol is shown, and it includes three parts: a training field, a signal field, and a data field. The training field may be used for gain calibration at the receiving end. The signal field is used to carry configuration information for data transmission. The data field is used to carry data.

[0073] As shown in Figure 3(b), the frame structure of a PPDU in the 802.11b protocol is shown, and it includes three parts: a physical layer convergence protocol (LPCP) preamble field, a signal field, and a data field. The LPCP preamble field may include a SYNC field and a start frame delimiter field.

[0074] As shown in Figure 3(c), the frame structure of a PPDU in the 802.11n / 802.11ac / 802.11ax / 802.11be protocol is shown, and includes a training field 1, a signal field, a training field 2, and a data field. Training field 1 may be used for gain calibration of the signal field, and training field 2 may be used for gain calibration of the data field.

[0075] Please note that Figure 3(c) is merely an example of the upper frame structure of a PPDU in the 802.11n / 802.11ac / 802.11ax / 802.11be protocols. Each field may have a different implementation in different protocols. For example, in the 802.11n / 802.11ac / 802.11ax / 802.11be protocols, training field 1 may include a legacy short training field (L-STF). In another 802.11n protocol, training field 1 may include a high-throughput greenfield short training field (HT-GF-STF). In yet another example, in the 802.11n protocol, training field 2 may include a high-throughput short training field (HT-STF) and similar. In the 802.11ac protocol, training field 2 may include a very high throughput short training field (VHT-STF) and similar. In the 802.11ax protocol, training field 2 may include a high efficiency short training field (HE-STF) and similar. In the 802.11be protocol, training field 2 may include an extremely high throughput short training field (EHT-STF) and similar.

[0076] Please note that Figure 3 only illustrates an example of the PPDU frame structure in each protocol. For detailed implementations, please refer to the descriptions in the relevant protocols. Details are not provided here.

[0077] 3. Antenna pattern

[0078] In embodiments of the present application, the antenna pattern represents, indicates, or corresponds to a combination of states of multiple antenna elements. For example, the state of a certain antenna element may be the on / off state of that antenna element.

[0079] The antenna includes an antenna array. The antenna array is an array containing a series of miniature antennas. Each miniature antenna may contain at least one antenna element. The switches of each antenna element may be controlled independently.

[0080] Each miniature antenna may be omnidirectional or directional. The configuration mode of a particular miniature antenna is related to its gain, polarization mode, directivity pattern, and similar properties.

[0081] The number of antenna patterns can be determined by the number of miniature antennas and antenna elements in the antenna array. For example, if a device supporting the WLAN 802.11 protocol has four miniature antennas in the 2.4 gigahertz (GHz) frequency band and twelve miniature antennas in the 5 GHz frequency band, the entire antenna system will contain 16 miniature antennas. It is assumed that the four antenna elements are evenly distributed within a horizontal 360° range of each miniature antenna, and that the switches of each antenna element can be controlled independently. In the 2.4 GHz frequency band, there are 2 16 There are a total of 4 small antennas and 16 antenna elements corresponding to the antenna patterns. In the 5GHz frequency band, 2 48 There are a total of 12 small antennas and 48 antenna elements corresponding to each antenna pattern.

[0082] Currently, in WLAN systems, based on the 802.11 protocol's RTS / CTS mechanism, access points (APs) transmit multiple RTS frames separately using different antenna patterns, and the station (STA) selects the optimal antenna pattern for the STA based on the signal quality of the CTS frames fed back to the STA. Subsequently, the AP receives data from a specific STA by using the optimal antenna pattern corresponding to that STA.

[0083] For example, an AP may transmit multiple RTS frames separately to an STA using multiple antenna patterns, and the STA, after receiving the RTS frames, transmits a CTS frame to the AP. The AP measures the received signal strength indicator (RSSI) or signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the CTS frame and uses the RSSI or SNR of the CTS frame as a basis for determining the optimal antenna pattern. Finally, based on the RSSI or SNR of the CTS frame, the AP determines the optimal antenna pattern for the STA from among the multiple antenna patterns.

[0084] After the optimal antenna pattern for each STA is determined, during uplink transmission, as shown in Figure 4, the AP may first receive RTS frames from a specific STA using an omnidirectional antenna pattern, and then transmit CTS frames after a short interframe space (SIFS). After the transmission of the CTS frames is complete, for example, during the SIFS between the CTS frame and the PPDU, the AP may switch to the optimal antenna pattern corresponding to the STA, and then receive the PPDU transmitted by the STA using the optimal antenna pattern. Based on the RTS frame, the AP may determine the specific STA transmitting the PPDU, in other words, determine the STA identifier, and recognize that the AP needs to switch to the optimal antenna pattern corresponding to the STA.

[0085] Based on the above explanation, in the method shown in Figure 4, if the antenna pattern corresponding to the STA needs to be used during uplink reception, the STA must first send an RTS frame before sending a data frame, so that the AP can recognize the STA identifier and switch to the antenna pattern corresponding to the STA. However, the RTS / CTS mechanism is an optional mechanism. In actual networks, most STAs do not send an RTS frame before sending a data frame. As a result, the use of the aforementioned solution is limited. In addition, during the determination of the optimal antenna pattern, RTS and CTS frames must be repeatedly sent between the AP and each STA, which causes high training overhead for the antenna pattern.

[0086] In addition to the method described above for determining the optimal antenna pattern based on the signal quality of the CTS frame, the AP may further determine the optimal antenna pattern using the method shown in Figure 5. Please refer to Figure 5. During uplink reception, the AP may perform a phase shift on the received signal of N miniature antennas included in the antenna array. The value of the phase offset may be an integer multiple of 360° / N. Next, the values ​​obtained through the phase shift and corresponding to the N miniature antennas are combined, and the signal strength of the combined signal is measured. If the signal strength is greater than a threshold, the antenna pattern is determined based on the current phase offset of the miniature antennas. Otherwise, the phase shift continues to be performed on the received signal, and several phase combinations greater than the threshold are determined by traversing all phase offset combinations, and then one of these phase combinations is selected based on the phase combination results to determine the final antenna pattern.

[0087] When the antenna pattern determined based on the method shown in Figure 5 is applied to subsequent processing of receiving data frames, the AP still needs to recognize the identifier of the data frame's source; in other words, the STA still needs to send an RTS frame before sending a data frame. As a result, the use of the optimal antenna pattern is also limited. In addition, the antenna pattern is determined by exploring or traversing these phase shift combinations, which leads to high training overhead for the antenna pattern.

[0088] Based on this, the present application provides an antenna pattern switching method for performing antenna pattern switching during data frame reception without relying on the RTS / CTS mechanism, in order to improve the flexibility and applicability of antenna pattern switching and to further improve reception performance in multiple scenarios (e.g., scenarios in which the RTS / CTS mechanism is not used and scenarios in which the RTS / CTS mechanism is used). In addition, the method provided herein can further reduce the training overhead of the antenna pattern.

[0089] The solutions of the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. Embodiments of the present invention are applicable to WLAN scenarios and to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 system standards, such as 802.11a / b / g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, their next-generation standards, such as the 802.11be standard, also known as Wi-Fi® 7 or the extremely high throughput (EHT) standard, or the next-generation 802.11be standard, such as Wi-Fi® 8 or Wi-Fi® artificial intelligence (AI). Alternatively, embodiments of the present invention are applicable to other systems using conflict access, LBT mechanisms, CSMA / CA mechanisms, or in-frame-structure physical layer pilot preambles, such as Bluetooth® or ZigBee®.

[0090] Alternatively, embodiments of the present invention are applicable to, or can be appropriately modified to be applicable to, wireless local area network systems, such as Internet of Things (IoT) systems or Vehicle to Everything (V2X) systems. Naturally, embodiments of the present invention are further applicable to other possible communication systems, such as long-term evolution (LTE) systems, universal mobile telecommunications systems (UMTS), worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX®) communication systems, fifth-generation (5G) communication systems, and future mobile communication systems.

[0091] The communication systems and scenarios to which this application is applicable are merely illustrative examples. The communication systems and scenarios to which this application is applicable are not limited to these, as described uniformly throughout this specification. Further details will not be described again below.

[0092] In the following, the method provided in the embodiments of the present application will be described using only the communication system shown in Figure 6 as an example. Figure 6 shows a communication system according to one embodiment of the present application. The communication system includes an access point station (AP STA) and at least one non-access point station (non-AP STA). For ease of explanation, in the following embodiments of the present application, the AP STA will be abbreviated as AP, and the non-AP STA will be abbreviated as STA.

[0093] For example, the method provided in the embodiments of the present application may be applied to the process by which the AP receives a PPDU transmitted by the STA.

[0094] The AP in this embodiment of the application may be a device deployed within a wireless communication network and providing wireless communication functionality for an associated STA, and may be an access point for mobile users to access a wired network. APs with a typical coverage radius of tens to hundreds of meters are mainly deployed in homes, buildings, and university campuses, and can, of course, be deployed outdoors. The AP is equivalent to a bridge connecting wired and wireless networks. The main function of the AP is to connect various wireless network clients together and then connect these wireless networks to Ethernet®. Specifically, the AP may be a communication device with a Wi-Fi® chip, such as a base station, router, gateway, repeater, communication server, switch, or bridge. Base stations may include various forms of macro base stations, micro base stations, relay stations, and the like. In addition, the AP may support the 802.11be standard or the next-generation 802.11be standard. Alternatively, the AP may support multiple WLAN standards, such as 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, and 802.11a.

[0095] In this embodiment of the Application, the STA may be a wireless communication chip, a wireless sensor, or a wireless communication terminal, such as a user terminal, user equipment, access device, subscriber station, subscriber unit, mobile station, user agent, and user device that supports Wi-Fi® communication functionality. The user terminal may include various devices having wireless communication capabilities, such as handheld devices, in-vehicle devices, wearable devices, IoT devices, computing devices, other processing devices connected to a wireless modem, various forms of user equipment (UE), mobile stations (MS), terminals, terminal equipment, portable communication devices, handheld devices, portable computing devices, entertainment devices, game devices or systems, global positioning system devices, or any other suitable device configured to perform network communication over a wireless medium. In addition, the STA may support the 802.11be or next-generation 802.11be standard. STA can alternatively support multiple WLAN standards, including 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, and 802.11a.

[0096] The methods provided in embodiments of the present application will be described in detail below. In embodiments of the present application, it may be understood that the AP or STA may perform some or all of the steps in embodiments of the present application. These steps or operations are merely examples. In embodiments of the present application, other operations or various variations of operations may be performed further. In addition, these steps may be performed in a different order than those presented in embodiments of the present application, and not all operations in embodiments of the present application may necessarily be performed. In the following embodiments of the present application, steps of the method performed by the AP may be alternatively performed by modules used within the AP, for example, the AP's processor, chip, or chip system, or by logic modules or software capable of implementing all or some of the AP's functions. Steps of the method performed by the STA may be alternatively performed by modules used within the STA, for example, the STA's processor, chip, or chip system, or by logic modules or software capable of implementing all or some of the STA's functions.

[0097] The field names provided in the following embodiments of this application are merely illustrative examples, and it should be noted that fields may have other names. The field names are not particularly limited in this application. The names of inter-device messages, parameters within messages, or similar entities in the following embodiments of this application are also illustrative examples, and other names may exist in specific implementations. This is not particularly limited in the embodiments of this application.

[0098] Figure 7 shows an antenna pattern switching method according to one embodiment of the present invention. The antenna pattern switching method includes the following steps.

[0099] S701:STA sends PPDU.

[0100] In possible implementations, the PPDU may be the PPDU for any 802.11 protocol in any WLAN standard 802.11 series protocol. For example, the PPDU may be the PPDU for 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11be, the next-generation 802.11be protocol, or any subsequent evolved WLAN protocol.

[0101] For example, a PPDU may also be called a data frame. Naturally, a PPDU may have an alternative name. The name of a PPDU is not particularly limited in this application. Alternatively, a PPDU may be replaced with another data frame having a frame structure similar to that of a PPDU.

[0102] S702: Before the first time point, the AP receives the PPDU by using the first antenna pattern.

[0103] In possible implementations, step S702 may be understood as follows: Before the first time point, the AP receives bits of the PPDU prior to the first time point by using the first antenna pattern. For example, it is assumed that the start position of the time-domain resource carrying the PPDU is time point a, the end position of the time-domain resource is time point b, and the first time point is time point c. In this case, step S702 is as follows: The AP receives bits of the PPDU carried on the time-domain resource between time points a and c by using the first antenna pattern.

[0104] In possible implementations, the first antenna pattern may be an omnidirectional antenna pattern or one of several directional antenna patterns. If the antenna pattern is an omnidirectional antenna pattern, the coverage area of ​​the antenna array may be considered omnidirectional. If the antenna pattern is a directional antenna pattern, the coverage area of ​​the antenna array may be considered directional.

[0105] S703: After the first time point, the AP receives the PPDU by using the second antenna pattern.

[0106] The second antenna pattern is different from the first antenna pattern. For example, the second antenna pattern is a directional antenna pattern. Naturally, the second antenna pattern may, alternatively, be the same as the first antenna pattern. In this embodiment of the present application, an example in which the second antenna pattern is different from the first antenna pattern is used for illustrative purposes.

[0107] In a possible implementation, step S703 may be understood as follows: After the first time point, the AP receives the bits of the PPDU after the first time point by using the second antenna pattern. For example, based on the example in step 702S, step S703 is as follows: The AP receives the bits of the PPDU carried on the time-domain resource between time point c and time point b by using the second antenna pattern.

[0108] Optionally, the first time point can be understood as the actual switching point of the antenna pattern. Specifically, the AP can be considered to switch the antenna pattern from the first antenna pattern to the second antenna pattern at the first time point.

[0109] In possible implementations, antenna pattern switching may be implemented using hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software. This is not particularly limited in this application.

[0110] In possible implementations, the AP may implement antenna pattern switching by configuring control signaling or control parameters. These control signaling or parameters are used to control the antenna pattern. For example, the control signaling or parameters may control changes in the antenna pattern by controlling the on / off state of at least one antenna element.

[0111] For example, an AP may include multiple antenna status registers. Each antenna status register corresponds to one antenna element; in other words, there is a one-to-one correspondence between antenna status registers and antenna elements. The value of a particular antenna status register may indicate the on / off state of the corresponding antenna element. For example, a value of "1" in an antenna status register indicates that the on / off state of the corresponding antenna element is on. A value of "0" in an antenna status register indicates that the on / off state of the corresponding antenna element is off. In this scenario, control signaling or control parameters may control the on / off state of antenna elements by configuring the values ​​of the antenna status registers.

[0112] Alternatively, for example, each antenna element may correspond to one level signal; in other words, each antenna element has a one-to-one correspondence with a level signal. The level signal may indicate the on / off state of the corresponding antenna element. For example, a high level signal indicates that the corresponding antenna element is on. A low level signal indicates that the corresponding antenna element is off. In this scenario, control signaling or control parameters can control the on / off state of the antenna elements by configuring the level value of the level signal.

[0113] It should be noted that steps S701, S702, and S703 described above can be executed simultaneously; in other words, in the process of STA sending the PPDU, AP receives the PPDU through steps S702 and S703 described above.

[0114] In possible implementations, the AP may switch its antenna pattern back to its initial state after completing the reception processing for the PPDU; in other words, it may switch the antenna pattern from the second antenna pattern to the first antenna pattern. Alternatively, the AP may need to provide feedback to the STA after completing the reception processing for the PPDU to determine whether the PPDU was received correctly, or the STA may send multiple PPDUs within the packet transmission period. Thus, the antenna pattern may be retained as the second antenna pattern.

[0115] Based on the aforementioned solution, during the reception of a single PPDU, the AP can use two antenna patterns sequentially to receive the same PPDU; in other words, the AP can perform antenna pattern switching during the reception of a single PPDU. This switching process does not need to depend on the RTS / CTS mechanism; in other words, to improve the flexibility and applicability of antenna pattern switching, and further to improve reception performance in multiple scenarios (e.g., scenarios where the RTS / CTS mechanism is not used, and scenarios where the RTS / CTS mechanism is used), the source of the PPDU does not need to be recognized.

[0116] The foregoing describes the entire procedure of the antenna pattern switching method provided in this embodiment of the present application. The first point in time will be described below.

[0117] In the first possible implementation, the first point in time is within the first time-domain resource. The first time-domain resource may be a segment of a contiguous time-domain resource; in other words, the first time-domain resource has a specific duration. The fact that the first point in time is within the first time-domain resource can be understood as follows: the first point in time is the start, end, or a point in time between the start and end of the first time-domain resource.

[0118] A first time-domain resource is used to carry a first field of the PPDU. The first field is used for AGC and / or synchronization. For example, AGC may include power statistics collection and AGC level adjustment. Synchronization may be time synchronization and / or frequency synchronization between AP and STA.

[0119] In possible implementations, the first field may be a short training field. In this case, the first field may be used for automatic gain control (AGC), or for AGC and synchronization. Alternatively, the first field may be a synchronization field. In this case, the first field may be used for synchronization. In other words, the AP can switch antenna patterns within the short training field or synchronization field of the PPDU.

[0120] For example, the short training field may be L-STF or HT-GF-STF, or X-short training field (STF), i.e., X-STF. X represents the 802.11 protocol. For example, X may be HT, VHT, HE, or EHT, which correspond to the 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, or 802.11be protocols, respectively. In other words, the short training field may alternatively be HT-STF, VHT-STF, HE-STF, or EHT-STF. Naturally, X may alternatively represent the next-generation WLAN protocol of 802.11be or a subsequent evolved WLAN protocol. In other words, the short training field may alternatively be X-STF in the next-generation WLAN protocol of 802.11be or a subsequent evolved WLAN protocol.

[0121] In possible implementations, the first time point is prior to the second time point. For example, the second time point may be understood as the final time point for the antenna pattern switching provided in this embodiment of the present application.

[0122] In a possible implementation, the second time point is the start of the first time-domain resource. In this example, the first time point can be considered the same as the second time point; in other words, the first time point is also the start of the first time-domain resource. In addition, the first field may be an X-STF field.

[0123] For example, the PPDU frame structure is shown in Figure 3(c), and X-STF is the first field within training field 2. As shown in Figure 8, the first and second time points may be the start of the time-domain resources carrying training field 2.

[0124] Based on possible implementations, the AP completes the antenna pattern switching before the start of the time-domain resource carrying the first field. Since the first field is used for AGC and / or synchronization, the AP can complete the antenna pattern switching before performing AGC; in other words, it can perform the antenna pattern switching first and then perform AGC. Therefore, when performing AGC, the AP can take into account the changes in received signal strength and channel changes caused by the antenna pattern switching and perform AGC level adjustments and similar actions more accurately to improve receiving performance.

[0125] In another possible implementation, the duration between the second point in time and the end of the first time-domain resource is longer than or equal to the first duration, where the first duration is the duration required to perform AGC and / or synchronization.

[0126] For example, the frame structure of PPDU is shown in Figure 3(a). As shown in Figure 9, the first field may be an L-STF, and the L-STF field may be the first field in the training field. The first time point is within a period x, and the end of period x is the second time point, x ≤ zy, where z is the duration of the time-domain resource carrying the L-STF (i.e., the first time-domain resource), and y is the duration required to perform AGC and / or synchronization (i.e., the first duration).

[0127] For example, the frame structure of PPDU is shown in Figure 3(c). As shown in Figure 10, the first field may be X-STF, which may be the first field in training field 2. The first time point is also within period x, and the end of period x is the second time point. x ≤ zy, where z is the duration of the time-domain resource carrying X-STF (i.e., the first time-domain resource), and y is the duration required to perform AGC and / or synchronization (i.e., the first duration). In this example, z may be equal to 4 microseconds (μs).

[0128] For example, the frame structure of PPDU is shown in Figure 3(c). As shown in Figure 11, the first field may be an L-STF or an HT-GF-STF, and the L-STF or HT-GF-STF may be the first field in training field 1. In Figure 11, the fact that the first field is an L-STF is used for illustrative purposes. The first time point is within a period x, and the end of period x is the second time point, x ≤ zy. z is the duration of the time-domain resource carrying the L-STF (i.e., the first time-domain resource), and y is the duration required to perform AGC and / or synchronization (i.e., the first duration). In this example, z may be equal to 8 microseconds.

[0129] Based on this possible implementation, the AP completes the antenna pattern switching before the second time point. Since the duration between the second time point and the end of the time-domain resource carrying the first field is longer than the duration required to perform AGC, and the first field is used for AGC, the AP can complete AGC after the second time point and before the end of the time-domain resource carrying the first field. In other words, the AP can complete the antenna pattern switching before performing AGC, or in other words, it can perform the antenna pattern switching first and then perform AGC. Therefore, when performing AGC, the AP can take into account the changes in received signal strength and channel changes caused by the antenna pattern switching and perform AGC level adjustments and similar actions more accurately to improve receiving performance.

[0130] In a second possible implementation, the first point in time is within a first time-domain resource. The first time-domain resource may be a segment of a contiguous time-domain resource; in other words, the first time-domain resource has a specific duration. The fact that the first point in time is within a first time-domain resource can be understood as follows: the first point in time is the start, end, or a point in time between the start and end of the first time-domain resource.

[0131] A first time-domain resource is used to carry a first field of the PPDU. The first field represents the PPDU's receiving parameters, which may include the receiving parameters for the PPDU's data and / or signaling. If the PPDU's receiving parameters include the receiving parameters for the PPDU's data, then the first field can also be considered used for receiving the PPDU's data. For example, the first field may be a signaling field. The receiving parameters may include, but are not limited to, bandwidth, length, transmission rate, and similar parameters.

[0132] For example, the signal field may be any one of the following: legacy signal field (L-SIG), repeated legacy signal field (RL-SIG), high throughput signal field (HT-SIG), very high throughput signal field A (VHT-SIG-A), high efficiency signal field A (HE-SIG A), high efficiency signal field B (HE-SIG B), universal signal field (U-SIG), or extremely high throughput signal field (EHT-SIG).

[0133] In possible implementations, the first time point is prior to the second time point. For example, the second time point may be understood as the final time point for the antenna pattern switching provided in this embodiment of the present application.

[0134] In a possible implementation, the second point in time is the start of the second time-domain resource, which is used to carry the second field of the PPDU. The second field is used for AGC and / or synchronization. In the PPDU, the second field is located after the first field. For example, the second field may be an X-STF or a synchronization field. For details on X-STF, please refer to the relevant explanation in the first possible implementation. Further details will not be provided here.

[0135] In another possible implementation, the duration between the second point in time and the end of the second time-domain resource is longer than or equal to the first duration. The first duration is the duration required to perform AGC and / or synchronization.

[0136] For example, the frame structure of a PPDU is shown in Figure 3(c). As shown in Figure 12(a) or (b), the first field is the signal field, and the second field is the X-STF field contained in training field 2. The first time point may be within the time-domain resource carrying the signal field (i.e., the first time-domain resource). In addition, in the example shown in Figure 12(a), the second time point is the start of the time-domain resource carrying the X-STF field (i.e., the second time-domain resource). In the example shown in Figure 12(b), the duration between the second time point and the time-domain resource carrying the X-STF field is longer than or equal to the first duration, and the second time point is within a period x, where x ≤ zy, where z is the duration of the time-domain resource carrying the X-STF (i.e., the second time-domain resource), and y is the duration required to perform AGC and / or synchronization (i.e., the first duration).

[0137] Based on this possible implementation, the AP can complete the antenna pattern switching before performing AGC; in other words, it can perform the antenna pattern switching first, and then perform AGC. Therefore, when performing AGC, the AP can take into account the changes in received signal strength and channel changes caused by the antenna pattern switching and perform AGC level adjustments and similar actions more accurately to improve reception performance.

[0138] In a third possible implementation, the first time point is prior to the third time point. The duration between the third time point and the end of the third time-domain resource is longer than or equal to the first duration. The third time-domain resource is the time-domain resource that carries the X-STF field of the PPDU. The first duration is the duration required to perform AGC and / or synchronization.

[0139] For example, the frame structure of a PPDU is shown in Figure 3(c). As shown in Figure 13, the third time point is t1, the end time of the third time-domain resource is t2, and the duration between t1 and t2 is longer than or equal to the duration of the first time point. The first time point may be within a period n.

[0140] Please note that Figures 8 through 13 are merely examples showing the location of the first time point. Naturally, provided that the first time point is before the second time point, the first time point may be at a different location.

[0141] Based on this possible implementation, the AP completes the antenna pattern switching before the third time point. Since the duration between the third time point and the end of the time-domain resource carrying the X-STF field is longer than the duration required to perform AGC, and the X-STF field is used for AGC, the AP can complete AGC after the third time point and before the end of the time-domain resource carrying the X-STF field. In other words, the AP can complete the antenna pattern switching before performing AGC; in other words, it can perform the antenna pattern switching first, and then perform AGC. Therefore, when performing AGC, the AP can take into account the changes in received signal strength and channel changes caused by the antenna pattern switching and perform AGC level adjustments and similar adjustments more accurately to improve receiving performance.

[0142] Based on the above description, the final switching point of the antenna pattern is designed so that, when the AP performs AGC, it can take into account the changes in received signal strength and channel caused by the antenna pattern switching. When the antenna pattern switching is performed on the data portion of the PPDU, specifically when the AP performs the antenna pattern switching after performing AGC operation, for example, power statistics information collection and AGC level adjustment based on STF, the AGC level acquired by the AP is discarded due to the changes in received signal strength and channel caused by the antenna pattern switching, which causes power fluctuations before and after data reception, and furthermore, AGC lock failure. In addition, the error in the channel estimation result of the current PPDU increases or even becomes invalid. Therefore, compared to switching performed on the data portion of the PPDU, the design solution for the final switching point in this application can improve AGC accuracy and further improve reception performance.

[0143] The above explains the timing of the antenna pattern switch. Below, we will explain the determination of the second antenna pattern.

[0144] In possible implementations, the second antenna pattern may be determined based on the first signal quality. The first signal quality may be the signal quality of the PPDU received before the first time point. Specifically, the signal quality of the PPDU received before the first time point using the first antenna pattern may be used to determine the second antenna pattern.

[0145] For example, signal quality can be expressed by RSSI, SNR, reference signal received power (RSRP), reference signal received quality (RSRQ), or signal-to-interference plus noise ratio (SINR).

[0146] In a possible implementation, prior to the first time point, the AP may obtain a first signal quality by measuring the signal quality of the PPDU received using a first antenna pattern. Next, in a first possible implementation, as shown in Figure 14, the AP may determine whether the first signal quality is greater than or equal to a first threshold. If the first signal quality is less than the first threshold, the procedure ends, and the PPDU is still received using the first antenna pattern. If the first signal quality is greater than or equal to the first threshold, the second antenna pattern is determined based on the first signal quality.

[0147] For example, if the first signal quality is greater than or equal to the first threshold, the AP may determine a second antenna pattern based on the first signal quality and the mapping relationship between the signal quality range and the antenna pattern.

[0148] In possible implementations, the mapping relationship between signal quality ranges and antenna patterns may be predetermined by the AP or defined in the protocol. This is not particularly limited in this application. The mapping relationship between signal quality ranges and antenna patterns may be represented in the form shown in Table 1. Table 1 [Table 1]

[0149] In possible implementations, the first threshold is associated with a first antenna pattern. For example, the AP may pre-store the mapping relationship between the antenna pattern and the threshold in order to obtain the first threshold based on the mapping relationship and the first antenna pattern. Alternatively, the first threshold may be a fixed value; in other words, the value of the first threshold is the same regardless of which antenna pattern the first antenna pattern is.

[0150] In the first possible implementation, the second antenna pattern is an antenna pattern corresponding to a first signal quality range, and the first signal quality is within the first signal quality range. For example, the AP may, after determining the first signal quality, first determine a signal quality range within which the first signal quality exists, and then determine the antenna pattern corresponding to the signal quality range as the second antenna pattern.

[0151] In a second possible implementation, the AP may determine the index of a second antenna pattern based on the first signal quality, the second signal quality range, and the number of antenna patterns; then, the second antenna pattern may be determined based on the index of the second antenna pattern and the mapping relationship between the index of the antenna pattern and the antenna pattern.

[0152] In possible implementations, the second signal quality range is the constraint range for the number of signal quality measurements. The second signal quality range is greater than the first signal quality range, or the second signal quality range includes the first signal quality range. For example, the minimum value of the second signal quality range is the minimum value of signal quality range 1 in Table 1, and the maximum value of the second signal quality range is the maximum value of signal quality range N in Table 1.

[0153] In possible implementations, the indices of antenna patterns and the mapping relationships between antenna patterns may be predetermined by the AP or defined in the protocol. This is not particularly limited in this application. The indices of antenna patterns and the mapping relationships between antenna patterns may be represented in the form shown in Table 2. Table 2 [Table 2]

[0154] For example, in the second possible implementation, the index of the second antenna pattern satisfies the following relationship:

number

[0155] M represents the first signal quality, M min This represents the minimum value of the second signal quality range, M max represents the maximum value of the second signal quality range, ceil(*) represents rounding up, and N represents the number of antenna patterns.

[0156] After determining a second antenna pattern based on the two methods described above, the AP can switch the antenna pattern from the first to the second and receive the PPDU by using the second antenna pattern.

[0157] Based on the aforementioned solution, during PPDU reception, the AP determines a target antenna pattern (i.e., a second antenna pattern) based on the signal quality of the received PPDU, without recognizing the current STA identifier or depending on the RTS frame, thereby improving the flexibility and applicability of antenna pattern switching. In addition, the target antenna pattern can be determined based on the signal quality of the PPDU, and the mapping relationship between the signal quality range and the antenna pattern, or the mapping relationship between the index and the antenna pattern. Compared to methods that repeatedly transmit RTS / CTS frames and methods that traverse phase shift combinations, the training overhead of the target antenna pattern is reduced.

[0158] In addition, in existing RTS / CTS frame-based switching schemes, the antenna pattern corresponding to the STA and determined before the STA transmits the PPDU may no longer be applicable when the STA transmits the PPDU. For example, suppose the antenna pattern corresponding to the STA and determined by the AP before the STA transmits the PPDU is antenna pattern 1. After a period of time, the STA may move, and the STA transmits the PPDU only after the STA has moved. In this case, the channel between the STA and the AP may change due to the STA's movement, and therefore the antenna pattern determined before the move may no longer be applicable after the move. Based on the method described above provided in this embodiment of the present application, during PPDU reception, the AP determines a target antenna pattern in real time by using the signal reception quality of the PPDU to improve the adaptability of the target antenna pattern and, furthermore, improve reception performance.

[0159] The method described above is applicable to scenarios where the number of antenna patterns is greater than or equal to 2. In addition, in some scenarios where the number of antenna patterns is equal to 2, and one antenna pattern is an omnidirectional antenna pattern and the other is a directional antenna pattern, the first antenna pattern may be an omnidirectional antenna pattern and the second antenna pattern may be a directional antenna pattern.

[0160] In a possible implementation, as shown in Figure 15, the AP may, prior to the first time point, receive the PPDU using an omnidirectional antenna pattern and measure the signal quality of the PPDU received using the omnidirectional antenna pattern to obtain a second signal quality. In other words, the second signal quality is the signal quality of the PPDU received using the omnidirectional antenna pattern prior to the first time point. If the second signal quality is greater than or equal to the second threshold, the antenna pattern is switched from an omnidirectional antenna pattern to a directional antenna pattern. For a description of the other stages in Figure 15, please refer to the relevant description above. Further details will not be explained again here.

[0161] Optionally, the second threshold may be the same as or different from the first threshold. For the implementation of the second threshold, please refer to the relevant explanation of the first threshold. Further details will not be explained here.

[0162] In possible implementations, in this scenario, the first time point is within the first time domain resource and is prior to the second time point; or the first time point is prior to the third time point. For details, please refer to the relevant explanations in the three implementations of the first time point mentioned above. Further details will not be provided here.

[0163] For example, in this scenario, the example shown in Figure 8 may be transformed into Figure 16(a), the example shown in Figure 9 may be transformed into Figure 16(b), the example shown in Figure 10 may be transformed into Figure 16(c), the example shown in Figure 11 may be transformed into Figure 16(d), and the example shown in Figure 13 may be transformed into Figure 16(e).

[0164] Based on this solution, in order to improve the flexibility and applicability of antenna pattern switching, and further reduce implementation complexity, whether to switch the antenna pattern from an omnidirectional antenna pattern to a directional antenna pattern can be determined based on a comparison between the signal quality and threshold of the received PPDU, without depending on the RTS / CTS mechanism.

[0165] In the embodiments described above, it can be understood that the methods and / or steps implemented by the AP may be alternatively implemented by components that can be used within the AP (e.g., a processor, chip, chip system, circuit, logic module, or software), and the methods and / or steps implemented by the STA may be alternatively implemented by components that can be used within the STA (e.g., a processor, chip, chip system, circuit, logic module, or software). The chip system may include a chip, or the chip system may include a chip and another discrete device.

[0166] The foregoing primarily describes the solution provided in this application. Correspondingly, this application further provides a communication device. The communication device is configured to implement the method described above. The communication device may be an AP in an embodiment of the method described above, a device including the AP, or a component that can be used within the AP. Alternatively, the communication device may be an STA in an embodiment of the method described above, a device including the STA, or a component that can be used within the STA.

[0167] To implement the functions described herein, it can be understood that the communication device includes hardware structures and / or software modules for performing the corresponding functions. Combined with the example units and algorithmic steps described in the embodiments disclosed herein, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the present application can be implemented in hardware or in combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is performed in hardware or in hardware driven by computer software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art may employ different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementations should not be considered beyond the scope of the present application.

[0168] In embodiments of the present application, the communication device may be divided into a plurality of functional modules based on embodiments of the method. For example, each functional module may be obtained through division based on each of the corresponding functions, or two or more functions may be integrated into a single processing module. The integrated module may be implemented in hardware form or in the form of a software functional module. Note that in embodiments of the present application, the module division is an example and merely a logical functional division. In actual implementations, other division methods may be used.

[0169] Figure 17 shows the structure of the communication device 170. The communication device 170 includes a processing module 1701 and an interface module 1702. The communication device 170 may be configured to implement the functions of an AP.

[0170] In some embodiments, the communication device 170 may further include a storage module (not shown in Figure 17) configured to store program instructions and data.

[0171] In some embodiments, the interface module 1702 may alternatively be a transceiver unit configured to implement transmit and / or receive functions. The interface module 1702 may include a transceiver circuit, a transceiver machine, a transceiver, or a communication interface.

[0172] In some embodiments, the interface module 1702 may be configured to perform the receiving and transmitting steps performed by the AP in the embodiments of the method described above, and / or to support other processing of the technology described herein. The processing module 1701 may be configured to perform the processing (e.g., determining) steps performed by the AP in the embodiments of the method described above, and / or to support other processing of the technology described herein.

[0173] Interface module 1702 is configured to receive physical layer protocol data units (PPDUs) using a first antenna pattern before a first time point. Interface module 1702 is further configured to receive PPDUs using a second antenna pattern after a first time point.

[0174] In possible implementations, the processing module 1701 is configured to determine a second antenna pattern based on a first signal quality, where the first signal quality is the signal quality of the PPDU received prior to the first time point.

[0175] In a possible implementation, the processing module 1701 may be configured to determine a second antenna pattern based on the first signal quality and the mapping relationship between the signal quality range and the antenna pattern, if the first signal quality is greater than or equal to a first threshold.

[0176] In possible implementations, the processing module 1701 is configured to determine a second antenna pattern based on a first signal quality, which includes determining the index of the second antenna pattern based on the first signal quality, a second signal quality range, and the number of antenna patterns. The second signal quality range is a constraint range for the number of signal quality measurements. The processing module 1701 is further configured to determine the second antenna pattern based on the index of the second antenna pattern and the mapping relationship between the antenna pattern index and the antenna pattern.

[0177] All relevant details of the steps in the embodiments of the method described above may be referenced in the functional description of the corresponding functional module. Further details will not be provided here.

[0178] In this application, the communication device 170 may be presented in the form of a functional module obtained through a division in an integrated manner. The term “module” as used herein may be an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a circuit, a processor that runs one or more software or firmware programs, memory, integrated logic circuits, and / or another device capable of providing the aforementioned functions.

[0179] In some embodiments, when the communication device 170 in Figure 17 is a chip or chip system, the functionality / implementation process of the interface module 1702 may be implemented through the input / output interface (or communication interface) of the chip or chip system, and the functionality / implementation process of the processing module 1701 may be implemented through the processor (or processing circuit) of the chip or chip system.

[0180] Since the communication device 170 provided in this embodiment can perform the method described above, please refer to the embodiments of the method described above for the technical effects that can be realized by the communication device 170. Details will not be explained again here.

[0181] In possible product forms, the AP in this embodiment of the Application may be further implemented using one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), controllers, state machines, gate logic, discrete hardware components, any other suitable circuits, or any combination of circuits, which are capable of performing the various functions described throughout the Application.

[0182] In another possible product form, the AP in this embodiment of the present application may be implemented by a general-purpose bus architecture. For ease of explanation, Figure 18 shows the structure of a communication device 1800 according to one embodiment of the present application. The communication device 1800 includes a processor 1801 and a communication interface 1802. The communication device 1800 may be an AP, or a chip or chip system within an AP. Figure 18 shows only the main components of the communication device 1800. In addition to the processor 1801 and the communication interface 1802, the communication device may further include a memory 1803 and an input / output device (not shown in this figure).

[0183] In possible implementations, the processor 1801 is primarily configured to process communication protocols and data, control the entire communication device, execute software programs, and process data from software programs. For example, the processor 1801 may be a central processing unit (CPU), a general-purpose processor, a network processor (NP), a digital signal processor (DSP), a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a programmable logic device (PLD), or any combination thereof. Alternatively, the processor 1801 may be another device with processing capabilities, such as a circuit, device, or software module. This is not limited to these.

[0184] In possible implementations, memory 1803 may be a device having storage functionality, and is primarily configured to store software programs and data. For example, memory 1803 may be a read-only memory (ROM), or another type of static storage device capable of storing static information and / or instructions; random access memory (RAM), or another type of dynamic storage device capable of storing information and / or instructions; or it may be an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), or another compact disc storage, optical disc storage (including compact discs, laser discs, optical discs, digital multipurpose discs, Blu-ray discs, or similar), a magnetic disk storage medium, or another magnetic storage device, or similar. This is not limited to these.

[0185] It should be noted that memory 1803 may exist independently of processor 1801, or may be integrated with processor 1801. Memory 1803 may be located inside or outside communication device 1800. This is not limited to memory 1803.

[0186] In possible implementations, the communication interface 1802 is configured to communicate with another device or module or communication network. For example, the communication interface 1804 may be an input / output interface, module, circuit, transceiver, or any device capable of implementing communication. For example, a transceiver may include a radio frequency circuit and an antenna. The radio frequency circuit is mainly configured to perform conversions between baseband signals and radio frequency signals and to process radio frequency signals. The antenna is mainly configured to transmit and receive radio frequency signals in the form of electromagnetic waves.

[0187] In possible implementations, the communication interface 1802 may alternatively be an input / output interface located within the processor 1801, configured to implement the processor's signal inputs and signal outputs.

[0188] In possible implementations, input / output devices, such as touchscreens, display screens, or keyboards, are primarily configured to receive data entered by the user and output data to the user.

[0189] In possible implementations, the processor 1801, the communication interface 1802, and the memory 1803 may be connected via a communication bus. The communication bus may be a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) bus, an extended industry standard architecture (EISA) bus, or similar. The bus may be classified into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, and similar.

[0190] In possible implementations, after the communication device is turned on, the processor 1801 may read the software program in memory 1803, interpret and execute the instructions of the software program, and process the data of the software program. If the data needs to be transmitted wirelessly, the processor 1801 performs baseband processing on the data to be transmitted and then outputs the baseband signal to the radio frequency circuit. The radio frequency circuit performs radio frequency processing on the baseband signal and then transmits the radio frequency signal to the outside in the form of electromagnetic waves via the antenna. When data is transmitted to the communication device, the radio frequency circuit receives the radio frequency signal via the antenna, converts the radio frequency signal to a baseband signal, and outputs the baseband signal to the processor 1801; the processor 1801 converts the baseband signal to data and processes the data.

[0191] In alternative implementations, the radio frequency circuitry and antennas may be located independently of the processor performing baseband processing. For example, in a distributed scenario, the radio frequency circuitry and antennas may be located remotely and independently of the communication equipment.

[0192] In some embodiments, with respect to hardware implementation, those skilled in the art may conceive that the communication device 170 may be in the form of the communication device 1800 shown in Figure 18.

[0193] In one example, the function / implementation process of the processing module 1701 in Figure 17 can be implemented by the processor 1801 in the communication device 1800 shown in Figure 18 by calling computer executable instructions stored in memory 1803. The function / implementation process of the interface module 1702 in Figure 17 can be implemented by the communication interface 1802 in the communication device 1800 shown in Figure 18.

[0194] It should be noted that the structure shown in Figure 18 does not constitute a specific limitation on the AP. For example, in some other embodiments of the present application, the AP may include more or fewer components than those shown in this figure, or some components may be combined, or some components may be separated, or different component arrangements may be used. The components shown in this figure may be implemented by hardware, software, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0195] In some embodiments, one embodiment of the present application further provides a communication device. The communication device includes a processor configured to implement the method in any one of the embodiments of the method described above.

[0196] In a feasible implementation, the communication device further includes memory, which is configured to store necessary computer programs and data. The computer programs may include instructions. The processor may call instructions within the computer programs stored in memory to instruct the communication device to perform the method in any one of the embodiments of the method described above. Of course, the communication device does not have to include memory.

[0197] In another possible implementation, the communication device further includes an interface circuit. The interface circuit is a code / data read / write interface circuit, which is configured to receive computer executable instructions (which are stored in memory and may be read directly from memory or via another device) and to transmit the computer executable instructions to the processor.

[0198] In yet another possible implementation, the communication device further includes a communication interface, which is configured to communicate with modules other than the communication device.

[0199] It can be understood that the communication device may be a chip or a chip system. If the communication device is a chip system, the communication device may include a chip, or it may include a chip and other discrete devices. This is not particularly limited to the embodiments of the present application.

[0200] The present invention further provides a computer-readable storage medium that stores computer programs or instructions. When the computer programs or instructions are executed by a computer, the functions of any one of the embodiments of the method described above are implemented.

[0201] The present invention further provides a computer program product. When the computer program product is executed by a computer, the functions in any one of the embodiments of the method described above are implemented.

[0202] For the purpose of a simple and concise explanation, those skilled in the art will understand that the detailed operating processes of the aforementioned systems, devices, and units will be described by referring to the corresponding processes in the embodiments of the methods described above. Further details will not be described here.

[0203] It should be understood that the systems, apparatus, and methods described herein may be implemented in alternative or different ways. For example, the embodiments of the apparatus described above are merely illustrative. For example, the division of units is merely a logical functional division. In actual implementations, different division methods may be used. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not performed. In addition, the mutual coupling, direct coupling, or communication connection indicated or discussed may be implemented through some interfaces. Indirect coupling or communication connection between these devices or units may be implemented electronically, mechanically, or in other forms.

[0204] Units described as separate parts may or may not be physically separated; in other words, they may be located together in the same place or distributed across multiple network units. Parts shown as units may or may not be physical units. Some or all of these units may be selected based on the actual requirements in order to achieve the objectives of the solution of the embodiment.

[0205] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of the present application may be integrated into a single processing unit, each of these units may exist physically independently, or two or more units may be integrated into a single unit.

[0206] All or some of the embodiments described above may be implemented using software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. If a software program is used to implement an embodiment, the embodiment may be implemented entirely or partially in the form of a computer program product. A computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the procedures or functions in the embodiments of the present application are generated. The computer may be a general-purpose computer, a dedicated computer, a computer network, or another programmable device. The computer instructions may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, computer instructions may be transmitted by wired means (e.g., coaxial cable, optical fiber, or digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless means (e.g., infrared, radio waves, or microwaves) from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center. The computer-readable storage medium may be any available medium accessible by a computer, or a data storage device that integrates one or more available media, such as a server or data center. The available media may be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disk drives, or magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., DVDs), semiconductor media (e.g., solid-state drives (SSDs)), or similar. In embodiments of the present application, the computer may include the aforementioned devices.

[0207] While the present application is described with reference to embodiments, a person skilled in the art will be able to understand and implement other variations of the disclosed embodiments by looking at the accompanying drawings, the disclosed content and the accompanying claims in the process of implementing the present application for which protection is claimed. In the claims, “comprising” does not exclude another component or another stage, and “one” or “one” does not exclude multiple cases. A single processor or another unit may implement several of the functions enumerated in the claims. Although several means are recorded in different dependent claims, this does not mean that these means cannot be combined to produce a better effect.

[0208] While this application is described with reference to certain features and embodiments thereof, it is clear that various modifications and combinations can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Accordingly, this specification and the accompanying drawings are merely illustrative descriptions of the application as defined by the appended claims and should be considered as any or all of the modifications, variations, combinations or equivalents that encompass the scope of this application. It will be clear to a person skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to this application without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. In this case, the application is intended to encompass such modifications and variations, provided that the modifications and variations made to the application are included in the claims of this application and the equivalent art thereto.

Claims

1. Antenna pattern switching method, where the method is Prior to the first time point, the step of receiving a physical layer protocol data unit PPDU by using a first antenna pattern; and After the first time point, the PPDU is received by using a second antenna pattern. An antenna pattern switching method comprising the following features.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first time point is within a first time-domain resource, the first time-domain resource is used to transport a first field of the PPDU, and the first field is used for automatic gain control (AGC) and / or synchronization.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the first time point is prior to the second time point, and the second time point is the start of the first time domain resource.

4. The method according to claim 2, wherein the first time point is prior to the second time point, the duration between the second time point and the end of the first time domain resource is longer than or equal to the first duration, and the first duration is the duration required to perform AGC and / or synchronization.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first time point is within a first time-domain resource, the first time-domain resource is used to transport a first field of the PPDU, and the first field indicates the received parameters of the PPDU.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the first time point is prior to the second time point, the second time point is the start of the second time-domain resource, the second time-domain resource is used to transport the second field of the PPDU, and the second field is used for AGC and / or synchronization.

7. The method according to claim 5, wherein the first time point is prior to the second time point, the duration between the second time point and the end of the second time domain resource is longer than or equal to the first duration, the second time domain resource is used to carry the second field of the PPDU, the second field is used for AGC and / or synchronization, and the first duration is the duration required to perform AGC and / or synchronization.

8. A communication device, wherein the device comprises an interface module, The interface module is configured to receive a physical layer protocol data unit PPDU by using a first antenna pattern before the first time point; and The interface module is further configured to receive the PPDU after the first time point by using a second antenna pattern. Communication device.

9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the first time point is within a first time-domain resource, the first time-domain resource is used to transport a first field of the PPDU, and the first field is used for automatic gain control (AGC) and / or synchronization.

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the first time point is prior to the second time point, and the second time point is the start of the first time domain resource.

11. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the first time point is prior to the second time point, the duration between the second time point and the end of the first time domain resource is longer than or equal to the first duration, and the first duration is the duration required to perform AGC and / or synchronization.

12. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the first time point is within a first time-domain resource, the first time-domain resource is used to transport a first field of the PPDU, and the first field indicates the received parameters of the PPDU.

13. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the first time point is prior to the second time point, the second time point is the start of the second time-domain resource, the second time-domain resource is used to transport the second field of the PPDU, and the second field is used for AGC and / or synchronization.

14. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the first time point is prior to the second time point, the duration between the second time point and the end of the second time-domain resource is longer than or equal to the first duration, the second time-domain resource is used to transport the second field of the PPDU, the second field is used for AGC and / or synchronization, and the first duration is the duration required to perform AGC and / or synchronization.

15. A communication device, wherein the device comprises at least one processor, the at least one processor being configured to execute a computer program or instruction to cause the device to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

16. A computer-readable storage medium, wherein the computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions or programs, and when the computer instructions or programs are executed on a communication device, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7 is executed.

17. A computer program product, wherein the computer program product comprises computer instructions, and when some or all of the computer instructions are executed, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7 is executed.

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