Communication method and device

Abstract

The present application relates to the field of communications, and in particular to a method and apparatus supporting beam training. The solution may be applied to a wireless local area network system supporting 802.11 series protocols, such as next generation Wi-Fi protocols of IEEE 802.11ax, such as 802.11be, Wi-Fi 7, or EHT, or the next generation of 802.11be, such as Wi-Fi 8, or may be applied to a UWB-based wireless personal area network system or sensing system. The method includes: generating first information, where the first information includes direction information and quantity information, the direction information indicating M directions, and the quantity information indicating a quantity N of repeated transmissions in each of the M directions, and sending the first information in a second frequency band. According to the above method, during the initial process of establishing high frequency communication, both the transmitting end and the receiving end can perform beam training by using directional beams. This can extend the communication reach.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202210562900.X, entitled “COMMUNICATION METHOD AND APPARATUS,” filed on 23 May 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and more specifically to communication methods and apparatus. [Background technology]

[0003] In a wireless local area network (WLAN), when a station needs to establish a connection with an access point, the station first needs to be able to receive signals sent by the access point, and the access point also needs to be able to receive signals sent to it by the station. In low-frequency communications (e.g., sub-7 GHz, i.e., less than 7 gigahertz (GHz)), both the station and the access point can send and receive signals in an omnidirectional manner to achieve the above objectives. In high-frequency communications (e.g., above 45 GHz), signal attenuation is much greater, so in order to achieve communication reachability, the station and access point first find the appropriate transmission or reception direction through beam training.

[0004] Currently, the initial method for establishing high-frequency communication is as follows: one end of the transceiver device performs directional transmit beam sweep, and the other end performs pseudo-omnidirectional receive beam sweep. Alternatively, one end performs pseudo-omnidirectional transmit beam sweep, and the other end performs directional receive beam sweep. However, the communication range with this method is not large. [Overview of the project] [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] This application provides a communication method and apparatus. In the initial process of establishing communication, both the transmitting and receiving ends can perform beam training by using a directional beam. This can extend the communication range.

[0006] According to a first embodiment, a communication method is provided. The method may be performed by a first device, or by a chip, circuit, or module configured within the first device. This is not limited to the present application. The following is an example of how the first device performs the method.

[0007] The method comprises a first device generating first information, wherein the first information includes directional information and / or quantity information, where the directional information indicates M directions for sending second information, the quantity information indicates a quantity N of repeated transmissions in each of the M directions, and the second information is for beam training in a first frequency band, where N and M are positive integers, and the first device sending the first information in a second frequency band, wherein the highest frequency in the second frequency band does not exceed the lowest frequency in the first frequency band.

[0008] According to the above solution, the first device may provide the second device with directional and / or quantitative information of the second information for beam training. Furthermore, the second device may receive or transmit the second information based on the directional and / or quantitative information in order to complete the beam training. Since the second information is transmitted in M ​​directions and repeated N times in each direction, the transmitting end device of the second information can train the transmitting beam M times based on the M transmission directions, and the receiving end device of the second information can train the receiving beam N times based on the quantity N of repeated transmissions in each direction. In other words, the transmitting and receiving ends can perform beam training in bidirectional mode. This helps to extend the communication reach.

[0009] In addition, in this application, the first device may provide the second device with the configuration parameters of the second information required for communication in the first frequency band during the communication process in the second frequency band. In this way, beam training can be performed in bidirectional mode during the initial process of establishing communication in the first frequency band, and communication efficiency can be improved through coordination between the first and second frequency bands.

[0010] It should be understood that the first device may be a station, access point, or personal basic service set (PBSS) control point (PCP).

[0011] Referring to the first embodiment, in some implementations of the first embodiment, the second information includes N groups of elements, each of the N groups of elements is the same, and each of the N groups of elements includes M elements, or the second information includes N groups of PPDUs, each of the N groups of PPDUs is the same, and each of the N groups of PPDUs includes M PPDUs.

[0012] Optionally, each of the M elements or each of the M PPDUs indicates one of the M directions.

[0013] Referring to the first embodiment, in some implementations of the first embodiment, each of the M elements includes at least one of a short training field, a channel estimation field, and a signaling field, the short training field is used to identify each of the M elements, the channel estimation field is used for channel estimation, and the signaling field is used to verify each of the M elements, or each of the M PPDUs includes at least one of a short training field, a channel estimation field, and a signaling field, the short training field is used to identify each of the M PPDUs, the channel estimation field is used for channel estimation, and the signaling field is used to verify each of the M PPDUs.

[0014] Referring to the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the signaling field includes, namely, beam information, wherein the beam information includes at least one of a first identifier, a second identifier, a third identifier, and a fourth identifier, the first identifier being used to identify a sector for sending each element or each PPDU, the second identifier being used to identify an antenna for sending each element or each PPDU, the third identifier being used to identify a beam for sending each element or each PPDU, and the fourth identifier being used to identify a beamforming for sending each element or each PPDU; check bits, wherein check bits are used to check the signaling field; count information, wherein count information is used to indicate the location of each element or each PPDU in the second information; and third information, wherein third information is used to identify the second information, wherein the signaling field includes at least one of the third information.

[0015] Referring to the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes the first device transmitting or receiving second information in a first frequency band.

[0016] Referring to the first embodiment, in some implementations of the first embodiment, the transmission of second information by the first device includes the first device transmitting M elements in each of M directions, where each of the M elements is transmitted N times, or the first device transmitting M PPDUs in each of M directions, where each of the M PPDUs is transmitted N times.

[0017] At will, corresponding identical elements within a group of N elements are sent in the same direction.

[0018] Optionally, "sending M elements in each of M directions" may be understood as sending one of the M elements in each of the M directions, and "sending M PPDUs in each of M directions" may be understood as sending one of the M PPDUs in each of the M directions.

[0019] Referring to the first embodiment, in some implementations of the first embodiment, the reception of the second information by the first device includes the first device receiving M elements or M PPDUs in the same receiving direction and the first device receiving the second information in N directions.

[0020] Optionally, corresponding identical elements within N groups of elements are received in different receiving directions.

[0021] Referring to the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first information includes time information, which indicates the start time and / or duration for sending the second information.

[0022] Referring to the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first information is carried in a first frame, the first frame is for beam training in a first frequency band, and the first frame is a beacon frame, a request frame, a response frame, an announcement frame, or a trigger frame.

[0023] According to a second aspect, a communication method is provided. The method may be executed by a second device or may be executed by a chip, a circuit, or a module configured within the second device. This is not limited in this application. The following uses an example where the second device executes this method for the purpose of explanation.

[0024] The method includes the second device receiving first information in a second frequency band, where the first information includes direction information and / or quantity information, the direction information indicates M directions for sending second information, the quantity information indicates the quantity N of repeated transmissions in each of the M directions, the second information is for beam training in a first frequency band, N and M are positive integers, and the second device sending or receiving the second information in the first frequency band, where the highest frequency in the second frequency band does not exceed the lowest frequency in the first frequency band.

[0025] According to the above solution, the first device may provide the second device with directional and / or quantitative information of the second information for beam training. Furthermore, the second device may receive or transmit the second information based on the directional and / or quantitative information in order to complete the beam training. Since the second information is transmitted in M ​​directions and repeated N times in each direction, the transmitting end device of the second information can train the transmitting beam M times based on the M transmission directions, and the receiving end device of the second information can train the receiving beam N times based on the quantity N of repeated transmissions in each direction. In other words, the transmitting and receiving ends can perform beam training in bidirectional mode. This helps to extend the communication reach.

[0026] In addition, in this application, the first device may provide the second device with the configuration parameters of the second information required for communication in the first frequency band during the communication process in the second frequency band. In this way, beam training can be performed in bidirectional mode during the initial process of establishing communication in the first frequency band, and communication efficiency can be improved through coordination between the first and second frequency bands.

[0027] Please understand that the second device may be a station, access point, or personal basic service set (PBSS) control point (PCP).

[0028] Referring to the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the second information includes N groups of elements, each of the N groups of elements is the same, and each of the N groups of elements includes M elements, or the second information includes N groups of PPDUs, each of the N groups of PPDUs is the same, and each of the N groups of PPDUs includes M PPDUs.

[0029] Optionally, each of the M elements or each of the M PPDUs indicates one of the M directions.

[0030] Referring to the second embodiment, in some implementations of the second embodiment, each of the M elements includes at least one of a short training field, a channel estimation field, and a signaling field, the short training field is used to identify each of the M elements, the channel estimation field is used for channel estimation, and the signaling field is used to verify each of the M elements, or each of the M PPDUs includes at least one of a short training field, a channel estimation field, and a signaling field, the short training field is used to identify each of the M PPDUs, the channel estimation field is used for channel estimation, and the signaling field is used to verify each of the M PPDUs.

[0031] Referring to the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the signaling field includes, namely, beam information, wherein the beam information includes at least one of a first identifier, a second identifier, and a third identifier, the first identifier being used to identify a sector for transmitting each element or each PPDU, the second identifier being used to identify an antenna for transmitting each element or each PPDU, and the third identifier being used to identify a beam for transmitting each element or each PPDU; check bits, wherein check bits are used to check the signaling field; count information, wherein count information is used to indicate the location of each element or each PPDU in the second information; and third information, wherein third information is used to identify the second information, wherein the signaling field includes at least one of the third information.

[0032] Referring to the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the reception of the second information by the second device includes the second device receiving M elements or M PPDUs in the same receiving direction, and the second device receiving the second information in N directions.

[0033] Referring to the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the transmission of second information by the second device includes the transmission of M elements in each of M directions, where each of the M elements is transmitted N times, or the transmission of M PPDUs in each of M directions, where each of the M PPDUs is transmitted N times.

[0034] At will, corresponding identical elements within a group of N elements are sent in the same direction.

[0035] Referring to the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the first information includes time information, which indicates the start time and / or duration for sending the second information.

[0036] Referring to the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the first information is carried in a first frame, the first frame is for beam training in a first frequency band, and the first frame is a beacon frame, request frame, response frame, announcement frame, or trigger frame.

[0037] According to a third aspect, a communication method is provided. The method may be performed by a first device, or by a chip, circuit, or module configured within the first device. This is not limited to the present application. The following is an example of how the first device performs the method.

[0038] The method comprises a first device generating second information, where the second information is for beam training in a first frequency band, and the second information comprises N groups of elements, each of the N groups of elements being the same, and each of the N groups of elements comprising M elements, or the second information comprises N groups of PPDUs, each of the N groups of PPDUs being the same, and each of the N groups of PPDUs comprising M PPDUs, where N and M are positive integers, and the first device transmits the second information in the first frequency band.

[0039] According to the above solution, the second information contains N groups of elements / PPDUs, and each of the N groups contains M different elements / PPDUs. Therefore, the transmitting end device of the second information can train its transmit beam M times based on the M different elements / PPDUs, and the receiving end device of the second information can train its receive beam N times based on the N identical elements / PPDUs repeatedly sent in each direction. In other words, the transmitting and receiving ends can perform beam training in bidirectional mode. This helps to extend the communication reach.

[0040] It should be understood that the first device may be a station, access point, or personal basic service set (PBSS) control point (PCP).

[0041] Referring to a third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the method is that a first device acquires first information, wherein the first information includes directional information and / or quantity information, where the directional information indicates M directions for sending second information, and the quantity information indicates a quantity N of repeated transmissions in each of the M directions, and the first device transmits the first information in a second frequency band, further comprising that the highest frequency in the second frequency band does not exceed the lowest frequency in the first frequency band.

[0042] Referring to the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the transmission of second information by the first device in a first frequency band includes the transmission of second information in a first frequency band based on the first information by the first device.

[0043] Referring to the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the transmission of second information by the first device based on first information includes the first device transmitting M elements in M ​​directions, each of which M elements are transmitted N times, or the first device transmitting M PPDUs in M ​​directions, each of which M PPDUs are transmitted N times.

[0044] Referring to the third embodiment, in some implementations of the third embodiment, each of the M elements includes at least one of a short training field, a channel estimation field, and a signaling field, the short training field is used to identify each of the M elements, the channel estimation field is used for channel estimation, and the signaling field is used to verify each of the M elements, or each of the M PPDUs includes at least one of a short training field, a channel estimation field, and a signaling field, the short training field is used to identify each of the M PPDUs, the channel estimation field is used for channel estimation, and the signaling field is used to verify each of the M PPDUs.

[0045] Referring to the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the signaling field includes, namely, beam information, wherein the beam information includes at least one of a first identifier, a second identifier, and a third identifier, the first identifier being used to identify a sector for transmitting each element or each PPDU, the second identifier being used to identify an antenna for transmitting each element or each PPDU, and the third identifier being used to identify a beam for transmitting each element or each PPDU; check bits, wherein check bits are used to check the signaling field; count information, wherein count information is used to indicate the location of each element or each PPDU in the second information; and third information, wherein third information is used to identify the second information, wherein at least one of the third information is used to identify the second information.

[0046] Referring to the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the first information includes time information, which indicates the start time and / or duration for sending the second information.

[0047] Referring to the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the first information is carried in a first frame, the first frame is for beam training in a first frequency band, and the first frame is a beacon frame, request frame, response frame, announcement frame, or trigger frame.

[0048] A fourth aspect provides a communication method. The method may be performed by a second device, or by a chip, circuit, or module configured within the second device. This is not limited to the present application. The following is an example of how the second device performs the method.

[0049] The method comprises a second device receiving second information in a first frequency band, where the second information is for beam training in the first frequency band, and the second information comprises N groups of elements, each of the N groups of elements being the same, and each of the N groups of elements comprising M elements, or the second information comprises N groups of PPDUs, each of the N groups of PPDUs being the same, and each of the N groups of PPDUs comprising M PPDUs, where N and M are positive integers, and the second device parses the second information.

[0050] According to the above solution, the second information contains N groups of elements / PPDUs, and each of the N groups contains M different elements / PPDUs. Therefore, the transmitting end device of the second information can train its transmit beam M times based on the M different elements / PPDUs, and the receiving end device of the second information can train its receive beam N times based on the N identical elements / PPDUs repeatedly sent in each direction. In other words, the transmitting and receiving ends can perform beam training in bidirectional mode. This helps to extend the communication reach.

[0051] Please understand that the second device may be a station, access point, or personal basic service set (PBSS) control point (PCP).

[0052] Referring to the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the method further comprises a second device receiving first information in a second frequency band, where the first information includes directional information and / or quantity information, the directional information indicating M directions for sending the second information, the quantity information indicating a quantity N of repeated transmissions in each of the M directions, and the highest frequency in the second frequency band not exceeding the lowest frequency in the first frequency band.

[0053] Referring to the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the reception of second information in a first frequency band by the second device includes the reception of second information in a first frequency band based on the first information by the second device.

[0054] Referring to the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the reception of the second information based on the first information by the second device includes the second device receiving M elements or M PPDUs in the same receiving direction, and the second device receiving the second information in N directions.

[0055] Referring to the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, each of the M elements includes at least one of a short training field, a channel estimation field, and a signaling field, wherein the short training field is used to identify each of the M elements, the channel estimation field is used for channel estimation, and the signaling field is used to verify each of the M elements; or each of the M PPDUs includes at least one of a short training field, a channel estimation field, and a signaling field, wherein the short training field is used to identify each of the M PPDUs, the channel estimation field is used for channel estimation, and the signaling field is used to verify each of the M PPDUs.

[0056] Referring to the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the signaling field includes, namely, beam information, wherein the beam information includes at least one of a first identifier, a second identifier, and a third identifier, the first identifier being used to identify a sector for transmitting each element or each PPDU, the second identifier being used to identify an antenna for transmitting each element or each PPDU, and the third identifier being used to identify a beam for transmitting each element or each PPDU; check bits, wherein check bits are used to check the signaling field; count information, wherein count information is used to indicate the location of each element or each PPDU in the second information; and third information, wherein third information is used to identify the second information, wherein the signaling field includes at least one of the third information.

[0057] Referring to the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the first information includes time information, which indicates the start time and / or duration for sending the second information.

[0058] Referring to the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the first information is carried in a first frame, the first frame is for beam training in a first frequency band, and the first frame is a beacon frame, request frame, response frame, announcement frame, or trigger frame.

[0059] According to a fifth aspect, a communication device is provided. The communication device has a function that implements a method according to any one of the first, second, third, and fourth aspects, or any one of the possible implementations of these aspects. The function may be implemented by hardware, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more units corresponding to the above function.

[0060] According to a sixth aspect, a communication device including a processor and memory is provided. Optionally, the device may further include transceivers. The memory is configured to store computer programs, and the processor is configured to call and execute the computer programs stored in the memory and to control the transceivers to send and receive signals, in order to enable the communication device to perform a method according to any one of the first, second, third, and fourth aspects, or any one of the possible implementations thereof.

[0061] According to the seventh aspect, a communication device is provided which includes a processor and a communication interface. The communication interface is configured to receive data and / or information and to transmit the received data and / or information to the processor. The processor processes the data and / or information. In addition, the communication interface is further configured to output the data and / or information obtained through processing by the processor so that a method according to any one of the first, second, third, and fourth aspects, or any one of the possible implementations of these aspects, is performed.

[0062] According to the eighth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided. The computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions. When the computer instructions are executed on a computer, a method according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, or any one of the possible implementations of these aspects, is performed.

[0063] According to the ninth aspect, a computer program product is provided. The computer program product includes computer program code. When the computer program code is executed on a computer, a method according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, or any one of the possible implementations of these aspects, is performed.

[0064] According to the tenth aspect, a wireless communication system is provided that includes a first device according to the first aspect and / or a second device according to the second aspect, or a first device according to the third aspect and / or a second device according to the fourth aspect. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0065] [Figure 1] This is a diagram illustrating an application scenario to which one embodiment of this application may be applied. [Figure 2] A diagram illustrating the structure of BI. [Figure 3] This diagram shows the high-frequency beamforming training procedure. [Figure 4] This is a schematic flowchart of a communication method 200 according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 5] This figure shows the format and transmission method of information #1 (an example of second information) according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 6] This figure shows the format and transmission method of information #1 (an example of second information) according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 7] This is a diagram showing the format and transmission method of information #2 (another example of the second information) according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 8] This is a diagram showing the format and transmission method of information #2 (another example of the second information) according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 9] This is a diagram of an element or PPDU format according to one embodiment of the present application. [Figure 10] This is a schematic flowchart of a communication method 300 according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 11] This is a diagram illustrating three application scenarios according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 12] This is a diagram of a communication device according to one embodiment of the present application. [Figure 13] This is a diagram of a communication device according to one embodiment of the present application. [Figure 14] This is a diagram of a communication device according to one embodiment of the present application. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0066] The technical solution of this application will be described below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0067] The technical solutions provided in embodiments of this application may be applicable to wireless local area network (WLAN) scenarios. For example, IEEE 802.11 related standards such as 802.11a / b / g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, 802.11be, Wi-Fi 7, extremely high throughput (EHT), the next-generation Wi-Fi protocol of IEEE 802.11ax, 802.11ad, 802.11ay, or 802.11bf are supported. In another example, the next-generation protocol of 802.11be, i.e., Wi-Fi 8, is supported. The technical solutions provided in embodiments of this application may be applicable to ultra-wideband (UWB) based wireless personal area network systems or sensing systems. For example, 802.11bf includes two categories of standards: low frequency (sub-7GHz) and high frequency (60GHz). Sub-7GHz is mainly implemented based on standards such as 802.11ac, 802.11ax, 802.11be, and the next-generation standard of 802.11be. 60GHz is mainly implemented based on standards such as 802.11ad, 802.11ay, and the next-generation standard of 802.11ay. 802.11ad is sometimes called the directional multi-gigabit (DMG) standard, and 802.11ay is sometimes called the enhanced directional multi-gigabit (EDMG) standard.

[0068] While embodiments of this application are described primarily using an example where a WLAN network, particularly one to which the IEEE 802.11 system standard applies, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that various aspects of the embodiments of this application can be extended to other networks using various standards or protocols, such as high-performance radio local area networks (HIPERLAN), wireless wide area networks (WWAN), wireless personal area networks (WPAN), or other networks known or developed in the future. Accordingly, the various aspects provided in the embodiments of this application are applicable to any suitable wireless network, regardless of the coverage area used and the wireless access protocol used.

[0069] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application may be further applied to various communication systems, such as WLAN communication systems, wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) systems, long-term evolution (LTE) systems, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) systems, LTE time division duplex (TDD) systems, universal mobile telecommunications systems (UMTS), worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication systems, 5th generation (5G) systems or new radio (NR), future 6th generation (6G) systems, Internet of Things (IoT) networks, or vehicle-to-everything (V2X).

[0070] The above-mentioned communication systems applicable to this application are merely illustrative examples, and are not limited to those applicable to this application. This is explained uniformly throughout this specification and will not be explained again below.

[0071] Figure 1 shows an example of a system architecture applicable to one embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 1, the communication method provided in this application is applicable to data communication between an access point (AP) and one or more stations (STA) (for example, data communication between AP1 and STA1 and between AP1 and STA2), and is also applicable to data communication between APs (for example, data communication between AP1 and AP2) and data communication between STAs (for example, data communication between STA2 and STA3).

[0072] An access point is a device used by a terminal (e.g., a mobile phone) to access a wired (or wireless) network, and is primarily deployed in homes, buildings, and premises. Typical coverage radius ranges from several tens of meters to over 100 meters. Access points can, however, be deployed outdoors as an alternative. An access point is equivalent to a bridge connecting wired and wireless networks. The main function of an access point is to connect various wireless network clients together and then connect the wireless network to Ethernet.

[0073] In particular, an access point may be a terminal or network device having a Wi-Fi chip. Network devices may include routers, relay stations, in-vehicle devices, wearable devices, network devices in a 5G network, network devices in a future 6G network, and network devices in a public land mobile network (PLMN). This is not limited to the embodiments of this application. An access point may be a device that supports the 802.11be standard. Alternatively, an access point may be a device that supports multiple WLAN standards in the 802.11 family, such as 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, 802.11a, and the next generation of 802.11be. An access point in this application may be a high-efficiency (HE) AP, an extremely high-throughput (EHT) AP, or an access point applicable to future generations of Wi-Fi standards.

[0074] Standards such as 802.11ad and 802.11ay allow communication between PCPs and STAs, as well as communication between PCPs themselves, and it should be understood that the behavior of PCPs is similar to that of APs. Unless otherwise specified below in this application, it should be taken into consideration that the solutions applicable to access points in this application are also applicable to PCPs.

[0075] A station may be a wireless communication chip, wireless sensor, wireless communication terminal, etc., and may also be called a user, user equipment (UE), access terminal, subscriber unit, subscriber station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal, wireless communication device, user agent, or user equipment. A station may be a cellular phone, cordless phone, session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, wireless local loop (WLL) station, personal digital assistant (PDA), handheld device with wireless communication capabilities, computing device, another processing device connected to a wireless modem, in-vehicle device, Internet of Things device, wearable device, terminal device in a 5G network, terminal device in a future 6G network, terminal device in a PLMN, etc. This is not limited to the embodiments of this application.

[0076] For example, a station may be a mobile phone, tablet computer, set-top box, smart television, smart wearable device, in-vehicle communication device, or computer that supports Wi-Fi communication capabilities; or an Internet of Things (IoT) node or sensor that supports Wi-Fi communication capabilities; or a smart camera, smart remote control device, or smart water or electricity meter in a smart home, or a sensor in a smart city that supports Wi-Fi communication capabilities. Optionally, a station may support the 802.11be standard. Alternatively, a station may support multiple WLAN standards in the 802.11 family, such as 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, 802.11a, and the next generation of 802.11be.

[0077] In WLAN, when a station needs to establish a connection with an access point, the station first needs to be able to receive signals sent by the access point, and the access point also needs to be able to receive signals sent to it by the station. In low-frequency communications (e.g., sub-7GHz, i.e., below 7GHz), both the station and the access point can send and receive signals in an omnidirectional manner to achieve the above objectives. In high-frequency communications (e.g., above 45GHz), signal attenuation is much greater, so in order to achieve communication reachability, the station and access point first need to find the appropriate transmission or reception direction through beam training. Compared to omnidirectional methods, directional beams can transmit over longer distances and can meet the actual transmission distance requirements.

[0078] In this application, omnidirectionality is used as an example for illustrative purposes, but please understand that "omnidirectionality" may be replaced with "quasi-omnidirectionality" as an alternative. This is not limited to this.

[0079] In this application, access points and stations may perform beam training by using signal frames within a beacon interval (BI). The BI is described below.

[0080] Figure 2 is a diagram of the BI structure. Please refer to Figure 2. The time axis may be divided into multiple BIs, each containing a beacon header interval (BHI) and a data transmission interval (DTI). The BHI includes a beacon transmission interval (BTI), association beamforming training (A-BFT), and announcement transmission interval (ATI). The DTI contains several subintervals, some of which are divided into contention-based access periods (CBAP) (e.g., CBAP1 and CBAP2 shown in Figure 2) and service periods (SP) (e.g., SP1 and SP2 shown in Figure 2), based on the access scheme. The service period means that transmissions can be scheduled within that time period without conflict.

[0081] Currently, the method for establishing high-frequency communication is as follows: one end of the transceiver device performs directional transmit beam sweeping, and the other end performs pseudo-omnidirectional receive beam sweeping. Alternatively, one end performs pseudo-omnidirectional transmit beam sweeping, and the other end performs directional receive beam sweeping. The high-frequency communication establishment process is also called the high-frequency beamforming training process.

[0082] Figure 3 shows the high-frequency beamforming training procedure. As shown in Figure 3, the high-frequency beamforming training process includes a sector-level sweep (SLS) stage and a beam refinement stage.

[0083] Overall, the procedure shown in Figure 3 can enable the initiator and responder to complete their respective beam training as the transmitting and receiving ends. High-frequency beamforming training begins with an SLS phase initiated by the initiator. The SLS phase includes initiator sector sweep (ISS), responder sector sweep (RSS), and sector sweep feedback. Optionally, the SLS phase may further include sector sweep recognition responses. The purpose of the SLS phase is to enable the two devices to meet at least basic high-robustness and low-rate communication requirements. Generally, during the SLS phase, transmit beam training, such as the initiator transmit sector sweep (I-TXSS) process and the responder transmit sector sweep (R-TXSS) process shown in Figure 3, is primarily completed.

[0084] Following the SLS stage, a beam refinement protocol (BRP) stage may be present if required by the initiator or responder. The BRP stage involves receiver-end training and beam refinement at both the transmitting and receiving ends. Beam refinement is sometimes referred to as antenna weight vector (AWV) refinement. An AWV is a vector of weights describing the excitation (amplitude and phase) for each element of an antenna array. In detail, the BRP stage mainly includes processes such as BRP establishment, multi-sector ID detection, sector coupling, and beam refinement processing.

[0085] In addition, beam training methods for beam tracking may be included within the beamforming process.

[0086] From the above, it can be seen that in the initial SLS phase, in order to satisfy most of the basic initial communication requirements, the connection must first be established through directional beam sweep at one end and pseudo-omnidirectional beam sweep at the other end.

[0087] The following is a brief explanation of the SLS (Solid State Laser Surgery) stage process. Further details are provided below.

[0088] (1) During the ISS phase, the initiator sends frame #1 in a directional manner in multiple directions, and the responder receives frame #1 in a pseudo-omnidirectional mode.

[0089] (2) During the RSS phase, the responder transmits frame #2 in a directional manner in multiple directions. Frame #2 belongs to the initiator and includes the optimal transmit beam acquired by the responder during the ISS phase. The initiator receives frame #2 in a pseudo-omnidirectional mode.

[0090] (3) The initiator directs frame #3 by using the initiator's optimal transmit beam in frame #2. Frame #3 is sometimes called the sector sweep feedback frame, and frame #3 belongs to the responder and contains the optimal transmit beam acquired by the initiator during the RSS stage.

[0091] (4) Optionally, the responder may also send frame #4 by using the responder's optimal transmit beam within frame #3, which is sometimes called the sector sweep recognition response frame.

[0092] In the above method, the initiator and responder each acquire the optimal transmit beam from the other for communication with the peer device. It should be noted that in the SLS phase, generally only transmit beam training is completed, and receive beam direction training is not. Therefore, only basic communication requirements can be met.

[0093] In addition, I-TXSS and R-TXSS in Figure 3 may be replaced with initiator receive sector sweep (I-RXSS) and responder receive sector sweep (R-RXSS), respectively. For example, R-TXSS can be replaced with R-RXSS. The R-RXSS process also applies to the RSS stage. However, unlike the R-TXSS process where different directional beams are sent, in the R-RXSS process, the beam sent by the responder corresponds to the same antenna pattern. For example, a pseudo-omnidirectional beam may always be sent. The initiator performs directional reception rather than pseudo-omnidirectional reception. I-RXSS and R-RXSS are intended to meet the requirements of devices with weak transmitting end capability, and the basic communication requirements are met by enabling peer devices to perform receiving end beam training.

[0094] It should be understood that the SLS stage shown in Figure 3 may be performed within the DTI stage shown in Figure 2, or within the BTI and A-BFT stages. When the SLS stage is performed within the BTI and A-BFT stages, the sector sweep recognition response process within the SLS stage shown in Figure 3 does not exist.

[0095] In 802.11ad, initial beam training related to STA and PCP / AP is primarily completed during the BTI and A-BFT phases. BTI corresponds to the ISS phase, and A-BFT corresponds to the RSS phase and sector sweep feedback phase. The specific processes are as follows:

[0096] (1) For a single BI, during the BTI phase, the PCP / AP may send multiple beacon frames based on the sector number, i.e., an I-TXSS process. The beacon frames may be used for downlink sector sweeping, and each beacon frame contains an A-BFT length field, which indicates the number of slots in the A-BFT phase, and each slot may be called a sector sweep slot (sometimes called aSSSlotTime or SSW slot). The STA receives beams from all directions by using a pseudo-omnidirectional antenna and records the PCP / AP's optimal transmit beam.

[0097] (2) During the A-BFT phase, the STA receiving the beacon frame may randomly select a slot in [0, A-BFT Length-1] for access and may continuously send sector sweep (SSW) frames by using a directional antenna, i.e., an R-TXSS process, in which the frames contain the PCP / AP's optimal transmit beam. The PCP / AP then receives beams from all directions by using a pseudo-omnidirectional antenna and records the STA's optimal transmit beam.

[0098] (3) During the sector sweep feedback phase, the PCP / AP directs the STA's optimal transmit beam back to the STA by using the PCP / AP's optimal transmit beam reported by the STA in step (2), and the STA is in a pseudo-omnidirectional receive mode.

[0099] In this way, PCP / AP and STA can complete transmit-end beamforming training to meet basic communication requirements.

[0100] To meet the access training requirements of a greater number of users, 802.11ay introduces enhanced directional multi-gigabit (EDMG). Unlike the conventional directional multi-gigabit (DMG) in 802.11ad, EDMG can transmit both conventional SSW frames and short SSW frames within the A-BFT phase. Short SSW frames are shorter than conventional SSW frames, allowing an EDMG STA to transmit more SSW frames within a single slot. In addition, an EDMG STA may use the BTI phase to obtain more A-BFT slots, etc. Overall, the SLS procedure in 802.11ay is essentially the same as in 802.11ad, and further details will not be described herein.

[0101] In the above high-frequency beamforming training process, to establish communication, one end of the two devices performs directional transmit beam sweep, and the other end performs pseudo-omnidirectional receive. Alternatively, one end performs pseudo-omnidirectional transmit, and the other end performs directional receive beam sweep. In this way, at the beginning of access, the communication range is already limited to the area where one end is pseudo-omnidirectional and the other end is directional. Therefore, the reachable communication range is not large.

[0102] In this regard, this application provides a communication method. In the initial process of establishing high-frequency communication, both the transmitting and receiving ends can perform beam training by using a directional beam. This can extend the reachable range of high-frequency communication.

[0103] Figure 4 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method 200 according to one embodiment of this application.

[0104] S210: The first device generates the first information.

[0105] The first information is sometimes called configuration information, and it indicates the configuration parameters of the second information. The configuration parameters of the second information may include the transmission method and the type of the second information.

[0106] The transmission method for the second information may include M transmission directions for the second information, and a number N of repeated transmissions in each of the M transmission directions.

[0107] More specifically, the first piece of information includes directional information and / or quantitative information.

[0108] Directional information indicates M directions for sending the second piece of information. In other words, directional information indicates M transmission directions for the second piece of information, where M is a positive integer.

[0109] More specifically, the second information may contain N × M fragments of information, and these N × M fragments of information may be sent in M ​​different transmission directions. The first information may contain direction information indicating M different transmission directions. In other words, each piece of direction information indicates that the M different fragments of information in the second information are sent in M ​​directions, and one of the M different fragments of information is sent in each direction. For example, the direction information may take the form of display information, and the value of the display information is the value of M.

[0110] Optionally, M is greater than 2.

[0111] For example, the value of M can be any integer between 2 and 100.

[0112] The N×M fragments of information may consist of N×M elements or N×M physical protocol data units (PPDUs). Correspondingly, the type of the second information may be type 1 or type 2.

[0113] More specifically, in type 1, the second piece of information contains N groups of elements, each of the N groups of elements is the same, and each of the N groups of elements contains M elements.

[0114] For example, M elements have a one-to-one correspondence with M transmission directions. In other words, one of the M elements represents one of the M directions.

[0115] More specifically, in Type 1, the second piece of information contains N × M elements, where M distinct elements form one group of elements, and the second piece of information contains N groups of elements.

[0116] It should be noted that the M elements or a group of elements described in this application are the M distinct elements in the second piece of information.

[0117] More specifically, in type 2, the second piece of information contains N groups of PPDUs, each of the N groups of PPDUs is the same, and each of the N groups of PPDUs contains M PPDUs.

[0118] It should be understood that M PPDUs have a one-to-one correspondence with M transmission directions. In other words, one of the M PPDUs represents one of the M directions.

[0119] More specifically, in Type 2, the second piece of information contains N × M PPDUs, where M distinct PPDUs form one group of PPDUs, and the second piece of information contains N groups of PPDUs.

[0120] Please note that the M PPDUs or a group of PPDUs mentioned in this application are the M different PPDUs in the second piece of information.

[0121] The second piece of information is for beam training in the first frequency band. In other words, beam training can be performed at both the transmitting and receiving ends by using a directional beam based on the transmission and reception of the second piece of information.

[0122] In detail, the optimal transmit beam and optimal receive beam of the transceiver device can be obtained based on the transmission and reception of second information.

[0123] The quantity information indicates the quantity N of repeated transmissions in each of the M transmission directions. In other words, the quantity information indicates the quantity N of repeated transmissions of the first device in each transmission direction, where N is a positive integer.

[0124] More specifically, N × M fragments of information are sent in M ​​different transmission directions, i.e., N fragments of information are sent in each direction. The N fragments of information may be the same information. In other words, the information sent in each of the M transmission directions is sent N times. The first piece of information may include quantitative information indicating the number N of repeated transmissions. In other words, the quantitative information indicates that one of the M different fragments of information is sent N times in each direction. For example, the quantitative information may take the form of display information, where the value of the display information is the value of N.

[0125] Optionally, N is greater than 2.

[0126] Optionally, the first piece of information may include type information, the type information may indicate the type of the second piece of information, and the type of the second piece of information may include type 1 and type 2.

[0127] Optionally, the first piece of information may further include temporal information, which indicates the start time and / or duration of the second piece of information.

[0128] For example, if the second piece of information is an element, the time information may indicate the start time of the first element in the second piece of information and the total duration of N × M elements.

[0129] Optionally, time information may include the start time and duration of each element.

[0130] In another example, if the second piece of information is PPDUs, the time information may indicate the start time of the first PPDU in the second piece of information and the total duration of N × M PPDUs.

[0131] Optionally, time information may include the start time and duration of each PPDU.

[0132] In another example, if the second piece of information is a PPDU, the time information may indicate the start time and duration of each PPDU within the second piece of information.

[0133] Optionally, duration may be understood as a "quantity relating to a period of time," and duration may be indicated by using a permanent length of time, or by using a start date and an end date.

[0134] It should be understood that the duration may be a default value. In other words, the time information may not include the duration of the second piece of information. Alternatively, the start time may be implemented in a pre-configured manner. In this case, the time information does not need to include the start time of the second piece of information.

[0135] S220: The first device sends first information in the second frequency band, and in response, the second device receives first information in the second frequency band.

[0136] The highest frequency in the second frequency band does not exceed the lowest frequency in the first frequency band. For example, the second frequency band is the low-frequency range in the WLAN, and the first frequency band is the high-frequency range in the WLAN. For example, the second frequency band may be a frequency band below 7 GHz, or a frequency band below 6 GHz. For example, the first frequency band may be a frequency band above 45 GHz, or a frequency band above 60 GHz.

[0137] In other words, in this application, the first device may provide the configuration parameters of the second information required in high-frequency communication within the low-frequency communication process.

[0138] S230: The second device transmits or receives second information within the first frequency band.

[0139] For example, a second device transmits or receives second information within a first frequency band based on first information.

[0140] More specifically, the second device may determine M transmission directions for sending the second information based on the direction information in the first information. Furthermore, if the second device is the transmitting end of the second information, the second device may send the second information based on the M transmission directions. Alternatively, if the second device is the receiving end of the second information, the second device may determine a receiving direction for receiving the second information based on the M transmission directions.

[0141] More specifically, the second device may determine the quantity N of repeated transmissions in each of the M transmission directions based on the quantity information in the first information. Optionally, if the second device is the transmitting end of the second information, it may repeatedly transmit the information N times in each direction based on the quantity information N. Alternatively, if the second device is the receiving end of the second information, it may determine the receiving direction for receiving the second information based on the quantity information N.

[0142] The first device may be an AP or an STA, and the second device may also be an AP or an STA. In other words, if the second device is the transmitting end of the second information, the receiving end of the second information may be the first device or another device. If the second device is the receiving end of the second information, the transmitting end of the second information may be the first device or another device. In this application, "another device" is not the device at the transmitting end of the first information.

[0143] For example, AP#1 (an example of a first device) and STA#1 (an example of a second device) negotiate for the configuration parameters of the second information via the first information. Furthermore, AP#1 transmits the second information in a first frequency band based on the configuration parameters, STA#1 receives the second information in a first frequency band based on the configuration parameters, and AP#1 and STA#1 complete beam training in the first frequency band based on the transmission and reception of the second information. In another example, AP#1 (an example of a first device) indicates the configuration parameters of the second information between STA#1 (an example of a second device) and STA#2 (another example of a second device) by using the first information. Furthermore, STA#1 transmits the second information in a first frequency band based on the configuration parameters, STA#2 receives the second information in a first frequency band based on the configuration parameters, and STA#1 and STA#2 complete beam training in the first frequency band based on the transmission and reception of the second information.

[0144] According to the solution provided in the above embodiment, the first device may provide the second device with directional and / or quantitative information of the second information for beam training. Furthermore, the second device may receive or transmit the second information based on the directional and / or quantitative information in order to complete the beam training. Since the second information is transmitted in M ​​directions and repeated N times in each direction, the transmitting end device of the second information can train the transmitting beam M times based on the M transmission directions, and the receiving end device of the second information can train the receiving beam N times based on the quantity N of repeated transmissions in each direction. In other words, the transmitting and receiving ends can perform beam training in bidirectional mode. This helps to extend the communication reach.

[0145] In addition, in this application, the first device may provide the second device with the configuration parameters of the second information required for communication in the first frequency band during the communication process in the second frequency band. In this way, beam training can be performed in bidirectional mode during the initial process of establishing communication in the first frequency band, and communication efficiency can be improved through coordination between the first and second frequency bands.

[0146] Optionally, in one implementation, method 200 further includes the first device sending second information to a second device or receiving second information from a second device within a first frequency band.

[0147] For example, the first device sends second information to the second device or receives second information from the second device within a first frequency band based on the first information.

[0148] More specifically, when the type of the second information is type 1, the first device sending the second information to the second device includes the first device sending M elements in M ​​directions, where each of the M elements is sent N times. Correspondingly, the second device receiving the second information in S230 includes the second device receiving M elements in the same receiving direction and the second device receiving the second information in N receiving directions.

[0149] In other words, when the type of the second information is type 1, the first device may send different elements in M ​​directions, and each element may be sent N times. Correspondingly, the second device may receive elements in M ​​different directions in the same receiving direction, and may receive elements that are repeatedly sent N times in each sending direction in N different receiving directions.

[0150] More specifically, when the type of the second information is type 2, the first device sending the second information to the second device includes the first device sending M PPDUs in M ​​directions, where each of the M PPDUs is sent N times. Correspondingly, the second device receiving the second information in S230 includes the second device receiving M PPDUs in the same receiving direction and the second device receiving the second information in N directions.

[0151] In other words, when the type of the second information is type 2, the second device may send different PPDUs in M ​​directions, and each PPDU may be sent N times. Correspondingly, the second device may receive the M different PPDUs in the same receiving direction, and may receive the PPDU that is sent N times repeatedly in each sending direction in N different receiving directions.

[0152] More specifically, when the type of the second information is type 1, the sending of the second information by the second device in S230 includes the sending of M elements in each of M directions, where each of the M elements is sent N times. Correspondingly, the receiving of the second information by the first device includes the receiving of M elements in the same receiving direction and the receiving of the second information in N receiving directions.

[0153] In other words, when the type of the second information is type 1, the second device sends different elements in M ​​directions, and each element is sent N times. Correspondingly, the first device may receive the elements in M ​​different directions in the same receiving direction, and may receive the elements that are sent N times repeatedly in each sending direction in N different receiving directions.

[0154] More specifically, when the type of the second information is type 2, the sending of the second information by the second device in S230 includes the sending of M PPDUs in M ​​directions, where each of the M PPDUs is sent N times. Correspondingly, the receiving of the second information by the first device includes the receiving of M PPDUs in the same receiving direction and the receiving of the second information in N receiving directions.

[0155] In other words, when the type of the second information is type 2, the second device sends different PPDUs in M ​​directions, and each PPDU is sent N times. Correspondingly, the first device may receive the PPDUs in M ​​different directions in the same receiving direction, and may receive the PPDUs that are sent N times repeatedly in each sending direction in N different receiving directions.

[0156] Optionally, "sending M elements in each of M directions" may be understood as sending one of the M elements in each of the M directions, and "sending M PPDUs in each of M directions" may be understood as sending one of the M PPDUs in each of the M directions.

[0157] According to the above solution, the transmitting end device of the second information may transmit the second information in M ​​different directions based on the first information, and may transmit the second information N times in each direction. The receiving end device of the second information may receive the information in M ​​different directions in the same receiving direction, and may receive the information that is transmitted N times in each transmitting direction in N different receiving directions. In this way, the transmitting end device can train its transmitting beam M times based on the M transmitting directions, and the receiving end device can train its receiving beam N times based on the number of repeated transmissions N in each direction. In other words, the transmitting and receiving ends can perform beam training in bidirectional mode. This helps to extend the communication reach.

[0158] In the above implementation, it should be understood that an example is used for illustrative purposes in which the second device exchanges second information with the first device. However, in actual application examples, the second device may, alternatively, exchange second information with another device to complete beam training between the second device and that other device.

[0159] Figures 5 and 6 illustrate the format and transmission method of Information #1 (an example of the second information) according to one embodiment of this application, respectively.

[0160] Figures 5 and 6 are two diagrams where the second type of information is type 1. Information #1 may be considered as PPDU. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, information #1 contains N groups of elements, each of which contains element #1, element #2, ..., and element #M, and elements #1, #2, ..., and #M form element set #A. For example, "each of the N groups of elements is the same" may be understood as each of the N groups of elements containing element set #A. In other words, information #1 contains N × M elements. Element #1, element #2, ..., and element #M each represent one of M directions. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, each element #1 in information #1 corresponds to direction 1, each element #2 in information #1 corresponds to direction 2, ..., and each element #M in information #1 corresponds to direction M.

[0161] Device #A (an example of the first device, and also an example of the second device) may, in detail, send information #1 to device #B (an example of the second device, and also an example of the first device) in the following manner: Device #A sends elements #1, #2, ..., and #M in M ​​directions, and sends each element N times in each direction. Device #B receives elements #1, #2, ..., and #M in the same receiving direction, and receives N elements #1 sent repeatedly in direction 1, N elements #2, ..., sent repeatedly in direction 2, and N elements #M sent repeatedly in direction M, in N different directions.

[0162] In one implementation, device #A sending information #1 involves device #A sending elements #1, #2, ..., and #M in directions 1, 2, ..., and M, respectively, and repeating the above sending operation N times, i.e., device #A changing direction after the time period corresponding to each element has expired. Correspondingly, device #B receiving information #1 involves device #B keeping the receiving beam direction unchanged for the time periods corresponding to all M elements, and changing the receiving direction once after the time periods corresponding to all M elements have expired, i.e., device #B changing the receiving direction N times. See Figure 5 for details.

[0163] In another implementation, device #A sending information #1 includes device #A repeatedly sending element #1 N times in direction 1, element #2 N times in direction 2, ..., and element #M N times in direction M. Correspondingly, device #B receiving information #1 includes device #B changing the receiving direction after the time period corresponding to each element has expired. If the element period is divided into N × M time periods, and the time period of the first element of information #1 is 1, then the receiving direction corresponding to device #B coincides during the xth time period, the (N+x)th time period, the (2N+x)th time period, ..., and the ((M-1)N+x)th time period. In other words, when device #B receives the xth element, the (N+x)th element, the (2N+x)th element, ..., and the ((M-1)N+x)th element, the corresponding receiving directions coincide, where x is an integer and 1 ≤ x ≤ N. For details, please refer to Figure 6.

[0164] In any of the above implementation configurations, device #A may train the transmit beam M times, and device #B may train the receive beam N times.

[0165] Figures 7 and 8 illustrate the format and transmission method of Information #2 (another example of the second information) according to one embodiment of this application, respectively.

[0166] Figures 7 and 8 are two diagrams where the type of second information is type 2. Information #2 may be considered as multiple PPDUs. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, information #2 contains N groups of PPDUs, each of which contains PPDU #1, PPDU #2, ..., and PPDU #M, and PPDU #1, PPDU #2, ..., and PPDU #M form PPDU set #A. For example, "each of the N groups of PPDUs is the same" may be understood as each of the N groups of PPDUs containing PPDU set #A. In other words, information #2 contains N × M PPDUs. PPDU #1, PPDU #2, ..., and PPDU #M each represent one of M directions. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, each PPDU #1 in information #2 corresponds to direction 1, each PPDU #2 in information #2 corresponds to direction 2, ..., and each PPDU #M in information #2 corresponds to direction M.

[0167] Device #A (an example of the first device, and also an example of the second device) may, in detail, send information #2 to device #B (an example of the second device, and also an example of the first device) in the following manner: Device #A sends PPDU#1, PPDU#2, ..., and PPDU#M in M ​​directions, and sends PPDU N times in each direction. Device #B receives PPDU#1, PPDU#2, ..., and PPDU#M in the same receiving direction, and receives N PPDU#1s sent repeatedly in direction 1, N PPDU#2s sent repeatedly in direction 2, ..., and N PPDU#Ms sent repeatedly in direction M, in N different directions.

[0168] In one implementation, device #A sending information #2 includes device #A sending PPDU #1, PPDU #2, ..., and PPDU #M in directions 1, 2, ..., and M, respectively, and repeating the above sending operation N times, i.e., device #A changing direction after the time period corresponding to each PPDU has expired. Correspondingly, device #B receiving information #2 includes device #B keeping the receiving beam direction unchanged for the time periods corresponding to all M PPDUs, and changing the receiving direction once after the time periods corresponding to all M PPDUs have expired, i.e., device #B changing the receiving direction N times. See Figure 7 for details.

[0169] In another implementation, device #A sending information #2 includes device #A repeatedly sending PPDU #1 N times in direction 1, PPDU #2 N times in direction 2, ..., and PPDU #M N times in direction M. Correspondingly, device #B receiving information #2 includes device #B changing the receiving direction after the time period corresponding to each PPDU has expired. If the PPDU period is divided into N × M time periods of PPDUs, and the time period of the first PPDU of information #2 is 1, then the receiving direction corresponding to device #B coincides in the xth time period, the (N+x)th time period, the (2N+x)th time period, ..., and the ((M-1)N+x)th time period. In other words, when device #B receives the xth PPDU, the (N+x)th PPDU, the (2N+x)th PPDU, ..., and the ((M-1)N+x)th PPDU, the corresponding receiving directions coincide, where x is an integer and 1 ≤ x ≤ N. See Figure 8 for details.

[0170] In any of the above implementation configurations, device #A may train the transmit beam M times, and device #B may train the receive beam N times.

[0171] Please understand that Figures 5-8 are only some examples of the second information provided in this embodiment of the present application. The methods for rearranging elements or PPDUs are not limited in this application.

[0172] In addition, the number N of repeated transmissions in this application may be a positive integer or an array containing positive integers. This is not limited to this application. For example, the number N of repeated transmissions may be {N1, N2, ..., and N M} may be, however N1, N2, ..., and N M n is a positive integer, and N1, N2, ..., and N M They may all have the same value, or N1, N2, ..., and N M At least two of these have different values. In other words, in this application, the number of repeated transmissions in all directions may be the same or different. For example, a transmission may be repeated N1 times in direction 1, a transmission may be repeated N2 times in direction 2, ..., a transmission may be repeated N M This may be repeated over several times in direction M. In this case, each group of elements contains element set #A, and the number of elements in all groups in the second information may be the same or different. Element set #A contains M distinct elements. Alternatively, each group of PPDUs contains PPDU set #A, and the number of PPDUs in all groups in the second information may be the same or different. PPDU set #A contains M distinct PPDUs.

[0173] Similarly, in this application, the directional quantity M may be a positive integer or an array containing positive integers. This is not limited to this application. For example, the directional quantity M may be {M1, M2..., and M N} may be, however M1, M2..., and M N are positive integers, and M1, M2, ..., and M N They may all have the same value, or M1, M2..., and MN At least two of them have different values. In other words, in this application, M1 elements, M2 elements, ..., and M N elements may all be sent in M1 directions on the condition that they all include element set #A, M2 elements may be sent in M2 directions, ..., M N elements may be sent in M N directions. Alternatively, M1 PPDUs, M2 PPDUs, ..., and M N PPDUs may all be sent in M1 directions on the condition that they all include PPDU set #A, M2 PPDUs may be sent in M2 directions, ..., M N PPDUs may be sent in M N directions.

[0174] It should be further understood that due to limitations of the transmission opportunity or the transmission duration, the transmission of the second information may be completed in multiple segments, and the specific quantity of segments is not limited. For example, when the type of the second information is type 1, the transceiver device may first complete the transmission and reception of some of the N×M elements, and then complete the transmission and reception of the remaining elements of the N×M elements. For example, when the type of the second information is type 2, the transceiver device may first complete the transmission and reception of some of the N×M PPDUs, and then complete the transmission and reception of the remaining PPDUs of the N×M PPDUs.

[0175] In addition, the transmission of the first information may alternatively be completed in multiple segments. For example, some of the direction information and quantity information in the first information are first sent, and then the remaining direction information and quantity information in the first information are sent. In another example, direction 1 and the time information related to direction 1 are first shown, and then direction 2 and the time information related to direction 2 are shown.

[0176] It should be further understood that the first and second pieces of information may be transmitted alternately. For example, some direction and quantity information from the first piece of information may be sent first, and based on that direction and quantity information, some elements / PPDU from the second piece of information may be sent and received. Then, the remaining direction and quantity information from the first piece of information may be sent, and based on that remaining direction and quantity information, the remaining elements / PPDU from the second piece of information may be sent and received. The following provides some examples of alternative transmissions of the first and second pieces of information.

[0177] In one example, the first piece of information may not contain quantitative information. For instance, the first piece of information may contain N fragments of directional information, and these N fragments of directional information are transmitted within N segments. The second piece of information is also transmitted within N segments.

[0178] For example, after receiving or sending one fragment of direction information, the first device performs one transmission in each direction based on that direction information. After receiving one fragment of direction information, the second device performs a reception in the same receiving direction based on that direction information, but with N different reception directions. N × M fragments of information in the second information can be transmitted based on N fragments of direction information sent within the segment. In this case, it may be assumed by default that the transmission process of the second information is performed in the manner shown in Figure 5 or Figure 7.

[0179] In another example, the first piece of information may not contain directional information. For instance, the first piece of information may contain M fragments of quantitative information, and these M fragments of quantitative information are transmitted within M segments. The second piece of information is also transmitted within M segments.

[0180] For example, after receiving or sending a first fragment of quantity information, the first device performs repeated transmissions N times in direction 1 based on that quantity information. After receiving or sending a second fragment of quantity information, the first device performs repeated transmissions N times in direction 2 based on that quantity information. After receiving or sending the Mth fragment of quantity information, the first device performs repeated transmissions N times in direction M based on that quantity information. Each time the second device receives a fragment of quantity information, the second device performs receptions in N receiving directions based on that quantity information. N × M fragments of information in the second information can be transmitted based on M fragments of quantity information transmitted within the segment. In this case, it may be considered by default that the transmission process of the second information is performed in the manner shown in Figure 6 or Figure 8.

[0181] In yet another example, the first information may not contain directional information and may not contain quantitative information. For example, the first information may contain N × M fragments of temporal information, each fragment of temporal information indicating the start time and / or duration of each element or PPDU. The first information is sent within N × M segments, and the N × M fragments of information in the second information are sent within N × M segments.

[0182] Optionally, the first information may further include change indication information, which indicates to the receiving end that the receiving direction is being changed.

[0183] For example, it is assumed that the second information transmission process is performed by default in the manner shown in Figure 5 or Figure 7, and that one fragment of time information may be sent before each element or PPDU is transmitted. Optionally, change indication information may be sent in addition to time information before element #1 in each group of elements is transmitted, or before PPDU #1 in each group of PPDUs is transmitted. Thus, the receiving end device can change the receiving direction based on the change indication information and receive the next group of elements or PPDUs in the changed receiving direction. Alternatively, it is assumed that the second information transmission process is performed by default in the manner shown in Figure 6 or Figure 8, and that one fragment of time information may be sent before each element or each PPDU is transmitted. Optionally, change indication information may be sent in addition to time information before the first element #i in N elements #i is transmitted, or before the first PPDU #i in N PPDU #i is transmitted. Therefore, the receiving end device can change the receiving direction based on change indication information and can receive N elements #i or N PPDU #i in the receiving direction where N elements #i-1 or N PPDU #i-1 are received, where i is a positive integer and 1 ≤ i ≤ M.

[0184] Optionally, in one implementation, each of the M elements or each of the M PPDUs includes at least one of the short training field, the channel estimation field, and the signaling field.

[0185] When the second type of information is type 1, the short training field is used to identify each of the M elements, the channel estimation field is used for channel estimation, and the signaling field is used to verify each of the M elements.

[0186] In detail, the function of the short training field may be similar to that of the short training field (STF) in the 802.11 low-frequency or 802.11 high-frequency standards. For example, one or more of the following functions may be performed: discovering second information, adjusting automatic gain control (AGC), synchronizing the second information, identifying each element in the second information, identifying the phase, or performing frequency offset estimation. The function of the channel estimation field is similar to that of the channel estimation (CE) field in the 802.11 low-frequency or 802.11 high-frequency standards. For example, channel estimation may be performed. The signaling field is used by the receiving end device to verify that information, rather than noise or interference, is accurately received in the direction corresponding to the element, and may be further used to provide some information required in the beamforming process. The 802.11 low-frequency standard may be a standard such as 802.11ax or 802.11be, and the 802.11 high-frequency standard may be a standard such as 802.11ad or 802.11ay.

[0187] In detail, the signaling field may carry at least one of the following information: beam information, check bits, tail bits, count information, and a third piece of information.

[0188] Beam information includes at least one of a first identifier, a second identifier, and a third identifier. The first identifier may be understood as a sector identifier (ID), which is used to identify the sector for transmitting each element. The second identifier may be understood as an antenna ID, which is used to identify the antenna for transmitting each element. The third identifier may be understood as a beam ID or beamforming ID, which is used to identify the beam for transmitting each element. When the receiving end feeds back an optimal receive beam or an optimal transmit beam, the optimal receive beam or optimal transmit beam may be indicated by using the first identifier, the second identifier, or the third identifier.

[0189] A check bit is used to check the signaling field. In other words, a check bit is used by the receiving end to determine whether an element is actually received and to check the information within the element. For example, a check bit may be performed by using a cyclic redundancy check (CRC).

[0190] The tail bit is used to empty the encoder and decoder in binary convolutional coding (BCC) mode.

[0191] The count information indicates the location of each element in the second piece of information. For example, the count information takes the form of a sequence, i.e., 1, 2, 3, ..., N×M-1, and N×M. In another example, the count information takes the form of a sequence of opposing elements, i.e., N×M, N×M-1, N×M-2, ..., 2, and 1.

[0192] The third piece of information is used to identify the second piece of information. In other words, the third piece of information is used by the receiving end device to determine whether the received information is the second piece of information. For example, in the case of information containing a signaling field, one bit reserved in the signaling field may be used to carry the third piece of information. When that bit is 1, it indicates that the information is the second piece of information. When that bit is 0, it indicates that the information is not the second piece of information.

[0193] In addition, the signaling field may further carry various types of information initially transmitted within the high-frequency beacon frame, such as various types of information within the DMG Beacon.

[0194] When the second type of information is type 2, the short training field is used to identify each of the M PPDUs, the channel estimation field is used for channel estimation, and the signaling field is used to verify each of the M PPDUs.

[0195] In detail, the function of the short training field is similar to that of the STF in the low-frequency or 802.11 high-frequency standard, and the short training field may be used to discover the second information, adjust the AGC, synchronize the second information, and identify each PPDU in the second information. In addition, the short training field may be used further for identifying the phase, performing frequency offset estimation, etc. The function of the channel estimation field is similar to that of the CE field in the low-frequency or high-frequency standard, and the channel estimation field is used for channel estimation. The signaling field is used by the receiving end device to verify that information, rather than noise or interference, is accurately received in the direction corresponding to the PPDU, and may be used further to provide some of the information required in the beamforming process.

[0196] In detail, the signaling field may carry at least one of the following information: beam information, check bits, tail bits, count information, and a third piece of information.

[0197] Beam information includes at least one of a first identifier, a second identifier, and a third identifier. The first identifier may be understood as a sector identifier (ID), which is used to identify the sector for transmitting each PPDU. The second identifier may be understood as an antenna ID, which is used to identify the antenna for transmitting each PPDU. The third identifier may be understood as a beam ID or beamforming ID, which is used to identify the beam for transmitting each PPDU. When the receiving end feeds back an optimal receive beam or optimal transmit beam, the optimal receive beam or optimal transmit beam may be indicated by using the first identifier, the second identifier, or the third identifier.

[0198] A check bit is used to check the signaling field. In other words, a check bit is used by the receiving end to determine whether the PPDU is actually received and to check the information within the PPDU. For example, a check bit may be implemented by using a CRC.

[0199] The tail bit is used to clear the encoder and decoder in BCC mode.

[0200] The count information indicates the location of each PPDU in the second piece of information. For example, the count information may take the form of a sequence, i.e., 1, 2, 3, ..., N×M-1, and N×M. In another example, the count information may take the form of a sequence of opposing elements, i.e., N×M, N×M-1, N×M-2, ..., 2, and 1.

[0201] The third piece of information is used to identify the second piece of information. In other words, the third piece of information is used by the receiving end device to determine whether the received information is the second piece of information. For example, in the case of information including a signaling field, one bit reserved in the signaling field may be used to carry the third piece of information. When that bit is 1, it indicates that the information is the second piece of information. Furthermore, the receiving end device of the second piece of information may receive and process the second piece of information by using method 200. When that bit is 0, it indicates that the information is not the second piece of information. Furthermore, the receiving end device of the information does not receive or process the information by using method 200 in this application. For example, the receiving end device of the information may receive and process the information in a general manner.

[0202] In addition, the signaling field may further carry various types of information initially transmitted within the high-frequency beacon frame, such as various types of information within the DMG Beacon.

[0203] For example, the difference between Type 2 and Type 1 is that Type 1 contains N × M elements, while in Type 2, each element in Type 1 is used as one PPDU; that is, Type 2 contains N × M PPDUs. Therefore, when the type of the second information is Type 1, the second information may be understood as one PPDU. In this specification, a PPDU is shown as the first PPDU, that is, the first PPDU contains N × M elements. When the type of the second information is Type 2, the second information may be understood as N × M PPDUs.

[0204] For example, the short training field may take a form similar to the Golay complementary sequence in protocols such as 802.11ad and 802.11ay, or may take the form of orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) subcarrier modulation in protocols such as 802.11ax and 802.11be, provided that synchronization can be achieved. Similarly, the channel estimation field may take the form of a Golay complementary sequence, or may take the form of OFDM subcarrier modulation, provided that channel estimation can be performed. The signaling field may take the form of a single carrier, or may take the form of OFDM subcarrier modulation. The specific forms of the short training field, channel estimation field, and signaling field are not limited in this application.

[0205] It should be understood that each element or each PPDU may further carry fields other than the short training field, channel estimation field, and signaling field, such as a data field, AGC field, or training field. This is not limited to the present application.

[0206] In one implementation, the short training field, channel estimation field, and signaling field included in the element or PPDU in this application are the same as those in 802.11ad and 802.11ay, and the second information is identified by using a reserved field in the signaling field, enabling the receiving end device of the second information to identify whether the received information is the second information. For example, when the reserved field is set to a default value (e.g., 0), it indicates that the information is not the second information. When the reserved field is set to 1, it indicates that the information is the second information in this application.

[0207] In one implementation, the short training field, channel estimation field, and signaling field included in the elements or PPDU in this application differ from those in 802.11ad and 802.11ay. In other words, newly designed short training fields, channel estimation fields, and signaling fields are used.

[0208] Figure 9 is a diagram of the format of an element according to one embodiment of the present application. Alternatively, Figure 9 may be considered a diagram of the format of a PPDU according to one embodiment of the present application.

[0209] As shown in Figure 9, each element or PPDU includes an STF field, a CE field, and a SIG field. The STF field is used to identify the element or PPDU shown in Figure 9, the CE field is used for channel estimation, and the SIG field is used to verify the element or PPDU shown in Figure 9. The SIG field may carry beam information, check bits, tail bits, count information, third-party information, etc.

[0210] Please understand that Figure 9 is merely an example. All or some of the fields shown in Figure 9 may exist, be combined in a different order, be added to, or be deleted. This is not limited to the present application.

[0211] It should be further understood that the short training field, channel estimation field, and signaling field in this application are primarily used to perform synchronization, channel estimation, and check identification. The specific names of these fields are not limited in this application, provided that the corresponding functions can be performed.

[0212] According to the solution provided in the above embodiments, in this application, functions such as information synchronization, channel estimation, and checking can be performed by using a short training field, a channel estimation field, and a signaling field. This helps to improve the reliability of information transmission.

[0213] Optionally, in one implementation, the second piece of information may include information about the optimal receiving beam or the optimal transmitting beam.

[0214] For example, AP sends information #A (an example of the second information) to STA according to method 200, and STA receives information #A according to method 200. Based on the transmission and reception of information #A, STA obtains the AP's optimal transmit beam and STA's optimal receive beam. Furthermore, STA may send information #B (another example of the second information) to AP, where information #B includes the AP's optimal transmit beam and STA's optimal receive beam, which are obtained by STA. In addition, AP may further obtain STA's optimal transmit beam and AP's optimal receive beam based on the transmission and reception of information #B.

[0215] In one implementation, the first information is transported within a first frame, which is for beam training in a first frequency band, and the first frame may be a beacon frame, request frame, response frame, notification frame, or trigger frame.

[0216] In detail, the first frame may be a beacon frame dedicated to information exchange between high and low frequencies, or a high-frequency request frame, a high-frequency response frame, or such a frame sent at low frequency for high-frequency communication. Alternatively, the first frame may be an announcement frame, a trigger frame, or such a frame related to high-frequency beam training.

[0217] Figure 10 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method 300 according to one embodiment of this application.

[0218] S310: The first device generates second information, where the second information is for beam training in a first frequency band, and the second information comprises N groups of elements, each of the N groups of elements being the same, and each of the N groups of elements comprising M elements, or the second information comprises N groups of PPDUs, each of the N groups of PPDUs being the same, and each of the N groups of PPDUs comprising M PPDUs. N and M are positive integers.

[0219] Please understand that M elements are M distinct elements, and M PPDUs are M distinct PPDUs.

[0220] For further details, see Method 300 above for a specific explanation of the second piece of information. Further details will not be provided again in this specification.

[0221] S320: The first device sends the second information within the first frequency band, and in response, the second device receives the second information within the first frequency band.

[0222] More specifically, the transmission of second information by the first device within a first frequency band includes the first device transmitting M elements in M ​​different directions, one of the M elements in each direction, and each of the M elements N times, or the first device transmitting M PPDUs in M ​​different directions, one of the M PPDUs in each direction, and each of the M PPDUs N times.

[0223] More specifically, the reception of second information by a second device within a first frequency band includes the second device receiving M elements or M PPDUs in the same receiving direction, and the second device receiving second information in N directions.

[0224] For detailed processes regarding the sending and receiving of the second piece of information, please refer to Method 200 above. Further details will not be described again in this specification.

[0225] According to the solution provided in the above embodiment, the second information includes N groups of elements / PPDUs, each of which contains M distinct elements / PPDUs. Therefore, the transmitting end device of the second information can train its transmitting beam M times based on the M distinct elements / PPDUs, and the receiving end device of the second information can train its receiving beam N times based on the N identical elements / PPDUs repeatedly transmitted in each direction. In other words, the transmitting and receiving ends can perform beam training in bidirectional mode. This helps to extend the communication reach.

[0226] Optionally, method 300 further includes S330: a second device parsing the second information.

[0227] For example, the second device obtains the optimal transmit beam of the first device and the optimal receive beam of the second device based on the transmission and reception of the second information.

[0228] Optionally, method 300 further includes a first device acquiring first information and the first device transmitting the first information to a second device in a second frequency band.

[0229] The first piece of information includes direction information and / or quantity information, where the direction information indicates M directions for sending the second piece of information, and the quantity information indicates the quantity N of repeated transmissions in each of the M directions.

[0230] Optionally, the first piece of information may further include type information, and the type information may indicate the type of the second piece of information.

[0231] Optionally, the first piece of information may further include temporal information, which indicates the start time and / or duration of the second piece of information.

[0232] For further details, see Method 3200 above for a specific description of the first piece of information. Further details will not be provided again in this specification.

[0233] The highest frequency in the second frequency band does not exceed the lowest frequency in the first frequency band.

[0234] For details, see Method 3200 above for specific descriptions of the second and first frequency bands. Further details are not provided herein.

[0235] The acquisition of first information by the first device includes the generation of first information by the first device or the receipt of first information by the first device from another device.

[0236] For example, the first device is STA1, the second device is STA2, and another device is AP. AP may send the first information to STA1 to indicate M directions for sending the second information, and the number N of repeated transmissions in each of the M directions, and STA1 may send the first information to STA2. Furthermore, STA1 sends the second information based on the first information, and STA2 receives the second information based on the first information. In this way, beam training is completed in bidirectional mode.

[0237] Optionally, in one implementation, each of the M elements or each of the M PPDUs includes at least one of the short training field, the channel estimation field, and the signaling field.

[0238] For details, see Method 200 above for specific descriptions of the short training field, channel estimation field, and signaling field, as well as other contents that may be included in each of the M elements or each of the M PPDUs. Further details are not provided herein.

[0239] Figure 11 shows three application scenarios according to one embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 11(a), a communication failure exists between STA1 and AP, resulting in significant signal attenuation, making communication impossible in a beam training method where one end is pseudo-omnidirectional and the other end is directional. As shown in Figure 11(c), the communication distance between STA1 and AP is long, making communication impossible in a beam training method where one end is pseudo-omnidirectional and the other end is directional. STA1 and AP can perform beam training in high-frequency bidirectional mode according to method 200 of the present application. Since the communication range in bidirectional mode is larger than the communication range where one end is pseudo-omnidirectional and the other end is directional, the reachable range for communication between the two devices can be expanded. In this way, the two devices can communicate with each other at high frequencies. As shown in Figure 11(b), a communication failure exists between STA1 and STA2, resulting in significant signal attenuation. In a beam training scheme where one end is pseudo-omnidirectional and the other end is directional, communication between STA1 and STA2 is unreachable. In high-frequency communication with STA1 and STA2, the AP can indicate to STA1 and STA2 that bidirectional mode is enabled. Therefore, according to method 200 of this application, STA1 and STA2 can perform beam training in high-frequency bidirectional mode to extend the communication reachable range.

[0240] This specification describes a method for notifying the initial established configuration to the high frequency by using the low frequency to enable a high-frequency bidirectional beam training scheme, but this application is not limited thereto, and as can be seen from the example shown in Figure 11(b), the above information may be notified by using the high frequency instead.

[0241] The above describes a method embodiment in the embodiments of this application, and the following describes a corresponding apparatus embodiment. Please understand that the description of the apparatus embodiment corresponds to the description of the method embodiment. Therefore, for parts not described in detail, please refer to the method embodiment described above.

[0242] Figure 12 is a diagram of a communication device according to one embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 12, the device 400 may include a transceiver unit 410 and / or a processing unit 420. The transceiver unit 410 may communicate with the outside, and the processing unit 420 is configured to process data / information. The transceiver unit 410 may also be called a communication interface or communication unit.

[0243] In possible designs, the device 400 may be the first device in method 200 above, or a chip configured to perform the functions of the first device in method 200 above. The device 400 may perform procedures performed by the first device in method 200 above. The processing unit 420 is configured to perform processing-related operations of the first device in method 200 above, and the transceiver unit 410 is configured to perform transmit / receive-related operations of the first device in method 200 above.

[0244] For example, processing unit 420 is configured to generate first information, where the first information includes direction information and / or quantity information, where the direction information indicates M directions for sending second information, the quantity information indicates the quantity N of repeated transmissions in each of the M directions, the second information is for beam training in a first frequency band, where N and M are positive integers, and transceiver unit 410 is configured to send the first information in a second frequency band, where the highest frequency in the second frequency band does not exceed the lowest frequency in the first frequency band.

[0245] Optionally, the second information contains N groups of elements, each of the N groups of elements is the same, and each of the N groups of elements contains M elements, or the second information contains N groups of PPDUs, each of the N groups of PPDUs is the same, and each of the N groups of PPDUs contains M PPDUs.

[0246] Optionally, each of the M elements or each of the M PPDUs indicates one of the M directions.

[0247] Optionally, each of the M elements includes at least one of a short training field, a channel estimation field, and a signaling field, where the short training field is used to identify each of the M elements, the channel estimation field is used for channel estimation, and the signaling field is used to verify each of the M elements; or each of the M PPDUs includes at least one of a short training field, a channel estimation field, and a signaling field, where the short training field is used to identify each of the M PPDUs, the channel estimation field is used for channel estimation, and the signaling field is used to verify each of the M PPDUs.

[0248] Optionally, the signaling field includes, namely, beam information, wherein the beam information includes at least one of a first identifier, a second identifier, a third identifier, and a fourth identifier, the first identifier being used to identify a sector for transmitting each element or each PPDU, the second identifier being used to identify an antenna for transmitting each element or each PPDU, the third identifier being used to identify a beam for transmitting each element or each PPDU, and the fourth identifier being used to identify beamforming for transmitting each element or each PPDU; check bits, wherein check bits are used to check the signaling field; count information, wherein count information is used to indicate the location of each element or each PPDU in the second information; and third information, wherein third information is used to identify the second information, wherein at least one of these is included.

[0249] Optionally, the transceiver unit 410 may be further configured to transmit or receive second information within a first frequency band.

[0250] Optionally, the transceiver unit 410 is particularly configured to transmit M elements in M ​​directions, where each of the M elements is transmitted N times, or to transmit M PPDUs in M ​​directions, where each of the M PPDUs is transmitted N times.

[0251] At will, corresponding identical elements within a group of N elements are sent in the same direction.

[0252] Optionally, the transceiver unit 410 is specifically configured to receive M elements or M PPDUs in the same receiving direction and to receive second information in N directions.

[0253] Optionally, corresponding identical elements within N groups of elements are received in different receiving directions.

[0254] Optionally, the first piece of information may include time information, which indicates the start time and / or duration for sending the second piece of information.

[0255] The first information is optionally transmitted within a first frame, which is for beam training in a first frequency band, and the first frame may be a beacon frame, request frame, response frame, notification frame, or trigger frame.

[0256] For example, the transceiver unit 410 may be divided into a receiving unit and a transmitting unit. The receiving unit is configured to perform the receiving-related operations of the first device in the method 200 described above, and the transmitting unit is configured to perform the transmitting-related operations of the first device in the method 200 described above.

[0257] Please understand that the above is merely an example used for understanding purposes. Apparatus 400 may further perform other steps, actions, or methods related to the first device in method 200. Further details are not described herein.

[0258] In another possible design, the device 400 may be the second device in method 200 above, or a chip configured to perform the functions of the second device in method 200 above. The device 400 may perform the procedures performed by the second device in method 200 above. The transceiver unit 410 is configured to perform the transmit / receive related operations of the second device in method 200 above.

[0259] Optionally, in this design, the apparatus 400 may further include a processing unit 420. The processing unit 420 may be configured to perform the processing-related operations of the second device in the method 200 described above.

[0260] For example, transceiver unit 410 is configured to receive first information in a second frequency band, where the first information includes direction information and / or quantity information, where the direction information indicates M directions for sending second information, the quantity information indicates a quantity N of repeated transmissions in each of the M directions, and the second information is for beam training in the first frequency band, where N and M are positive integers. Transceiver unit 410 is further configured to send or receive second information in the first frequency band, where the highest frequency in the second frequency band does not exceed the lowest frequency in the first frequency band.

[0261] Optionally, the second information contains N groups of elements, each of the N groups of elements is the same, and each of the N groups of elements contains M elements, or the second information contains N groups of PPDUs, each of the N groups of PPDUs is the same, and each of the N groups of PPDUs contains M PPDUs.

[0262] Optionally, each of the M elements or each of the M PPDUs indicates one of the M directions.

[0263] Optionally, each of the M elements includes at least one of a short training field, a channel estimation field, and a signaling field, where the short training field is used to identify each of the M elements, the channel estimation field is used for channel estimation, and the signaling field is used to verify each of the M elements; or each of the M PPDUs includes at least one of a short training field, a channel estimation field, and a signaling field, where the short training field is used to identify each of the M PPDUs, the channel estimation field is used for channel estimation, and the signaling field is used to verify each of the M PPDUs.

[0264] Optionally, the signaling field includes, namely, beam information, wherein the beam information includes at least one of a first identifier, a second identifier, and a third identifier, the first identifier being used to identify a sector for transmitting each element or each PPDU, the second identifier being used to identify an antenna for transmitting each element or each PPDU, and the third identifier being used to identify a beam for transmitting each element or each PPDU; check bits, wherein check bits are used to check the signaling field; count information, wherein count information is used to indicate the location of each element or each PPDU in the second information; and third information, wherein third information is used to identify the second information, wherein at least one of these is included.

[0265] Optionally, the transceiver unit 410 is specifically configured to receive M elements or M PPDUs in the same receiving direction and to receive second information in N directions.

[0266] Optionally, the transceiver unit 410 is particularly configured to transmit M elements in M ​​directions, where each of the M elements is transmitted N times, or to transmit M PPDUs in M ​​directions, where each of the M PPDUs is transmitted N times.

[0267] At will, corresponding identical elements within a group of N elements are sent in the same direction.

[0268] Optionally, the first piece of information may include time information, which indicates the start time and / or duration for sending the second piece of information.

[0269] The first information is optionally transmitted within a first frame, which is for beam training in a first frequency band, and the first frame may be a beacon frame, request frame, response frame, notification frame, or trigger frame.

[0270] For example, the transceiver unit 410 may be divided into a receiving unit and a transmitting unit. The receiving unit is configured to perform the receiving-related operations of the second device in the method 200 described above, and the transmitting unit is configured to perform the transmitting-related operations of the second device in the method 200 described above.

[0271] Please understand that the above is merely one example of what is used for understanding purposes. Apparatus 400 may further perform other steps, actions, or methods relating to the second device in method 200 described above. Details are not described herein.

[0272] In yet another possible design, the device 400 may be the first device in method 300 above, or a chip configured to perform the functions of the first device in method 300 above. The device 400 may perform procedures performed by the first device in method 300 above. The processing unit 420 is configured to perform processing-related operations of the first device in method 300 above, and the transceiver unit 410 is configured to perform transmit / receive-related operations of the first device in method 300 above.

[0273] For example, the processing unit 420 is configured to generate second information, where the second information is for beam training in a first frequency band, and the second information comprises N groups of elements, each of the N groups of elements being the same, and each of the N groups of elements comprising M elements, or the second information comprises N groups of PPDUs, each of the N groups of PPDUs being the same, and each of the N groups of PPDUs comprising M PPDUs, where N and M are positive integers, and the transceiver unit 410 is configured to transmit the second information in the first frequency band.

[0274] Optionally, the processing unit 420 is further configured to acquire first information, where the first information includes direction information and / or quantity information, where the direction information indicates M directions for sending second information, and the quantity information indicates the quantity N of repeated transmissions in each of the M directions; and the transceiver unit 410 is further configured to send the first information in a second frequency band, where the highest frequency in the second frequency band does not exceed the lowest frequency in the first frequency band.

[0275] Optionally, the transceiver unit 410 is specifically configured to transmit second information within a first frequency band based on first information.

[0276] Optionally, the transceiver unit 410 is particularly configured to transmit M elements in M ​​directions, where each of the M elements is transmitted N times, or to transmit M PPDUs in M ​​directions, where each of the M PPDUs is transmitted N times.

[0277] Optionally, each of the M elements includes at least one of a short training field, a channel estimation field, and a signaling field, where the short training field is used to identify each of the M elements, the channel estimation field is used for channel estimation, and the signaling field is used to verify each of the M elements; or each of the M PPDUs includes at least one of a short training field, a channel estimation field, and a signaling field, where the short training field is used to identify each of the M PPDUs, the channel estimation field is used for channel estimation, and the signaling field is used to verify each of the M PPDUs.

[0278] Optionally, the signaling field includes the following, namely, beam information, where the beam information includes at least one of a first identifier, a second identifier, and a third identifier, the first identifier being used to identify a sector for sending each element or each PPDU, the second identifier being used to identify an antenna for sending each element or each PPDU, the third identifier being used to identify a beam for sending each element or each PPDU; check bits, where the check bits are used to check the signaling field; count information, where the count information indicates the location of each element or each PPDU in the second information; and third information, where the third information includes at least one of the third information used to identify the second information.

[0279] Optionally, the first information includes time information, and the time information indicates a start time and / or a duration for sending the second information.

[0280] Optionally, the first information is carried in a first frame, the first frame is for beam training in a first frequency band, and the first frame is a beacon frame, a request frame, a response frame, an announcement frame, or a trigger frame.

[0281] For example, the transceiver unit 410 may be divided into a receiving unit and a transmitting unit. The receiving unit is configured to perform the receiving-related operations of the first device in the method 300 above, and the transmitting unit is configured to perform the transmitting-related operations of the first device in the method 300 above.

[0282] It should be understood that the above content is only an example for understanding. The apparatus 400 can further perform other steps, actions, or methods related to the first device in the method 300. Details are not described herein.

[0283] In yet another possible design, device 400 may be the second device in method 300 above, or may be a chip configured to implement the functions of the second device in method 300 above. Device 400 may perform the procedures executed by the second device in method 300 above. Transceiver unit 410 is configured to perform the transmission / reception-related operations of the second device in method 300 above, and processing unit 420 is configured to perform the processing-related operations of the second device in method 300 above.

[0284] For example, transceiver unit 410 is configured to receive second information within a first frequency band, where the second information is for beam training in the first frequency band, the second information includes N groups of elements, each of the N groups of elements is the same, each of the N groups of elements includes M elements, or the second information includes N groups of PPDUs, each of the N groups of PPDUs is the same, each of the N groups of PPDUs includes M PPDUs, N and M are positive integers, and processing unit 420 is configured to parse the second information.

[0285] Optionally, processing unit 420 is further configured to receive first information within a second frequency band, where the first information includes direction information and / or quantity information, the direction information indicates M directions for sending the second information, the quantity information indicates the quantity N of repeated transmissions in each of the M directions, and the highest frequency in the second frequency band does not exceed the lowest frequency in the first frequency band.

[0286] Optionally, transceiver unit 410 is specifically configured to receive the second information within the first frequency band based on the first information.

[0287] Optionally, transceiver unit 410 is specifically configured to receive M elements or M PPDUs in the same reception direction and receive the second information in N directions.

[0288] Optionally, each of the M elements includes at least one of a short training field, a channel estimation field, and a signaling field, where the short training field is used to identify each of the M elements, the channel estimation field is used for channel estimation, and the signaling field is used to verify each of the M elements; or each of the M PPDUs includes at least one of a short training field, a channel estimation field, and a signaling field, where the short training field is used to identify each of the M PPDUs, the channel estimation field is used for channel estimation, and the signaling field is used to verify each of the M PPDUs.

[0289] Optionally, the signaling field includes, namely, beam information, wherein the beam information includes at least one of a first identifier, a second identifier, and a third identifier, the first identifier being used to identify a sector for transmitting each element or each PPDU, the second identifier being used to identify an antenna for transmitting each element or each PPDU, and the third identifier being used to identify a beam for transmitting each element or each PPDU; check bits, wherein check bits are used to check the signaling field; count information, wherein count information is used to indicate the location of each element or each PPDU in the second information; and third information, wherein third information is used to identify the second information, wherein at least one of these is included.

[0290] Optionally, the first piece of information may include time information, which indicates the start time and / or duration for sending the second piece of information.

[0291] The first information is optionally transmitted within a first frame, which is for beam training in a first frequency band, and the first frame may be a beacon frame, request frame, response frame, notification frame, or trigger frame.

[0292] For example, the transceiver unit 410 may be divided into a receiving unit and a transmitting unit. The receiving unit is configured to perform the receiving-related operations of the second device in the method 300 described above, and the transmitting unit is configured to perform the transmitting-related operations of the second device in the method 300 described above.

[0293] Please understand that the above is merely one example of what is used for understanding purposes. Apparatus 400 may further perform other steps, actions, or methods relating to the second device in method 300 described above. Details are not described herein.

[0294] It should be understood that the apparatus 400 described herein is embodied in the form of a functional unit. The term “unit” as used herein may refer to an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), electronic circuitry, a processor configured to run one or more software or firmware programs (e.g., a shared processor, a dedicated processor, or a group processor), memory, merged logic circuits, and / or other suitable components that support the function described herein.

[0295] Apparatus 400 has the function of performing a corresponding step performed by the first device in the above method, or apparatus 400 has the function of performing a corresponding step performed by the second device in the above method. The function may be performed by hardware, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above function. For example, in order to separately perform the transmit and receive operations and associated processing operations in the method embodiment, the transceiver unit may be replaced by a transceiver (for example, the transmit unit in the transceiver unit may be replaced by a transmitter machine, and the receive unit in the transceiver unit may be replaced by a receiver machine), and another unit, for example, a processing unit, may be replaced by a processor.

[0296] In addition, the transceiver unit may alternatively be a transceiver circuit (for example, including a receiving circuit and a transmitting circuit), and the processing unit may be a processing circuit. In this embodiment of the present application, the device in Figure 12 may be the second or first device in the above embodiment, or it may be a chip or chip system, for example, a system on a chip (SoC). The transceiver unit may be an input / output circuit or a communication interface. The processing unit is a processor, microprocessor, or integrated circuit on a chip. This is not limited herein.

[0297] Figure 13 is another diagram of the structure of a communication device according to one embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 13, the communication device 500 includes at least one processor 510 and a transceiver 520. The processor 510 is coupled to memory and is configured to execute instructions stored in memory for controlling the transceiver 520 to send and / or receive signals. Optionally, the communication device 500 further includes memory 530 configured to store instructions.

[0298] It should be understood that the processor 510 and memory 530 may be integrated into a single processing unit. The processor 510 is configured to execute program code stored in memory 530 in order to perform the functions described above. During a particular implementation, memory 530 may, alternatively, be integrated into the processor 510 or be independent of the processor 510.

[0299] It should be further understood that transceiver 520 may include a receiver (also called a receiver machine) and a transmitter (also called a transmitter machine). Transceiver 520 may further include an antenna. There may be one or more antennas. Transceiver 1020 may be a communication interface or interface circuit.

[0300] When the communication device 500 is a chip, the chip includes a transceiver unit and a processing unit. The transceiver unit may be an input / output circuit or a communication interface. The processing unit may be a processor, a microprocessor, or an integrated circuit integrated on the chip.

[0301] One embodiment of this application further provides a processing apparatus including a processor and an interface. The processor may be configured to perform the method in the above-described method embodiment.

[0302] It should be understood that the processing unit may be a chip. For example, the processing unit may be a field programmable gate array (FPGA), application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), system on chip (SoC), central processing unit (CPU), network processor (NP), digital signal processor (DSP), microcontroller unit (MCU), programmable logic device (PLD), or another integrated chip.

[0303] In the implementation process, the steps in the above method may be carried out by using hardware integrated logic circuits in a processor or by using instructions in the form of software. The steps of the method disclosed in relation to embodiments of this application may be carried out directly by a hardware processor or by using a combination of hardware and software modules in the processor. The software modules may be located in mature storage media in the art, such as random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, or registers. The storage medium is located in memory, and the processor reads information in memory and, in combination with the processor's hardware, completes the steps in the above method. To avoid repetition, further details are not described again herein.

[0304] FIG. 14 is yet another diagram of the structure of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 14, device 600 includes a processing circuit 610 and a transceiver circuit 620. The processing circuit 610 and the transceiver circuit 620 communicate with each other through an internal connection path. The processing circuit 610 is configured to execute instructions for controlling the transceiver circuit 620 to send and / or receive signals.

[0305] Optionally, device 600 may further include a storage medium 630. The storage medium 630 communicates with the processing circuit 610 and the transceiver circuit 620 through an internal connection path. The storage medium 630 is configured to store instructions, and the processing circuit 610 may execute the instructions stored in the storage medium 630.

[0306] In a possible implementation, device 600 is configured to perform procedures corresponding to the first device in the above method embodiments.

[0307] In another possible implementation, device 600 is configured to perform procedures corresponding to the second device in the above method embodiments.

[0308] According to the method provided in the embodiments of the present application, the present application further provides a computer program product, which includes computer program code. When the computer program code is executed on a computer, the computer is enabled to execute the method in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3.

[0309] According to the method provided in the embodiments of the present application, the present application further provides a computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium stores program code, and when the program code is executed on a computer, the computer is enabled to execute the method in the above method embodiments.

[0310] According to the method provided in the embodiments of this application, this application further provides a system including the first and / or second devices described above.

[0311] In this specification, the term "at least one of" refers to all or any combination of the listed items. For example, "at least one of A, B, and C" may refer to the following six cases: that only A exists, that only B exists, that only C exists, that both A and B exist, that both B and C exist, and that all of A, B, and C exist. In this specification, "at least one" means one or more. "Multiple" means two or more.

[0312] In this specification, the term "and / or" merely describes a related relationship to describe the objects in question, indicating that three such relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B may represent the following three cases: A alone exists, both A and B exist, and B alone exists. In addition, the letter " / " in this specification generally indicates an "or" relationship between the objects in question.

[0313] In the embodiments of this application, it should be understood that “B corresponding to A” indicates that B is related to A and that B may be determined based on A. However, it should be further understood that determining B based on A does not mean that B is determined solely based on A. B may, alternatively, be determined based on A and / or other information. The terms “includes,” “having,” and their variations all mean “includes but not limited to,” unless otherwise specifically emphasized.

[0314] It should be understood that in the various embodiments of this application, the first, second, and various numbers are merely distinguishive for illustrative purposes and are not used to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. For example, various pieces of information are distinguished.

[0315] A person skilled in the art may recognize, in combination with the examples described in the embodiments disclosed herein, that units and algorithmic steps may be implemented by electronic hardware, or by a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether the function is performed by hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. For each specific application, a person skilled in the art may use various methods to implement the function described, but the implementation should not be considered to exceed the scope of this application.

[0316] For the purpose of convenient and concise explanation, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that detailed working processes of the above systems, apparatus, and units should be referred to in the corresponding processes in the above-described method embodiments. Further details will not be described again herein.

[0317] In some embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatus, and methods may be carried out in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described are merely illustrative. For example, the division into units is merely a logical functional division. There may be other division methods during actual implementation. For example, multiple units or components may be combined, integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not performed. In addition, the mutual coupling, direct coupling, or communication connection shown or described may be carried out by using some interfaces. Indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatus or units may be carried out in electronic, mechanical, or other forms.

[0318] Units described as separate parts may or may not be physically separate, and parts shown as units may or may not be physical units, may be located in one location, or may be distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units may be selected based on the actual requirements for achieving the objectives of the solution of the embodiment.

[0319] In addition, the functional units in the embodiments of this application may be integrated into a single processing unit, each unit may exist physically independently, or two or more units may be integrated into a single unit.

[0320] When a function is implemented in the form of a software function unit and sold or used as an independent product, the function may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on such understanding, the technical solutions of this application, or parts thereof that contribute to the prior art, or some parts thereof, may be implemented in the form of a software product. The software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions for instructing a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device) to perform all or part of the steps of the method described in the embodiments of this application. The storage medium includes any medium capable of storing program code, such as a USB flash drive, removable hard disk, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disk, or optical disk.

[0321] The above description represents only a specific implementation of this application, but does not limit the scope of protection. Any modification or substitution readily understood by a person skilled in the art within the scope of the technical scope disclosed herein shall fall within the scope of protection. Accordingly, the scope of protection of this application shall be limited to the scope of protection of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0322] 400 equipment 410 Transceiver Unit 420 processing units 500 Communication devices 510 Processor 520 transceiver 530 memory 600 equipment 610 Processing Circuit 620 Transceiver Circuit 630 Storage medium

Claims

1. A step of generating first information by a first device, wherein the first information comprises direction information and / or quantity information, the direction information indicates M directions for sending second information, the quantity information indicates a quantity N of repeated transmissions in each of the M directions, and the second information is for beam training in a first frequency band, where N and M are positive integers. A step of transmitting the first information by the first device in a second frequency band, wherein the highest frequency in the second frequency band does not exceed the lowest frequency in the first frequency band. Within the first frequency band, the first device sends or receives the second information generated based on the first information. A communication method that includes the following features.

2. The second information comprises N groups of elements, each of the N groups of elements is the same, and each of the N groups of elements comprises M elements, or The second information comprises N groups of Physical Layer Protocol Data Units (PPDUs), each of the N groups of PPDUs being the same, and each of the N groups of PPDUs comprising M PPDUs. The method according to claim 1.

3. Each of the M elements comprises at least one of a short training field, a channel estimation field, and a signaling field, wherein the short training field is used to identify each of the M elements, the channel estimation field is used for channel estimation, and the signaling field is used to verify each of the M elements, or Each of the M PPDUs comprises at least one of a short training field, a channel estimation field, and a signaling field, wherein the short training field is used to identify each of the M PPDUs, the channel estimation field is used for channel estimation, and the signaling field is used to verify each of the M PPDUs. The method according to claim 2.

4. The aforementioned signaling field is the following, namely, Beam information, wherein the beam information comprises at least one of a first identifier, a second identifier, and a third identifier, wherein the first identifier is used to identify a sector for transmitting each element or each PPDU, the second identifier is used to identify an antenna for transmitting each element or each PPDU, and the third identifier is used to identify a beam for transmitting each element or each PPDU. A check bit, which is used to check the signaling field, Count information, which indicates the location of each element or each PPDU in the second information, and The third piece of information comprises at least one of the third piece of information used to identify the aforementioned second piece of information. The method according to claim 3.

5. The step of sending the second information by the first device is, Each step involves sending the M elements in the M directions by the first device, wherein each of the M elements is sent N times, or Each step comprises the step of sending the M PPDUs by the first device in the M directions, wherein each of the M PPDUs is sent N times. The method according to claim 2.

6. The step of receiving the second information by the first device is, The process comprises the steps of receiving the M elements or the M PPDUs by the first device in the same receiving direction, and receiving the second information by the first device in N directions. The method according to claim 2.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first information comprises time information, and the time information indicates a start time and / or duration for sending the second information.

8. A communication device, Memory configured to store computer instructions, To enable the communication device to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, a processor configured to execute the computer instructions stored in the memory and A communication device equipped with the following features.

9. A chip comprising a processor and an interface, configured to call a computer program from memory and execute the computer program stored in memory in order to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

10. A computer-readable storage medium configured to store a computer program, wherein the computer program comprises instructions for performing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

11. A computer program comprising computer program code, wherein when the computer program code is executed on a computer, the computer is enabled to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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