Null data physical layer protocol data unit transmission method and apparatus

Abstract

The present application relates to the field of WLAN technology, and in particular to a null data physical layer protocol data unit transmission method and apparatus, which may be used in a wireless communication system supporting the 802.11be standard or the EHT standard. In this method, a first device transmits a sensing NDPA frame, where the sensing NDPA frame indicates transmitting an NDP; then, the first device transmits an NDP, where the NDP is the first NDP or the second NDP. The physical layer version of the first NDP is different from the physical layer version of the second NDP. Correspondingly, the second device receives the sensing NDPA frame and the NDP from the first device. This solution avoids using only one NDP of a fixed physical layer version, and flexibly and fully utilizes the advantages of the first NDP and the second NDP, thereby improving the sensing performance.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001]

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202210346893.X, entitled "Method and Apparatus for Transmitting Null Data Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit," filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of the People's Republic of China on April 2, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002]

[0002] Technical field FIELD Embodiments of the present application relate to the field of communications, and more particularly to a method and apparatus for transmitting null data physical layer protocol data units. [Background technology]

[0003]

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

[0004]

[0004] During the measurement instance phase, a WLAN device can transmit a null data PPDU announcement (NDPA) frame. The NDPA frame is used to notify that the WLAN device will transmit a null data PPDU (NDP) following the NDPA frame. PPDU is a physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU). A device receiving an NDPA frame can obtain channel information by measuring the NDP following the NDPA frame. Summary of the Invention

[0005]

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

[0006]

[0006] According to a first aspect, there is provided a null-data physical layer protocol data unit transmission method. The method can be executed by a first device, and can be executed by a component of the first device, such as a processor, a chip, or a chip system, or can be implemented by a logic module or software capable of performing all or part of the functions of the first device. The method includes: transmitting a sensing NDPA frame, where the sensing NDPA frame indicates that an NDP is to be transmitted; and transmitting an NDP, where the NDP is a first NDP or a second NDP, and the physical layer version of the first NDP is different from the physical layer version of the second NDP.

[0007]

[0007] According to this solution, the first device transmits a sensing NDPA frame, and then transmits a first NDP or a second NDP correspondingly, which avoids that only one fixed NDP is derived from the sensing NDPA frame, or that the sensing NDPA frame corresponds to only one fixed NDP, and flexibly and fully utilizes the advantages of the first NDP and the second NDP, thereby improving sensing performance.

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

[0009]

[0009] Based on this possible design, if the bandwidth supported by the first NDP is greater than the first threshold, the sensing accuracy may be improved by transmitting the first NDP because a larger bandwidth is beneficial to improving the sensing accuracy. If the first NDP supports puncturing, transmitting the first NDP may enable more efficient use of bandwidth resources and improve resource utilization. If the second NDP supports secure LTF, security performance may be improved by transmitting the second NDP. If the second NDP supports repeated LTF, the signal-to-noise ratio at the receiving end may be improved.

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

[0011] The bandwidth of the first physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU) is greater than a first threshold, and the first PPDU includes a sensing NDPA frame, or the first PPDU is the NDP; The puncturing occurs in the first PPDU; an unavailable subchannel exists in the first channel, and the first channel is used to transmit the first PPDU; The number of data streams supported by the NDP is greater than or equal to a second threshold; and The first resource is a resource unit that is not supported by the physical layer version of the second NDP, the first resource is used to carry a sensing NDPA frame, or the first resource is a resource to be measured on the first channel.

[0011]

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

[0012]

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

[0013]

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

[0014]

[0015] In one possible design, the first station information field further includes a second field, where the second field indicates unavailable subchannels.

[0015]

[0016] In one possible design, a method includes transmitting a beacon frame, the beacon frame including first indication information, the first indication information indicating that an unavailable subchannel exists in the first channel.

[0016]

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

[0017]

[0018] In a possible design, when the first PPDU includes a sensing NDPA frame, the preamble part of the first PPDU includes a third field, and the third field indicates that puncturing is occurring in the first PPDU.

[0018]

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

[0019]

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

[0020]

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

[0021]

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

[0022]

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

[0023]

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

[0024]

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

[0025]

[0026] According to a second aspect, there is provided a null-data physical layer protocol data unit receiving method. The method can be executed by a second device and can be executed by a component of the second device, such as a processor, chip, or chip system, or can be implemented by a logic module or software capable of performing all or part of the functions of the second device. The method includes: receiving a sensing NDPA frame, the sensing NDPA frame indicating that a null-data physical layer protocol data unit (NDP) is to be transmitted; and receiving an NDP, the NDP being a first NDP or a second NDP, and the physical layer version of the first NDP being different from the physical layer version of the second NDP.

[0026]

[0027] In this solution, the second device receives the sensing NDPA frame and then receives the first NDP or the second NDP in response thereto, which avoids that only one fixed NDP is brought from the sensing NDPA frame or that the sensing NDPA frame corresponds to only one fixed NDP, and flexibly and fully utilizes the advantages of the first NDP and the second NDP, thereby improving sensing performance.

[0027]

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

[0028]

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

[0030] The bandwidth of the first physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU) is greater than a first threshold, and the first PPDU includes a sensing NDPA frame, or the first PPDU is an NDP; The puncturing occurs in the first PPDU; an unavailable subchannel exists in the first channel, and the first channel is used to transmit the first PPDU; The number of data streams supported by the NDP is greater than or equal to a second threshold; and The first resource is a resource unit that is not supported by the physical layer version of the second NDP, the first resource is used to carry a sensing NDPA frame, or the first resource is a resource to be measured on the first channel.

[0029]

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

[0030]

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

[0031]

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

[0032]

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

[0033]

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

[0034]

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

[0035]

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

[0036]

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

[0037]

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

[0038]

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

[0039]

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

[0040]

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

[0041]

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

[0042]

[0044] According to a third aspect, a communication device is provided, configured to perform the aforementioned method. The communication device may be the first device in the first aspect, or a device, such as a chip, included in the first device. Alternatively, the communication device may be the second device in the second aspect, or a device, such as a chip, included in the second device. The communication device includes corresponding modules, units, or means for performing the aforementioned method. The modules, units, or means may be implemented by hardware, software, or hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the aforementioned functions.

[0043]

[0045] In some possible designs, the communications device may include a transceiver module. Additionally, the communications device may further include a processing module. The processing module may be configured to perform the processing functions of any one of the aforementioned aspects and possible implementations thereof. The transceiver module, which may also be referred to as a transceiver unit, is configured to perform the transmission and / or reception functions of any one of the aforementioned aspects and possible implementations thereof. The transceiver module may include a transceiver circuit, a transceiver device, a transceiver, or a communications interface.

[0044]

[0046] In a possible design, the transceiver module includes a transmitting module and a receiving module configured to perform the transmitting function and the receiving function, respectively, in any one of the aforementioned aspects and possible implementations of the aforementioned aspects.

[0045]

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

[0046]

[0048] According to a fifth aspect, there is provided a communication device including a processor and a communication interface. The communication interface is configured to communicate with a module external to the communication device. The processor is configured to execute a computer program or instructions to enable the communication device to perform the method of any one of the preceding aspects. The communication device may be the first device of the first aspect or a device, such as a chip, included in the first device. Alternatively, the communication device may be the second device of the second aspect or a device, such as a chip, included in the second device.

[0047]

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

[0048]

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

[0049]

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

[0050]

[0052] In some possible designs, the communication device includes a memory configured to store necessary computer programs or instructions, and the memory may be coupled to the processor or may be separate from the processor.

[0051]

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

[0052]

[0054] According to a ninth aspect, there is provided a computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon a computer program or instructions that, when executed by a processor, perform the method of any one of the preceding aspects.

[0053]

[0055] According to a tenth aspect, there is provided a computer program product which, when executed by a processor, performs the method of any one of the previous aspects.

[0054]

[0056] It can be understood that when the communication device provided in any one of the third to tenth aspects is a chip, the aforementioned transmitting operation / function may be understood as outputting information, and the aforementioned receiving operation / function may be understood as inputting information.

[0055]

[0057] For the technical effects provided by any one of the third to tenth aspects, please refer to the technical effects provided by various designs of the first or second aspect, and the details will not be described again here.

[0056]

[0058] According to an eleventh aspect, there is provided a communication system, the communication system including a first device according to the first aspect and a second device according to the second aspect. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0057] [Figure 1]

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

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

[0061] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system according to the present application. [Figure 4]

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

[0063] FIG. 5 is a schematic flow chart of the NDP transmission and reception method according to the present application. [Figure 6]

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

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

[0066] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of the structure of another communication device according to the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0058]

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

[0059]

[0068] Additionally, in the description of this application, "plurality" means two or more than two unless otherwise specified. "At least one of the following items" or similar phrases means any combination of those items, including any combination of singular items or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c may refer to: a, b, c, a and b, a and c, b and c, or a, b, and c, where a, b, and c may be singular or plural.

[0060]

[0069] Furthermore, in order to clearly describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, terms such as "first" and "second" are used in the embodiments of the present application to distinguish between the same or similar items that basically provide the same function or purpose. Those skilled in the art will understand that terms such as "first" and "second" do not limit the quantity or execution order, and terms such as "first" and "second" do not indicate a limiting difference.

[0061]

[0070] Furthermore, in the embodiments of the present application, the words "example" or "for example" are used to mean serving as an example, illustration, or explanation. Any embodiment or design scheme described in the embodiments of the present application as an "example" or "for example" should not be described as being preferred or having more advantages than another embodiment or design scheme. Strictly speaking, the use of terms such as "example" or "for example" is intended to present relevant concepts in a concrete manner for ease of understanding.

[0062]

[0071] It can be understood that the term "embodiment" referred to throughout this specification means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic associated with this embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present application. Therefore, embodiments throughout the specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, these particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in one or more embodiments by using any suitable method. It will be understood that the sequence numbers of processes do not imply an execution order in various embodiments of the present application. The execution order of processes should be determined based on the functions and internal logic of the processes and should not be construed as any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of the present application.

[0063]

[0072] It can be understood that in some scenarios, some optional features in the embodiments of the present application can be implemented independently to solve corresponding technical problems and achieve corresponding effects without relying on other features, such as the solutions currently assumed by the optional features. Alternatively, in some scenarios, optional features may be combined with other features based on requirements. Correspondingly, the devices provided in the embodiments of the present application can also implement these features or functions accordingly. Details will not be described here.

[0064]

[0073] In this application, unless otherwise specified, identical or similar parts in embodiments shall refer to each other. In various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise stated or there is no logical contradiction, the terms and / or descriptions in different embodiments shall be consistent and may be mutually referenced, and the technical features in different embodiments may be combined based on their internal logical relationships to form new embodiments. The following embodiments of this application are not intended to limit the protection scope of this application.

[0065]

[0074] In order to facilitate understanding of the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, the following will first briefly describe the related art in the present application.

[0066]

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

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

[0067]

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

[0068]

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

[0069]

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

[0070]

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

[0071]

[0081] 2.Sensing process:

[0082] The sensing process, as basically accepted in WLAN standards, can be divided into five stages:

[0083] (1) Sensing session setup

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

[0072]

[0085] (2) Measurement setup

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

[0073]

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

[0074]

[0088] (3) Measurement Instance

[0089] Sensing measurements are made in measurement instances, and multiple sensing responders are allowed to participate in a single measurement instance. A measurement instance is indicated by an identifier.

[0075]

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

[0076]

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

[0077]

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

[0078]

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

[0079]

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

[0080]

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

[0081]

[0096] (4) Measurement setup termination

[0097] The End Measurement Setup is used to terminate the measurement setup process corresponding to a sensing responder, i.e., after the measurement setup process is terminated, the sensing responder is no longer bound to the corresponding measurement setup, but may still be in a sensing session.

[0082]

[0098] (5) Sensing session termination

[0099] The EndSensingSession method is used to end a sensing session. After the sensing session ends, the station will not participate in processes such as sensing measurements.

[0083]

[0100] 3.NDPA variants:

[0101] Currently, the NDPA has four variants: Very High Throughput (VHT) NDPA Frame, Ranging NDPA frame, High Efficiency (HE) NDPA Frame, and Extremely high throughput (EHT) NDPA frame.

[0084]

[0102] Correspondingly, the NDPs for the four aforementioned variants are: VHT NDP (compatible with VHT NDPA frames), HE Ranging NDP (corresponding to the Ranging NDPA frame), HE Sounding NDP (corresponding to the HE NDPA frame), and EHT NDP (corresponding to the EHT NDPA frame).

[0085]

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

[0086]

[0104] The structure of the HE NDPA frame, EHT NDPA frame, and Ranging NDPA frame may be as shown in FIG. 2 and includes: A frame control field with a length of 2 octets, a duration field with a length of 2 octets, an RA field with a length of 6 octets, a TA field with a length of 6 octets, A sounding dialog token field with a length of 1 octet, N STA info fields each having a length of 4 octets; and A frame check sequence (FCS) field with a length of 4 octets.

[0087]

[0105] It should be noted that the length of each field in this application is only an example for explanation, and the length of the field is not particularly limited in this application, and in actual applications, the length of the field may be different.

[0088]

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

[0089] Table 1

[0090] [Table 1]

[0107] B0 and B1 in the Sounding Dialogue Token are called the NDPA Variant subfield in the EHT standard and the NDPA Type subfield in the Ranging standard (802.11az). The names of B0 and B1 vary in the different standards, but the device interpretation of the two bits is unaffected.

[0091]

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

[0092]

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

[0093]

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

[0094]

[0111] The N station information fields in the NDPA frame may correspond one-to-one to the N stations, and the station information fields are used to carry information required by the station corresponding to the station information field. Different stations may require different information, i.e., different station information fields may carry different information.

[0095]

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

[0096] Table 2

[0097] [Table 2]

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

[0098]

[0114] The aforementioned NDPA variants may be considered as NDPAs in the non-802.11bf standard, and the corresponding NDPs may be considered as NDPs in the non-802.11bf standard. Therefore, it is necessary to design NDPAs and NDPs in the 802.11bf standard.

[0099]

[0115] Based on this, the present application provides an NDP transmission method and designs a sensing NDP (Non-Decimal Phase Shift Keying) applicable to the 802.11bf standard. The first NDP or the second NDP is derived from the sensing NDP. This avoids using only a fixed type of NDP and flexibly and fully utilizes the advantages of the first NDP and the second NDP, thereby improving sensing performance.

[0100]

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

[0101]

[0117] The communication systems applicable to the present application are merely examples for the purpose of explanation, and the communication systems applicable to the present application are not limited thereto. A unified description is given here, and details are not provided below.

[0102]

[0118] First, the present application provides a WLAN communication system to which the embodiments of the present application can be applied. The WLAN communication system includes a first device and a second device.

[0103]

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

[0104]

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

[0105]

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

[0106]

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

[0107]

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

[0108]

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

[0109]

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

[0110]

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

[0111]

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

[0112]

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

[0113]

[0129] The transceiver 402 is configured to communicate with another device or another communication network, which may be Ethernet, a radio access network (RAN), a WLAN, or the like. The transceiver 402 may be a module, a circuit, a transceiver, or any device capable of implementing communications.

[0130] The communication lines 403 are configured to transmit information between components included in the WLAN device 400 .

[0114]

[0131] Memory 404 is configured to store instructions, which may be a computer program. Memory 404 may be, but is not limited to, a read-only memory (ROM) or another type of static storage device capable of storing static information and / or instructions, a random access memory (RAM) or another type of dynamic storage device capable of storing information and / or instructions, an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disk storage, optical disk storage (including compact discs, laser discs, optical discs, digital versatile discs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), a disk storage medium, or another magnetic storage device.

[0132] It should be noted that the memory 404 may be separate from the processor 401 or may be integrated into the processor 401. The memory 404 may be configured to store instructions, program codes, some data, etc. The memory 404 may be located inside the WLAN device 400 or outside the WLAN device 400, without being limited thereto. The processor 401 may execute instructions stored in the memory 404 to implement the methods provided in the following embodiments of the present application.

[0115]

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

[0116]

[0134] It can be understood that the configuration structure shown in Figure 4 does not constitute a limitation on a WLAN device. In addition to the components shown in Figure 4, a WLAN device can include more or fewer components than those shown in the drawing, combine some components, or have a different arrangement of components.

[0117]

[0135] The methods provided in the embodiments of the present application are described in detail below. In the embodiments of the present application, the executing subject may perform all or part of the steps in the embodiments of the present application, and it can be understood that the steps or operations are merely examples. In the embodiments of the present application, other operations or various modifications of operations may also be performed. Furthermore, the steps may be performed in an order different from that presented in the embodiments of the present application, and not all operations in the embodiments of the present application may be performed.

[0118]

[0136] 5 is a schematic flowchart of the NDP transmission and reception method according to the present application. The NDP transmission and reception method includes the following steps:

[0119]

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

[0120]

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

[0121]

[0139] It should be noted that the name "sensing NDPA frame" is used merely as an example to distinguish the new NDPA variant provided in the present application from the four variants shown in Table 1. The name of the new NDPA variant is not particularly limited in the present application. In actual applications, the new NDPA variant may have another name, for example, measurement NDPA. Furthermore, the sensing NDPA frame provided in the present application may be applicable to the IEEE 802.11bf standard. Naturally, the sensing NDPA frame may be applicable to another 802.11 system standard, for example, the 802.11be standard or further next-generation standards.

[0122]

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

[0123]

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

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

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

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

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

[0128]

[0142] In a possible implementation, the NDPA frame further includes an additional field A indicating whether the NDPA frame is a sensing NDPA frame or a first NDPA frame. For example, when the value of field A is a first value, the NDPA frame is a sensing NDPA frame, or the first value indicates that the sensing NDPA frame reuses the first NDPA frame. When the value of field A is a second value, the NDPA frame is a ranging NDPA frame.

[0129]

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

[0130]

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

[0131]

[0145] For example, field A may be a reserved field in the common part or the station information field, or may be a newly added field in the common part or the station information field, which is not particularly limited in the present application.

[0132]

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

[0133]

[0147] In the embodiment of the present application, field A may be referred to as the sixth field, and field A and the sixth field may be replaced with each other, which is not particularly limited in the present application.

[0134]

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

[0135]

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

[0136]

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

[0137]

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

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

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

[0140]

[0152] In a scenario in which the first device transmits a sensing NDPA frame in step S501, it can be understood that the radio frame may also be considered as indicating the type of the sensing NDPA frame.

[0141]

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

[0142]

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

[0143]

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

[0144]

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

[0145]

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

[0146]

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

[0147]

[0159] For example, if two NDPs have the same physical layer version but support different functions, the two NDPs may also be understood as different types of NDPs. For example, an HE ranging NDP and an HE sounding NDP have the same physical layer version but support different functions. Therefore, an HE ranging NDP and an HE sounding NDP can be considered as different types of NDPs.

[0148]

[0160] For example, if different types of NDPs mean that the physical layer versions of the NDPs are different, the physical layer version of the first NDP is different from the physical layer version of the second NDP.

[0149]

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

[0150]

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

[0151]

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

[0152]

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

[0153]

[0165] Furthermore, if the bandwidth supported by the first NDP is greater than the first threshold, transmitting the first NDP can improve sensing accuracy because a larger bandwidth is beneficial for improving sensing accuracy. If the first NDP supports puncturing, transmitting the first NDP can utilize bandwidth resources more efficiently and improve resource utilization. If the second NDP supports secure LTF, transmitting the second NDP can improve security performance. If the second NDP supports repeated LTF, the signal-to-noise ratio at the receiving end can be improved.

[0154]

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

[0155]

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

[0156]

[0168] Correspondingly, if the first condition is met, the second device parses the received NDP based on the format of the first NDP, and if the first condition is not met, the second device parses the received NDP based on the format of the second NDP.

[0157]

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

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

[0158]

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

[0159]

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

[0160]

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

[0161]

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

[0162]

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

[0163]

[0176] Optionally, if the bandwidth of the first PPDU is greater than a first threshold, the first PPDU may be an EHT PPDU or a non-high throughput (HT) duplicate PPDU, i.e., a non-HT duplicate PPDU. Of course, the first PPDU may alternatively be in another format or type of PPDU, which is not particularly limited in the present application.

[0164]

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

[0165]

[0178] In another possible implementation, if the first PPDU is an NDP in step S502, the second device may determine whether the bandwidth of the first PPDU is greater than a first threshold based on the bandwidth indicated in the first PPDU, and perform corresponding processing based on the determination result. Alternatively, if the first threshold is 160 MHz and the bandwidth requested in the beacon frame is 320 MHz, the second device may determine that the bandwidth of the first PPDU is greater than the first threshold and perform corresponding processing. For the corresponding processing based on the determination result, please refer to the relevant description when the first PPDU includes a sensing NDP frame. Details will not be described again here.

[0166]

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

[0167]

[0180] For example, if the first threshold is 160 MHz, a commonly used bandwidth greater than 160 MHz is 320 MHz, and in this case, it may be considered that the first field indicates whether the bandwidth of the first PPDU is 320 MHz.

[0168]

[0181] Optionally, in this possible implementation, if the first field indicates that the bandwidth of the first PPDU is greater than a first threshold, the second device parses the received NDP based on the format of the first NDP. 1If the PPDU bandwidth is not greater than the first threshold, the second device parses the received NDP based on the format of the second NDP.

[0169]

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

[0170]

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

[0171]

[0184] The first channel is used to transmit a first PPDU. The first PPDU may be a PPDU including a sensing NDPA frame, or may be an NDP in step 502. For details, please refer to the related explanation in the above condition (1). The details will not be described again here.

[0172]

[0185] Optionally, if an unavailable subchannel exists in the first channel, the first device may transmit a first NDP, and the second device may analyze the received NDP based on the format of the first NDP. If an unavailable subchannel does not exist in the first channel, the first device may transmit a second NDP, and the second device may analyze the received NDP based on the format of the second NDP. For example, the bandwidth of one subchannel may be 20 MHz.

[0173]

[0186] Optionally, the first device can notify the second device that an unavailable sub-channel exists in the first channel in two ways:

[0174]

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

[0175]

[0188] It should be noted that an "unavailable subchannel" in this application may also be referred to as a "disallowed subchannel," and that the terms "unavailable subchannel" and "disallowed subchannel" may be interchangeable. This is not a particular limitation in this application.

[0176]

[0189] For example, the first specific value may not be an AID corresponding to a station, but may be a value associated with an unavailable subchannel, such as 2047. Alternatively, the first specific value may be an AID value reserved in a conventional standard, such as a value between 2008 and 2042. Alternatively, the first specific value may be 2046.

[0177]

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

[0178]

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

[0179]

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

[0180]

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

[0181]

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

[0182]

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

[0183]

[0196] Method 2: A first device may transmit a beacon frame, the beacon frame including first indication information, the first indication information indicating that an unavailable subchannel exists in the first channel.

[0184]

[0197] In response, the second device may receive a beacon frame from the first device, and if the first indication information in the beacon frame indicates that an unavailable subchannel exists in the first channel, the second device may parse the NDP based on the format of the first NDP.

[0185]

[0198] Optionally, if the beacon frame does not include the first indication information, or if the first indication information indicates that no unavailable subchannels exist in the first channel, the second device parses the received NDP based on the format of the second NDP.

[0186]

[0199] Furthermore, in the above two schemes, if an unavailable subchannel in the first channel overlaps with a subchannel range corresponding to the transmission bandwidth of the NDP, the first device transmits the first NDP. If an unavailable subchannel exists in the first channel but the unavailable subchannel does not overlap with a subchannel range corresponding to the transmission bandwidth of the NDP, the first device may transmit either the first NDP or the second NDP.

[0187]

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

[0201] The first device is capable of transmitting the first NDP regardless of whether the unavailable subchannels overlap with the subchannel range corresponding to the transmission bandwidth of the NDP, and since the first NDP supports puncturing, the first device is capable of transmitting the first NDP in which puncturing has occurred, even if the unavailable subchannels overlap with the subchannel range corresponding to the transmission bandwidth of the NDP.

[0188]

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

[0189]

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

[0190]

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

[0191]

[0205] (3) Puncturing occurs in the first PPDU. The first PPDU may be a PPDU containing a sensing NDPA frame, or may be an NDP in step 502. For details, please refer to the related explanation in the above condition (1). The details will not be described again here.

[0192]

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

[0193]

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

[0194]

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

[0195]

[0209] Optionally, when the first PPDU is an NDP, the transmission position of the PPDU including the sensing NDPA frame is typically the same as the transmission position of the NDP resulting from the sensing NDPA frame, so that when the second device finds that puncturing has occurred in the PPDU including the sensing NDPA frame, the second device can also find that puncturing has occurred in the NDP resulting from the sensing NDPA frame.

[0196]

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

[0197]

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

[0198]

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

[0199]

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

[0200]

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

[0201]

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

[0202]

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

[0203]

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

[0204]

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

[0205]

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

[0206]

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

[0207]

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

[0208]

[0222] Optionally, a resource unit in this application may include a resource unit (RU) and / or a multi-resource unit (MRU).

[0209]

[0223] The above is the rule for selecting the first NDP or the second NDP in step S502. The design of the sensing NDP frame, beacon frame, etc. may be understood as implicitly indicating the first NDP and the second NDP. Furthermore, the present application further provides the following several ways to explicitly or implicitly indicate the first NDP or the second NDP:

[0210]

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

[0211]

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

[0212]

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

[0213]

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

[0214]

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

[0215]

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

[0216]

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

[0217]

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

[0218]

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

[0219]

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

[0220]

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

[0221]

[0235] The above-described embodiments use, for the sake of explanation, an example in which the first NDP or the second NDP is derived from the sensing NDPA frame in one format. In some embodiments, the sensing NDPA frame in the present application may have two formats, or there are two variants of the sensing NDPA frame. Of the two formats, the NDP corresponding to the first format is the first NDP, and the NDP corresponding to the second format is the second NDP. In other words, the NDP corresponding to the first variant is the first NDP, and the NDP corresponding to the second variant is the second NDP.

[0222]

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

[0223]

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

[0224]

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

[0225]

[0239] Optionally, if the sensing NDPA frame exists in two formats, the second device may determine the format of the NDP resulting from the sensing NDPA frame based on the format of the received sensing NDPA frame, and parse the received NDP based on the format of the NDP.

[0226]

[0240] It should be noted that the above-mentioned method of implicitly indicating the first NDP or the second NDP and the above-mentioned method of explicitly indicating the first NDP or the second NDP may be used separately or together, which is not particularly limited in the present application.

[0227]

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

[0228]

[0242] The above mainly describes the solution provided in the present application from the viewpoint of interaction between devices. Correspondingly, the present application further provides a communication device, which is configured to perform the aforementioned method. The communication device may be a first device in an embodiment of the aforementioned method, a device including the aforementioned first device, or a component that can be used in the first device. Alternatively, the communication device may be a second device in an embodiment of the aforementioned method, a device including the aforementioned second device, or a component that can be used in the second device.

[0229]

[0243] It can be understood that to implement the above-described functions, the communication device includes a hardware structure and / or software modules for performing the corresponding functions. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that the present application may be implemented by hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software in combination with the example units and algorithm steps described in the embodiments disclosed herein. Whether the functions are performed by hardware or by hardware driven by computer software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art may use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered to go beyond the scope of the present application.

[0230]

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

[0231]

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

[0232]

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

[0233]

[0247] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 602 may be referred to as a transceiver unit and may be configured to perform transmitting and / or receiving functions. The transceiver module 602 may include a transceiver circuit, a transceiver device, a transceiver, or a communications interface.

[0234]

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

[0235]

[0249] The processing module 601 is configured to generate a sensing NDPA frame and an NDP. The transceiver module 602 is configured to transmit the sensing NDPA frame, where the sensing NDPA frame indicates transmitting an NDP. The transceiver module 602 is further configured to transmit the NDP, where the NDP is a first NDP or a second NDP, and the physical layer version of the first NDP is different from the physical layer version of the second NDP.

[0236]

[0250] Optionally, the transceiver module 602 is further configured to transmit a beacon frame, the beacon frame including first indication information, the first indication information indicating that an unavailable sub-channel exists in the first channel.

[0237]

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

[0238]

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

[0239]

[0253] All relevant contents of the steps in the above method embodiments can be cited in the functional descriptions of the corresponding functional modules, and the details will not be described again here.

[0240]

[0254] In this application, the first device 60 is presented in the form of an integrated form of functional modules obtained by division, where a "module" in this case may be an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a circuit, a processor, and a memory that executes one or more software or firmware programs, an integrated logic circuit, and / or other components capable of providing the aforementioned functionality.

[0241]

[0255] In some embodiments, with respect to a hardware implementation, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the first device 60 may be implemented as shown in FIG. WLAN devices It will be understood that the number of the 400 may be in the form of

[0242]

[0256] In one example, the functions / performed processes of processing module 601 of FIG. 6 are implemented by invoking computer-executable instructions stored in memory 404. WLAN devices The functions / implementation processes of the transceiver module 602 of FIG. 6 may be implemented by the processor 401 in the transceiver module 400 shown in FIG. WLAN devices This may be implemented by using the transceiver 402 in 400.

[0243]

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

[0244]

[0258] The first device 60 provided in this embodiment can perform the aforementioned method, so please refer to the aforementioned method embodiment for the technical effects that can be achieved by the first device 60. The details will not be described again here.

[0245]

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

[0246]

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

[0247]

[0261] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 702 may be referred to as a transceiver unit and may be configured to perform transmitting and / or receiving functions. The transceiver module 702 may include a transceiver circuit, a transceiver device, a transceiver, or a communications interface.

[0248]

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

[0249]

[0263] The transceiver module 702 is configured to receive a sensing null data physical layer protocol data unit announcement (NDPA) frame, where the sensing NDPA frame indicates that a null data physical layer protocol data unit (NDP) is to be transmitted. The transceiver module 702 is further configured to receive an NDP, where the NDP is a first NDP or a second NDP, and the physical layer version of the first NDP is different from the physical layer version of the second NDP.

[0250]

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

[0251]

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

[0252]

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

[0253]

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

[0254]

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

[0255]

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

[0256]

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

[0257]

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

[0258]

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

[0259]

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

[0260]

[0274] All relevant contents of the steps in the above method embodiments can be cited in the functional descriptions of the corresponding functional modules, and the details will not be described again here.

[0261]

[0275] In this application, the second device 70 is presented in the form of an integrated form of functional modules obtained by division, where a "module" in this case may be an ASIC, a circuit, a processor, and a memory that executes one or more software or firmware programs, an integrated logic circuit, and / or other components capable of providing the aforementioned functionality.

[0262]

[0276] In some embodiments, with respect to a hardware implementation, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the second device 70 may be implemented as shown in FIG. WLAN devices It will be understood that the number of the 400 may be in the form of

[0263]

[0277] In one example, the functions / performed processes of processing module 701 of FIG. 7 are implemented by invoking computer-executable instructions stored in memory 404. WLAN devices The functions / implementation processes of the transceiver module 702 of FIG. 7 may be implemented by the processor 401 in the transceiver module 400 shown in FIG. WLAN devices This may be implemented by using the transceiver 402 in 400.

[0264]

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

[0265]

[0279] The second device 70 provided in this embodiment can perform the aforementioned method, so please refer to the aforementioned method embodiment for the technical effects that can be achieved by the second device 70. The details will not be described again here.

[0266]

[0280] In possible product forms, the first device and the second device in the embodiments of the present application may further be 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 circuitry, or any combination of circuitry capable of performing the various functions described herein.

[0267]

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

[0268]

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

[0269]

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

[0270]

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

[0271]

[0285] In another implementation, the radio frequency circuitry and antenna may be located independently of the processor that performs the baseband processing, for example, in a distributed scenario, the radio frequency circuitry and antenna may be located independently and remotely from the communication device.

[0272]

[0286] In some embodiments, embodiments of the present application further provide a communication device, the communication device including a processor configured to perform the method in any one of the preceding method embodiments.

[0273]

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

[0274]

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

[0275]

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

[0276]

[0290] 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 may include a chip and other discrete components. This is not particularly limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0277]

[0291] The present application further provides a computer-readable storage medium, which stores a computer program or instructions, which, when executed by a computer, perform the functions of any one of the above-described method embodiments.

[0278]

[0292] The present application further provides a computer program product, which, when executed by a computer, performs the functions of any one of the above-described method embodiments.

[0279]

[0293] Those skilled in the art will understand that for the purpose of convenient and concise description, for the detailed operation processes of the aforementioned systems, devices and units, please refer to the corresponding processes in the aforementioned method embodiments, and the details will not be described again here.

[0280]

[0294] It is understood that the systems, devices, and methods described in this application may alternatively be implemented in other ways. For example, the described device embodiments are merely examples. For example, the division into units is merely a logical division of function, and other divisions may be used in actual implementation. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be omitted or not implemented. Furthermore, the illustrated or discussed mutual couplings or direct couplings or communication connections may be implemented by using some interface. Indirect couplings or communication connections between devices or units may be implemented electronically, mechanically, or in other forms.

[0281]

[0295] The units described as separate parts may or may not be physically separated, i.e., they may be co-located or distributed over multiple network units. The parts illustrated as units may or may not be physical units. All or some of the units may be selected based on actual requirements to achieve the objectives of the solutions of the embodiments.

[0282]

[0296] Furthermore, the functional units in the embodiments of the present application may be integrated into one processing unit, and each unit may exist physically alone, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit.

[0283]

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

[0284]

[0298] Although the present application has been described with reference to embodiments, in the process of implementing the application for which protection is sought, those skilled in the art will understand and implement other variations of the disclosed embodiments by studying the accompanying drawings, the disclosed subject matter, and the appended claims. In the claims, "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and "a" or "one" does not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other unit may perform several functions recited in the claims. Although certain means are recited in mutually different dependent claims, this does not indicate that these means cannot be combined to produce better effects.

[0285]

[0299] Although the present application has been described with reference to specific features and embodiments thereof, it is clear that various modifications and combinations may be made thereto without departing from the scope of protection of the present application. Correspondingly, the specification and the accompanying drawings are merely exemplary descriptions of the present application as defined by the appended claims, and any or all modifications, variations, combinations, or equivalents covering the scope of the present application are contemplated. It is clear that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to the present application without departing from the scope of the present application. The present application is intended to cover these modifications and variations of the present application, provided that they fall within the scope of protection defined by the following claims and their equivalent technologies.

Claims

1. A method for transmitting null data physical layer protocol data units performed by a communication device, comprising: transmitting a sensing null data physical layer protocol data unit announcement (NDPA) frame, the sensing NDPA frame indicating that a null data physical layer protocol data unit (NDP) is being transmitted; and transmitting the NDP, wherein the NDP is a first NDP or a second NDP, and a physical layer version of the first NDP is different from a physical layer version of the second NDP; wherein the first NDP supports a bandwidth greater than a first threshold or puncturing.

2. 10. The method of claim 1, The method, wherein the second NDP satisfies at least one of: the second NDP supports a secure long training field (LTF); and the second NDP supports a repeated LTF.

3. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first NDP is an extremely high throughput (EHT) NDP and the second NDP is a high efficiency ranging (HE) ranging NDP.

4. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the NDP is the first NDP if a first condition is met; or the NDP is the second NDP if the first condition is not met; and The first condition is: The bandwidth of a first physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU) is greater than the first threshold, and the first PPDU includes the sensing NDPA frame, or the first PPDU is the NDP; puncturing occurs in the first PPDU; an unavailable subchannel exists in a first channel, and the first channel is used to transmit the first PPDU; the number of data streams supported by the NDP is greater than or equal to a second threshold; and The first resource is a resource unit that is not supported by the physical layer version of the second NDP, and the first resource is used to carry the sensing NDPA frame, or the first resource is a resource to be measured on the first channel; The method includes at least one of:

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

6. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the first PPDU includes indication information, the indication information indicating a bandwidth of the first PPDU.

7. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the first threshold is 160 megahertz MHz.

8. 10. The method of claim 1, the sensing NDPA frame includes a sounding dialogue token field and a sixth field, the sounding dialogue token field includes a first subfield, the first subfield indicates a first NDPA frame, and the sixth field indicates that the sensing NDPA frame reuses the first NDPA frame; and the first NDPA frame is one of a ranging NDPA frame, a very high throughput VHT NDPA frame, a high efficiency HE NDPA frame, or an extremely high throughput EHT NDPA frame; or The method, wherein the sensing NDPA frame includes a frame control field, the frame control field includes a control frame extension field, and the control frame extension field indicates a type of the sensing NDPA frame.

9. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the sensing NDPA frame includes a field A, the field A indicating that the NDPA frame is a sensing NDPA frame or a ranging NDPA frame.

10. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the sensing NDPA frame further includes a station information field, the station information field including the field A.

11. A method for receiving a null data physical layer protocol data unit performed by a communications device, comprising: receiving a sensing null data physical layer protocol data unit announcement (NDPA) frame, the sensing NDPA frame indicating that it will carry a null data physical layer protocol data unit (NDP); and receiving the NDP, wherein the NDP is a first NDP or a second NDP, and a physical layer version of the first NDP is different from a physical layer version of the second NDP; wherein the first NDP supports a bandwidth greater than a first threshold or puncturing.

12. 12. The method of claim 11, The method, wherein the second NDP satisfies at least one of: the second NDP supports a secure long training field (LTF); and the second NDP supports a repeated LTF.

13. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the first NDP is an extremely high throughput (EHT) NDP and the second NDP is a high efficiency ranging (HE) ranging NDP.

14. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the NDP is the first NDP if a first condition is met; or the NDP is the second NDP if the first condition is not met; and The first condition is: The bandwidth of a first physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU) is greater than the first threshold, and the first PPDU includes the sensing NDPA frame, or the first PPDU is the NDP; puncturing occurs in the first PPDU; an unavailable subchannel exists in a first channel, and the first channel is used to transmit the first PPDU; the number of data streams supported by the NDP is greater than or equal to a second threshold; and The first resource is a resource unit that is not supported by the physical layer version of the second NDP, and the first resource is used to carry the sensing NDPA frame, or the first resource is a resource to be measured on the first channel; The method includes at least one of:

15. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the sensing NDPA frame includes a first field, the method further comprising: parsing the NDP based on a format of the first NDP when the bandwidth of the first PPDU is greater than the first threshold; A method comprising:

16. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the first PPDU includes indication information, the indication information indicating a bandwidth of the first PPDU.

17. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the first threshold is 160 megahertz MHz.

18. 1. A communication device including a processor, A communications device, wherein the processor is configured to execute computer-executable instructions to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 10.

19. A computer readable storage medium containing instructions which, when executed on a communications device, perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 10.

20. A chip comprising: a memory configured to store computer program instructions; and a processor that executes the computer program instructions to enable a communications device including the chip to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 10; Including chips.

21. A communications device including a processor, 18. A communications device, wherein the processor is configured to execute computer-executable instructions to perform the method of any one of claims 11 to 17.

22. A computer-readable storage medium containing instructions that, when executed on a communications device, perform a method according to any one of claims 11 to 17.

23. A chip comprising: a memory configured to store computer program instructions; and a processor for executing the computer program instructions to enable a communications device including the chip to perform the method of any one of claims 11 to 17; Including chips.

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