Method and electronic device for multi-AP coordination based on position or movement of terminal

Abstract

An electronic device according to one embodiment may comprise: a processor; a wireless communication module, which is operatively connected to the processor and transmits / receives radio signals; and a memory for storing instructions. The one or more instructions may be individually or collectively executed by the processor such that the electronic device: receives an NDPA frame or an NDP frame that notifies channel sounding; receives a BFRP frame; transmits, on the basis of the BFRP frame, a feedback frame including channel state information; and performs communication through a combination of one or more APs determined on the basis of the feedback frame in a network environment for multi-AP coordination.

Description

Multi-AP cooperation method and electronic device based on terminal location or movement

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a multi-AP cooperation method and electronic device based on the location or movement of a terminal.

[0002] Wi-Fi has grown in popularity over the past decade, fueled by the emergence of mobile devices such as laptops, smartphones, and tablets. As Wi-Fi adoption has grown, so has the demand for faster wireless networks. Consequently, Wi-Fi has evolved over the generations. The latest Wi-Fi technology, currently standardized and commercialized, is Wi-Fi 6, and standardization for the next-generation technology, Wi-Fi 7, is currently underway within the relevant task group.

[0003] Discussions on standards beyond Wi-Fi 7 began in early 2023, with discussions taking place in the study group stage, a step before the task group stage, where the actual standardization process begins. Various technologies are being discussed as candidates, and one of the key technologies with a high probability of inclusion in the standard is multi-AP coordination. Multi-AP coordination allows electronic devices to transmit and receive data with multiple APs.

[0004] The above information may be provided as background art to aid in understanding the present disclosure. No claim or determination is made as to whether any of the above is applicable as prior art related to the present disclosure.

[0005] The technical problems to be achieved in this document are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs from the description below.

[0006] An electronic device according to one embodiment may include a processor, a wireless communication circuit operatively connected to the processor and configured to transmit and receive wireless signals, and a memory storing instructions. The one or more instructions may be individually or collectively executed by the processor to cause the electronic device to receive a null data packet announcement (NDPA) frame indicating channel sounding. The one or more instructions may include an operation of causing the electronic device to receive a null data packet (NDP) frame, when individually or collectively executed by the processor. The one or more instructions may be individually or collectively executed by the processor to cause the electronic device to obtain channel state information based on the NDP frame. The one or more instructions may be individually or collectively executed by the processor to cause the electronic device to receive a beamforming report poll (BFRP) frame. The one or more instructions may be individually or collectively executed by the processor to cause the electronic device to transmit a feedback frame including the channel state information based on the BFRP frame. The one or more instructions may be individually or collectively executed by the processor to cause the electronic device to perform communication through a combination of one or more APs determined based on the feedback frame in a network environment for multi-AP cooperation.

[0007] A communication device for controlling multi-AP cooperation according to one embodiment may include a processor, one or more wireless communication circuits operatively connected to the processor and configured to transmit and receive wireless signals, and a memory for storing instructions. The one or more instructions may be individually or collectively executed by the processor to cause the device to collect feedback frames according to channel sounding between APs capable of participating in the multi-AP cooperation and an electronic device. The one or more instructions may be individually or collectively executed by the processor to cause the device to determine a combination of one or more APs to communicate with the electronic device based on the feedback frames.

[0008] A method of operating an electronic device according to one embodiment may include receiving a null data packet announcement (NDPA) frame that notifies channel sounding. The method may include receiving a null data packet (NDP) frame. The method may include obtaining channel state information based on the NDP frame. The method may include receiving a beamforming report poll (BFRP) frame. The method may include transmitting a feedback frame including the channel state information based on the BFRP frame. The method may include performing communication through a combination of one or more APs determined based on the feedback frame in a network environment for multi-AP cooperation.

[0009] Figure 1 illustrates an example of a wireless LAN system according to one embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2 illustrates an example of a wireless LAN system according to one embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a link setup operation according to one embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating multi-AP cooperation according to one embodiment.

[0013] FIGS. 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating examples of networks in which multi-AP cooperation operates according to one embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating multi-AP cooperation utilizing channel sounding according to one embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B are diagrams illustrating examples of a channel sounding protocol in a network for multi-AP cooperation according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIGS. 8 and 9 are diagrams illustrating examples of a method for controlling multi-AP cooperation using channel sounding according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the operation of an STA for multi-AP cooperation according to one embodiment.

[0018] FIGS. 11A to 11C are drawings for explaining frames defined to transmit a report of status information of an STA according to one embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation for controlling multi-AP cooperation using channel sounding according to one embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation for controlling multi-AP cooperation using channel sounding according to one embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 14 shows a schematic block diagram of a wireless LAN system for multi-AP cooperation according to one embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 15 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment, according to one embodiment.

[0023] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. In the description with reference to the attached drawings, identical components are assigned the same reference numerals regardless of the drawing numbers, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0024]

[0025] FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining an example of a wireless LAN system according to one embodiment.

[0026] Referring to FIG. 1, according to one embodiment, a wireless LAN system (10) may represent an infrastructure mode in which an access point (AP) exists in the structure of a wireless LAN (WLAN) of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) 802.11. The wireless LAN system (10) may include one or more basic service sets (BSS) (e.g., BSS1, BSS2). The BSS (BSS1, BSS2) may mean a set of an access point (AP) and a station (STA) (e.g., an electronic device (1501), an electronic device (1502), and an electronic device (1504) of FIG. 15) that are capable of communicating with each other by being synchronized. BSS1 may include AP1 and STA1, and BSS2 may include AP2, STA2, and STA3.

[0027] According to one embodiment, a wireless LAN system (10) may include at least one STA (STA1 to STA3), a plurality of APs (AP1, AP2) providing a distribution service, and a distribution system (100) connecting the plurality of APs (AP1, AP2). The distribution system (100) may connect a plurality of BSSs (BSS1, BSS2) to implement an extended service set (ESS). The ESS may be used as a term indicating a network formed by connecting a plurality of APs (AP1, AP2) through the distribution system (100). A plurality of APs (AP1, AP2) included in a single ESS may have the same SSID (service set identification).

[0028] According to one embodiment, STAs (STA1 to STA3) may be any functional medium including medium access control (MAC) and a physical layer interface for a wireless medium according to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard. STAs (STA1 to STA3) may be used to mean both APs and non-AP STAs. STAs (STA1 to STA3) may also be referred to by various names, such as electronic devices, mobile terminals, wireless devices, wireless transmit / receive units (WTRUs), user equipment (UEs), mobile stations (MSs), mobile subscriber units, or simply users.

[0029]

[0030] FIG. 2 is a drawing for explaining an example of a wireless LAN system according to one embodiment.

[0031] Referring to FIG. 2, according to one embodiment, unlike the wireless LAN system (10) of FIG. 1, the wireless LAN system (20) may represent an ad-hoc mode in which communication is performed by establishing a network between a plurality of STAs (STA1 to STA3) without an AP in the structure of a wireless LAN (WLAN) of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) 802.11. The wireless LAN system (20) may include a BSS operating in an ad-hoc mode, i.e., an independent basic service set (IBSS).

[0032] In one embodiment, an IBSS may not have a centralized management entity because it does not include APs. In an IBSS, STAs may be managed in a distributed manner. In an IBSS, all STAs may be mobile, and access to distributed systems is not permitted, creating a self-contained network.

[0033]

[0034] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a link setup operation according to one embodiment.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 3, according to one embodiment, a link setup operation may be performed between devices (e.g., STA (301), AP (401)) to communicate with each other. For link setup, a network may be discovered, authentication may be performed, an association may be established, and a security configuration operation may be performed. The link setup operation may be referred to as a session initiation operation or a session setup operation. In addition, the operations of discovery, authentication, association, and security configuration of the link setup operation may be collectively referred to as an association operation.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the network discovery operation may include operations 310 and 320. In operation 310, the STA (301) (e.g., the electronic device 1501, the electronic device 1502, or the electronic device 1504 of FIG. 15) may transmit a probe request frame to search for an AP and wait for a response to the probe request frame. The STA (301) may perform a scanning operation to access a network to find a network to which it can join. The probe request frame may include information of the STA (301) (e.g., a device name and / or address of the STA (301)). The scanning operation in operation 310 may mean an active scanning operation. In operation 320, the AP (401) may transmit a probe response frame to the STA (301) that transmitted the probe request frame in response to the probe request frame. The probe response frame may include information about the AP (401) (e.g., the device name and / or network information of the AP (401)). Although the network discovery operation in FIG. 3 is illustrated as being performed through active scanning, it is not necessarily limited thereto, and if the STA (301) performs passive scanning, the operation of transmitting the probe request frame may be omitted. The STA (301) performing passive scanning may receive the beacon frame transmitted by the AP (401) and perform the following subsequent procedures.

[0037] According to one embodiment, after the STA (301) discovers a network, an authentication operation including operations 330 and 340 may be performed. In operation 330, the STA (301) may transmit an authentication request frame to the AP (401). In operation 340, the AP (401) may determine whether to allow authentication for the STA (301) based on information included in the authentication request frame. The AP (401) may provide the result of the authentication process to the STA (301) through an authentication response frame. The authentication frame used for the authentication request / response may correspond to a management frame.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the authentication frame may include information about an authentication algorithm number, an authentication transaction sequence number, a status code, a challenge text, a robust security network (RSN), or a finite cyclic group.

[0039] According to one embodiment, after STA (301) is successfully authenticated, an association operation including operations 350 and 360 may be performed. In operation 350, STA (301) may transmit an association request frame to AP (401). In operation 360, AP (401) may transmit an association response frame to STA (301) in response to the association request frame.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the association request frame and / or the association response frame may include information related to various capabilities. For example, the association request frame may include information related to various capabilities, a beacon listen interval, a service set identifier (SSID), supported rates, supported channels, an RSN, a mobility domain, supported operating classes, a traffic indication map broadcast request, and / or information about interworking service capabilities. For example, the association response frame may include information related to various capabilities, status codes, association ID (AID), supported rates, enhanced distributed channel access (EDCA) parameter sets, received channel power indicator (RCPI), received signal to noise indicator (RSNI), mobility domains, timeout interval (association comeback time), overlapping BSS scan parameters, TIM broadcast response, and / or QoS maps.

[0041] According to one embodiment, after STA (301) is successfully associated with the network, a security setup operation including operations 370 and 380 may be performed. The security setup operation may be performed via a robust security network association (RSNA) request / response. For example, the security setup operation may include an operation of setting up a private key via a four-way handshaking via an extensible authentication protocol over LAN (EAPOL) frame. The security setup operation may also be performed according to a security method not defined in the IEEE 802.11 standard.

[0042] According to one embodiment, a security session is established between STA (301) and AP (401) according to a security setup operation, and STA (301) and AP (401) can perform secure data communication.

[0043]

[0044] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating multi-AP cooperation according to one embodiment.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 4, a wireless LAN system (30) (e.g., the wireless LAN system (10) of FIG. 1, the wireless LAN system (20) of FIG. 2) may include one or more STAs (e.g., STAs (301)), multiple APs (e.g., APs (401), APs (403), APs (405)), and a communication device (500). In the wireless LAN system (30), multi-AP cooperation (or multi-AP coordination) may be performed. Multi-AP cooperation may refer to a method of transmitting a signal to an STA (e.g., STAs (301)) using multiple APs (e.g., APs (401), APs (403), APs (405)). For example, the STA (301) may perform data transmission and reception with at least two or more APs among the APs (401), APs (403), and APs (405)) while connected to the AP (401). In multi-AP cooperation, signals from AP (403) and / or AP (405) no longer cause interference to STA (301) connected to AP (401), but instead become desired signals. Multi-AP cooperation may include transmission methods such as distributed MIMO, C-OFDMA, coordinated beamforming, and coordinated spatial reuse. Although FIG. 4 illustrates multi-AP cooperation using three APs (401), AP (403), and AP (405), it is not necessarily limited thereto, and the number of APs in multi-AP cooperation according to an embodiment may be four or more. Multi-AP cooperation is not limited to the structure illustrated in FIG. 4, and may be performed in various forms.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the multi-AP cooperation technology may be a method for minimizing interference between BSSs during data transmission and reception by sharing information (e.g., link information, channel feedback information, scheduling information) about STAs that are necessary or optimal for multi-AP cooperation between APs (e.g., AP (401), AP (403), AP (405)) when transmitting and receiving data between STAs (e.g., STA (301)) and APs (e.g., AP (401), AP (403), AP (405)), or increasing data transmission efficiency by having two or more APs (e.g., at least two APs among AP (401), AP (403), and AP (405)) participate at a specific time in data transmission and reception for STAs (e.g., STA (301)). In order to transmit data simultaneously using multiple APs (e.g., AP (401), AP (403), AP (405)) in a wireless LAN system (30), a multi-AP cooperation environment must be created so that multiple APs (e.g., AP (401), AP (403), AP (405)) can be coordinated. In order for the APs to be coordinated, a link between the APs (e.g., AP (401), AP (403), AP (405)) must be formed, and information necessary for multi-AP cooperation, such as information about STAs (e.g., STAs (301)) associated with each AP (e.g., AP (401), AP (403), AP (405)) (e.g., link information, channel feedback information, scheduling information), must be shared.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the communication device (500) may perform a role of managing and controlling (or coordinating) a plurality of APs (e.g., AP (401), AP (403), AP (405)) existing in the wireless LAN system (30). The communication device (500) may manage information on a BSS configured by each of the plurality of APs (e.g., AP (401), AP (403), AP (405)) and / or information on an STA associated with the corresponding BSS.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the communication device (500) can initiate and control multi-AP cooperation. For example, the communication device (500) can group or select APs (e.g., AP (401), AP (403), AP (405)) that will perform multi-AP cooperation with the STA (301), and manage a link with the APs (e.g., AP (401), AP (403), AP (405)) that will perform multi-AP cooperation so that information can be shared among the APs (e.g., AP (401), AP (403), AP (405)) that will perform multi-AP cooperation.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the APs (e.g., AP (401), AP (403), AP (405)) can perform the same function as the APs that can form a BSS in the wireless LAN system (30), can be coordinated by the communication device (500), and can participate in multi-AP cooperation. For example, the APs (e.g., AP (401), AP (403), AP (405)) can form an association with the communication device (500) and share information (e.g., control information, management information, data traffic) with the communication device (500).

[0050] According to one embodiment, the STA (301) may be associated with one AP (e.g., AP (401)) among the APs (e.g., AP (401), AP (403), AP (405)) participating in multi-AP cooperation. In the multi-AP cooperation, the APs (e.g., AP (401), AP (403), AP (405)) may be capable of direct transmission and reception with the communication device (500), and the STA (301) may be capable of direct transmission and reception with the APs (e.g., AP (401), AP (403), AP (405)) participating in multi-AP cooperation. Although FIG. 4 illustrates that the communication device (500) and the STA (301) cannot directly transmit and receive with each other, the communication device (500) may be aware of the presence of the STA (301). According to one embodiment, the communication device (500) and the STA (301) may be capable of direct transmission and reception with each other.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the communication device (500) may be referred to as an AP controller, a master AP, or a sharing AP. The communication device (500) is a device that controls multi-AP cooperation and may be replaced with various expressions. APs (e.g., AP (401), AP (403), AP (405)) that can participate in multi-AP cooperation may be referred to as slave APs or shared APs. APs (e.g., AP (401), AP (403), AP (405)) that can participate in multi-AP cooperation are devices that perform multi-AP cooperation under the control of the communication device (500) and may be replaced with various expressions.

[0052] In one embodiment, multi-AP cooperation can provide benefits to the user experience by maintaining a constant latency time that is not constant due to interference or fading. In a network that supports multi-AP cooperation, an STA (301) can transmit and receive data with multiple APs (e.g., AP (401), AP (403), AP (405)), thereby increasing the overall network capacity and providing uninterrupted communication service even while the STA (301) is moving. In addition, the network can accommodate more client terminals and reduce communication delay at the wireless end by finely adjusting the distribution of radio resources.

[0053]

[0054] FIGS. 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating examples of networks in which multi-AP cooperation operates according to one embodiment.

[0055] According to one embodiment, examples of networks in which multi-AP cooperation operates may be as illustrated in FIGS. 5A to 5C . The networks in which multi-AP cooperation operates may be implemented in the form of an enterprise network, such as FIG. 5A , and / or a mesh network, such as FIGS. 5B and 5C .

[0056] Referring to FIG. 5A, according to one embodiment, a network in which multi-AP cooperation operates may be implemented in the form of an enterprise network. Each of the communication device (500) controlling multi-AP cooperation of FIG. 4 and the APs (e.g., AP (401), AP (403), and AP (405)) participating in multi-AP cooperation may be substantially identical to the AP controller and APs of FIG. 5A. An interface for information exchange between the AP controller and the APs may be implemented as a wired link, and an interface for information exchange between the APs may be implemented as a wireless link (e.g., a wireless service link).

[0057] Referring to FIGS. 5b and 5c , according to one embodiment, a network in which multi-AP cooperation operates may be implemented in the form of a mesh network. Each of the communication device (500) controlling multi-AP cooperation of FIG. 4 and the APs participating in multi-AP cooperation (e.g., AP (401), AP (403), AP (405)) may be substantially identical to the master AP and slave APs of FIGS. 5b and 5c . An interface for information exchange between the master AP and the slave APs may be implemented as a dedicated wireless link (e.g., a dedicated wireless backhaul link) and / or a wireless link (e.g., a wireless service link). In the network of FIGS. 5b and 5c , the master AP may control the slave APs participating in multi-AP cooperation and participate in multi-AP cooperation together with the slave APs.

[0058]

[0059] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating multi-AP cooperation utilizing channel sounding according to one embodiment.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 6, according to one embodiment, in a network that supports multi-AP cooperation, data of a client STA (301) is transmitted through multiple APs (e.g., at least two APs among AP (401), AP (403), and AP (405)) rather than a single AP (e.g., AP (401), AP (403), or AP (405)). Therefore, the more client terminals connected to the network in addition to STA (301), the more data needs to be buffered. Therefore, the burden on the backhaul network increases, and the memory size of the AP may become a limiting factor in the performance of the network. In addition, depending on the location or movement status of the client STA (301), data communication through a single AP (e.g., AP (401), AP (403), or AP (405)) may be required, and in some cases, data communication through multiple APs (e.g., at least two APs among AP (401), AP (403), and AP (405)) may be required. Depending on the location or movement status of the STA (301), data communication through a single AP (e.g., AP (401), AP (403), or AP (405)) may sufficiently provide the service, and may even be better in terms of performance and system efficiency. Switching between them (e.g., communication through a single AP and communication through multiple APs) must be performed accurately and quickly so that network operation efficiency does not decrease. That is, in a network that supports multi-AP cooperation, efficient control (e.g., transmission at a necessary time and / or transmission of data as much as necessary, and / or transmission using only necessary APs) may be required depending on the situation.

[0061] According to one embodiment, a communication device (500) (e.g., an AP controller of FIG. 5A, a master AP of FIGS. 5B and 5C) may determine (or select) one or more AP combinations (e.g., an optimal AP combination to communicate with the STA (301)) to participate in data transmission and reception in a network environment for multi-AP cooperation by identifying the location and / or movement status of the STA (301) for efficient control in a network that supports multi-AP cooperation. The one or more AP combinations may include a single AP and / or a multi-AP combination. By having the communication device (500) distribute data to the APs based on the location and / or movement status of the STA (301), the load on the backhaul network can be reduced and the wireless link can be operated effectively.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the location and movement status of STA (301) can be identified through channel sounding (or channel sounding operation). Channel sounding may refer to a series of operations for collecting channel information (e.g., channel state information for a wireless channel) before transmitting data from a transmitting side to ensure that data is properly transmitted to the receiving side. A channel sounding protocol may refer to a procedure for feeding back channel state information (CSI) between a beamformer (or AP) (e.g., communication device (500), AP (401), AP (403), AP (405)) and a beamformee (or non-AP STA) (e.g., STA (301)). The beamformee (e.g., STA (301)) measures a signal (e.g., NDP (null data packet)) promised to each other between the beamformer (e.g., communication device (500), AP (401), AP (403), AP (405)) and the beamformee (e.g., STA (301)), and compares the 'actually received NDP' with By checking the difference between the 'reference NDPs', CSI can be generated. The beamformee (e.g., STA (301)) can convert the CSI into a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) (e.g., average SNR) and feed back a feedback frame including the SNR to the beamformer (e.g., communication device (500), AP (401), AP (403), AP (405)). For example, the beamformee (e.g., STA (301)) can feed back the CSI in the form of a compressed beamforming report. The beamformee (e.g., STA (301)) can convert the CSI into the form of an average SNR and a V-matrix through SVD (singular value decomposition) and feed back a compressed beamforming frame.A compressed beamforming frame may include information such as an SNR value for a space-time stream and a compressed beamforming feedback matrix for a subcarrier. Table 1 shows an example of the structure of a compressed beamforming report field (e.g., 40 MHz) that constitutes a compressed beamforming frame.

[0063]

[0064] According to one embodiment, the communication device (500) can collect feedback frames according to channel sounding between one or more devices capable of participating in multi-AP cooperation and an STA (301). The one or more devices capable of participating in multi-AP cooperation may include an AP (e.g., AP (401), AP (403), AP (405)) and / or the communication device (500). The AP (e.g., AP (401), AP (403), AP (405)) can receive feedback frames according to channel sounding between the AP (e.g., AP (401), AP (403), AP (405)) and the STA (301), and transmit the feedback frames to the communication device (500). The communication device (500) can obtain (e.g., collect) SNR information about one or more devices capable of participating in multi-AP cooperation from the perspective of the STA (301) from the collected feedback frames. The communication device (500) can use this SNR information to determine the location and / or movement status of the STA (301), and determine (or select) one or more AP combinations (e.g., the optimal AP combination to communicate with the STA (301)) to participate in data transmission and reception in a network environment for multi-AP cooperation. The communication device (500) can determine the location and / or movement status of the STA (301) through channel sounding without separate additional signaling. Here, the 'location' may mean an absolute geographic location, which may mean within the communication range of an AP the STA (301) is within. Since the communication device (500) only needs to confirm within the communication range of an AP the STA (301) is within, the communication device (500) can select an AP to communicate with using the SNR information without having to estimate the actual location of the STA (301).

[0065] According to one embodiment, the communication device (500) continuously acquires (e.g., collects) SNR information for one or more devices capable of participating in multi-AP cooperation from the perspective of the STA (301), and determines one or more AP combinations with which to communicate with the STA (301) based on the acquired SNR information. In the following description, it is assumed that the STA (301) moves from location (610) to location (620).

[0066] For example, a case where STA (301) stays at location (610) will be described. While STA (301) stays at location (610), the communication device (500) can determine that there is little change in SNR of AP (401) / AP (403) / AP (405) from SNR information measured by STA (301), and can determine that STA (301) is in a stationary state. Since SNR is largely measured in the order of AP (405) < AP (403) < AP (401), the communication device (500) can determine the AP that will perform communication with STA (301) solely through AP (401).

[0067] For example, a case in which STA (301) moves from location (610) to location (620) will be described. While STA (301) moves from location (610) to location (620), the communication device (500) can determine that STA (301) is in a mobile state by checking a change in which SNR for AP (401) decreases and SNR for AP (403) and AP (405) increases from SNR information measured by STA (301). The communication device (500) can determine an AP to perform communication with STA (301) as a combination of AP (401) and AP (403). The communication device (500) can appropriately distribute data to the AP (401) and the AP (403) according to the location of the STA (301) when the STA (301) moves from the location (610) to the location (620). The communication device (500) can increase latency and throughput performance by buffering data in the AP (403) located in the direction in which the STA (301) is approaching together with the AP (401).

[0068] For example, a case where STA (301) stops moving at location (620) will be described. When STA (301) stops moving at location (620), the communication device (500) can determine that there is almost no change in SNR of AP (401) / AP (403) / AP (405) from SNR information measured by STA (301), and can determine that STA (301) has entered a stationary state again. The communication device (500) can determine an AP to perform communication with STA (301) based on the SNR of AP (401) / AP (403) / AP (405) at location (620). At this time, the communication device (500) can be changed from the previous combination of AP (401) and AP (403) to a combination of AP (401) and AP (403), or to a combination of AP (403) and AP (405) or to a combination of AP (403) and AP (405).

[0069] For convenience of explanation, in FIG. 6, it is assumed that the communication device (500) controlling multi-AP cooperation is implemented as an AP controller in the enterprise network of FIG. 5A, but it is not necessarily limited thereto. If the communication device (500) is implemented as a master AP in the mesh network of FIGS. 5B and 5C, the communication device (500) may operate substantially the same as described above, and depending on the embodiment, the communication device (500) may perform channel sounding with the STA (301) and receive a feedback frame according to the channel sounding from the STA (301). At this time, the communication device (500) may additionally utilize a feedback frame between the communication device (500) and the STA (301) in addition to the feedback frame between the AP (401) and the STA (301), the feedback frame between the AP (403) and the STA (301), and the feedback frame between the AP (405) and the STA (301) in order to determine an AP with which to communicate with the STA (301). In a network environment for multi-AP cooperation, one or more combinations of APs to participate in data transmission and reception (e.g., an optimal combination of APs to communicate with the STA (301)) may also include the communication device (500).

[0070]

[0071] FIG. 7a is a diagram illustrating a channel sounding protocol in a network for multi-AP cooperation according to one embodiment.

[0072] FIG. 7a may illustrate a channel sounding protocol when a communication device (500) controlling multi-AP cooperation is implemented as an AP controller in the enterprise network of FIG. 5a.

[0073] (1) Channel sounding between AP (401) (e.g., beamformer 1) and STA (301) (e.g., beamformer)

[0074] AP (401) may transmit an NDPA (null data packet announcement) frame (NDPA1) to STA (301) to notify sounding transmission for feedback of STA (301). The NDPA frame refers to a control frame used to notify that channel sounding has been initiated and that an NDP (null data packet) frame will be transmitted.

[0075] After transmitting an NDPA frame (NDPA1), AP (401) can transmit an NDP frame (NDP1) to STA (301) after a SIFS time. The NDP frame can have a VHT PPDU structure excluding the data field.

[0076] STA (301) can obtain channel status information (e.g., downlink channel status information) by estimating a channel for AP (401) based on an NDP frame (NDP1) and generate feedback information to be transmitted to AP (401).

[0077] After transmitting an NDP frame (NDP1), the AP (401) may transmit a beamforming report poll (BFRP) trigger frame to the STA (301) after a SIFS time. The BFRP trigger frame may include information necessary to feed back feedback information (e.g., a feedback frame) (e.g., information on resources to be used during uplink transmission).

[0078] After receiving a BFRP trigger frame, STA (301) may transmit a feedback frame (e.g., a compressed beamforming frame) including feedback information based on the BFRP trigger frame to AP (401) after an SIFS time.

[0079] (2) Channel sounding between AP (403) (e.g., beamformer 2) and STA (301) (e.g., beamformer)

[0080] AP (403) may transmit an NDPA frame (NDPA2) to STA (301) to notify sounding transmission for feedback of STA (301). After transmitting the NDPA frame (NDPA2), AP (403) may transmit an NDP frame (NDP2) to STA (301) after SIFS time.

[0081] STA (301) can obtain channel status information (e.g., downlink channel status information) by estimating a channel for AP (403) based on an NDP frame (NDP2) and generate feedback information to be transmitted to AP (403).

[0082] After transmitting the NDP frame (NDP2), the AP (403) may transmit a BFRP trigger frame to the STA (301) after an SIFS time. After receiving the BFRP trigger frame, the STA (301) may transmit a feedback frame (e.g., a compressed beamforming frame) including feedback information based on the BFRP trigger frame to the AP (403) after an SIFS time.

[0083] (3) Channel sounding between AP (405) (e.g., beamformer 3) and STA (301) (e.g., beamformer)

[0084] AP (405) may transmit an NDPA frame (NDPA3) to STA (301) to notify sounding transmission for feedback of STA (301). After transmitting the NDPA frame (NDPA3), AP (405) may transmit an NDP frame (NDP3) to STA (301) after SIFS time.

[0085] STA (301) can obtain channel status information (e.g., downlink channel status information) by estimating a channel for AP (405) based on an NDP frame (NDP3) and generate feedback information to be transmitted to AP (405).

[0086] After transmitting the NDP frame (NDP3), the AP (405) may transmit a BFRP trigger frame to the STA (301) after an SIFS time. After receiving the BFRP trigger frame, the STA (301) may transmit a feedback frame (e.g., a compressed beamforming frame) including feedback information based on the BFRP trigger frame to the AP (405) after an SIFS time.

[0087] In FIG. 7A, beamformers (e.g., AP (401), AP (403), AP (405)) can transmit signals in a broadcast manner and / or a unicast manner in channel sounding. In FIG. 7A, the channel sounding protocol is illustrated as beamformers (e.g., AP (401), AP (403), AP (405)) sequentially transmitting NDPA to beamformee (e.g., STA (301)) while performing channel sounding, but this is for convenience of explanation and is not necessarily limited thereto. According to an embodiment, channel sounding can be performed while beamformers (e.g., AP (401), AP (403), AP (405)) simultaneously transmitting NDPA to beamformee (e.g., STA (301)). A beamformer (e.g., STA (301)) can measure wireless signals (e.g., NDP frames) of beamformers (e.g., AP (401), AP (403), AP (405)) at the same time and location and transmit feedback information to the beamformers (e.g., AP (401), AP (403), AP (405)). A communication device (500) can continuously collect SNR information about beamformers (e.g., AP (401), AP (403), AP (405)) at the same time from the perspective of the beamformer (e.g., STA (301)).

[0088] The communication device (500) can collect feedback frames according to channel sounding between one or more devices (e.g., AP (401), AP (403), AP (405)) capable of participating in multi-AP cooperation and STA (301). For example, the AP (e.g., AP (401), AP (403), AP (405)) can receive feedback frames according to channel sounding between the AP (e.g., AP (401), AP (403), AP (405)) and STA (301), and transmit the feedback frames to the communication device (500). The communication device (500) can determine the location and / or movement status of the STA (301) based on collected feedback frames (e.g., a feedback frame between the AP (401) and the STA (301), a feedback frame between the AP (403) and the STA (301), and a feedback frame between the AP (405) and the STA (301)), and determine (or select) one or more AP combinations (e.g., an optimal AP combination to communicate with the STA (301)) to participate in data transmission and reception in a network environment for multi-AP cooperation.

[0089]

[0090] FIG. 7b is a diagram illustrating a channel sounding protocol in a network for multi-AP cooperation according to one embodiment.

[0091] FIG. 7b may illustrate a channel sounding protocol when a communication device (500) controlling multi-AP cooperation is implemented as a master AP in the mesh network of FIGS. 5b and 5c.

[0092] In the channel sounding protocol of FIG. 7b, in addition to the channel sounding between the AP (e.g., AP (401), AP (403), AP (405)) and the STA (301) (e.g., beamformer) shown in FIG. 7a, channel sounding between the communication device (500) and the STA (301) may be added.

[0093] The communication device (500) may transmit an NDPA frame (NDPA0) to the STA (301) to notify the sounding transmission for feedback of the STA (301). After transmitting the NDPA frame (NDPA0), the communication device (500) may transmit an NDP frame (NDP0) to the STA (301) after an SIFS time.

[0094] STA (301) can obtain channel state information (e.g., downlink channel state information) by estimating a channel for the communication device (500) based on an NDP frame (NDP0) and generate feedback information to be transmitted to the communication device (500).

[0095] The communication device (500) may transmit a BFRP trigger frame to the STA (301) after an SIFS time after transmitting an NDP frame (NDP0). After receiving the BFRP trigger frame, the STA (301) may transmit a feedback frame (e.g., a compressed beamforming frame) including feedback information based on the BFRP trigger frame to the communication device (500) after an SIFS time.

[0096] Channel sounding between the AP (e.g., AP (401), AP (403), AP (405)) and the STA (301) (e.g., beamformer) of FIG. 7b can be performed as described in FIG. 7a. A detailed description is omitted.

[0097] In FIG. 7B, beamformers (e.g., communication device (500), AP (401), AP (403), AP (405)) can transmit signals in a broadcast manner and / or a unicast manner in channel sounding. In FIG. 7B, the channel sounding protocol is illustrated as beamformers (e.g., communication device (500), AP (401), AP (403), AP (405)) sequentially transmitting NDPA to beamformee (e.g., STA (301)) while performing channel sounding, but this is for convenience of explanation and is not necessarily limited thereto. According to an embodiment, channel sounding can be performed while beamformers (e.g., communication device (500), AP (401), AP (403), AP (405)) simultaneously transmitting NDPA to beamformee (e.g., STA (301)). A beamformer (e.g., STA (301)) can measure wireless signals (e.g., NDP frames) of beamformers (e.g., communication device (500), AP (401), AP (403), AP (405)) at the same time and location and transmit feedback information to the beamformers (e.g., communication device (500), AP (401), AP (403), AP (405)). The communication device (500) can continuously collect SNR information about beamformers (e.g., communication device (500), AP (401), AP (403), AP (405)) at the same time from the perspective of the beamformer (e.g., STA (301)).

[0098] The communication device (500) can collect feedback frames according to channel sounding between one or more devices (e.g., AP (401), AP (403), AP (405)) capable of participating in multi-AP cooperation and the STA (301). For example, the communication device (500) can identify the location and / or movement status of the STA (301) based on the collected feedback frames (e.g., feedback frames between the communication device (500) and the STA (301), feedback frames between the AP (401) and the STA (301), feedback frames between the AP (403) and the STA (301), and feedback frames between the AP (405) and the STA (301)), and determine (or select) one or more combinations of APs (e.g., optimal combinations of APs to communicate with the STA (301)) to participate in data transmission and reception in a network environment for multi-AP cooperation.

[0099]

[0100] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a method for controlling multi-AP cooperation using channel sounding according to one embodiment.

[0101] Referring to FIG. 8, operations 810 and 830 may be intended to describe the operations of a communication device (500) that independently controls multi-AP cooperation. Operations 810 and 830 may be performed sequentially, but are not necessarily performed sequentially. For example, the order of each operation (810 to 830) may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel.

[0102] In operation 810, the communication device (500) may collect feedback frames for channel sounding transmitted from the STA (301). The feedback frames may include feedback frames between the STA (301) and one or more devices capable of participating in multi-AP cooperation (e.g., the communication device (500), the AP (401), the AP (403), the AP (405)). The one or more devices capable of participating in multi-AP cooperation may include an AP (e.g., the AP (401), the AP (403), the AP (405)) and / or the communication device (500). The channel sounding between the STA (301) and one or more devices capable of participating in multi-AP cooperation may be triggered according to a specified period and / or a specified condition (e.g., before data transmission). Additionally, the communication device (500) can control channel sounding to be performed between the STA (301) and one or more devices capable of participating in multi-AP cooperation when it is determined that channel measurement (e.g., wireless channel measurement) is necessary.

[0103] In operation 830, the communication device (500) can determine (or select) one or more AP combinations to communicate with the STA (301) in a network environment for multi-AP cooperation based on the collected feedback frames. The communication device (500) can obtain (e.g., collect) SNR information on one or more devices capable of participating in multi-AP cooperation from the perspective of the STA (301) from the collected feedback frames, and can determine the location and / or movement status of the STA (301) based on the obtained SNR information. The communication device (500) can change one or more AP combinations to communicate with the STA (301) from a single AP to a multi-AP combination, or from a multi-AP combination to a single AP, or from a first multi-AP combination to a second multi-AP combination, depending on the location and / or movement status of the STA (301).

[0104] Channel sounding is typically performed before transmitting traffic, and may be performed every few milliseconds (e.g., approximately 50 ms) when there is a lot of data or significant channel variation. The SNR measurement cycle required for the communication device (500) to detect the movement of the STA (301) may be determined based on the spacing between APs, the moving speed of the person, and / or how quickly the movement of the STA (301) is to be detected. For example, assuming the spacing between APs is approximately 6 m and the typical walking speed is 1 meter / sec, if the threshold for switching to a better AP is a movement of approximately 3 meters, the location and movement status can be identified within 3 seconds. If at least 3 measurements are required to detect changes in RSSI, channel sounding is required once per second. When the STA (301) moves during data transmission, the wireless channel changes significantly, so the AP performs channel sounding more frequently, which may be sufficient for the communication device (500) to determine the location and movement status of the STA (301) within the required time. When there is no traffic, channel sounding is not performed frequently, but in this case, since there is no data anyway, a delay may not be a problem. Since the AP performs channel sounding before sending data after a long period of no traffic, the communication device (500) can determine the location and movement status of the STA (301) depending on the situation.

[0105] As described above in FIG. 8, when the communication device (500) collects feedback frames according to channel sounding and detects the location and / or movement status of the STA (301) on its own, the sensitivity of the movement detection (e.g., how quickly the communication device (500) can detect the movement of the STA (301) when the STA (301) starts moving from a stationary state or vice versa) may be affected by the channel sounding operation cycle. When the STA (301) starts moving and the channel sounding cycle becomes short, the communication device (500) can quickly detect the movement of the STA (301) thereafter. However, for the channel sounding cycle to naturally become short, a transmission failure must inevitably occur, and it may take a long time to detect it. In order to supplement this, FIG. 9 describes a method in which a communication device (500) detects the start point of movement of an STA (301) and reports its movement status to the communication device (500).

[0106]

[0107] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a method for controlling multi-AP cooperation using channel sounding according to one embodiment.

[0108] Referring to FIG. 9, operations 910 to 950 may be intended to describe operations of a communication device (500) that controls multi-AP cooperation with the assistance of an STA (301). Operations 910 to 950 may be performed sequentially, but are not necessarily performed sequentially. For example, the order of each operation (910 to 950) may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel.

[0109] In operation 910, the communication device (500) may transmit a request frame (e.g., a multi-AP coordination mobility measurement request frame (1130) of FIG. 11A) to the STA (301) to report status information of the STA (301). The status information of the STA (301) may include a combination of one or more of movement information of the STA (301) or information indicating a wireless network environment of the STA (301). The status information of the STA (301) may be information specifying a location and / or movement status of the STA (301).

[0110] In operation 930, the STA (301) may transmit a report frame (e.g., a multi-AP coordination mobility measurement report frame of FIG. 11B) including status information of the STA (301) to the communication device (500). According to one embodiment, operation 910 may be omitted, and the STA (301) may autonomously report a response frame without a request from the communication device (500).

[0111] In operation 950, the communication device (500) may determine (or select) one or more AP combinations to communicate with the STA (301) in a network environment for multi-AP cooperation based on feedback frames collected according to channel sounding between one or more devices capable of participating in multi-AP cooperation and the STA (301), in response to the report frame. The communication device (500) may determine the location and movement state of the STA (301) from the collected feedback frames with the assistance of the STA (301). The collected feedback frames may be feedback frames collected according to channel sounding performed prior to receiving the report frame. In addition, the channel sounding may be performed upon receiving the report frame, so that the communication device (500) may collect feedback frames for the channel sounding transmitted from the STA (301) and determine one or more AP combinations to communicate with the STA (301) using the collected feedback frames.

[0112]

[0113] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the operation of an STA for multi-AP cooperation according to one embodiment.

[0114] Referring to FIG. 10, operations 1010 to 1090 may be intended to describe the operations of an STA (301) for multi-AP cooperation. Operations 1010 to 1090 may be performed sequentially, but are not necessarily performed sequentially. For example, the order of each operation (1010 to 1090) may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel.

[0115] At operation 1010, the STA (301) may receive an NDPA frame indicating channel sounding. At operation 1030, the STA (301) may receive an NDP frame. At operation 1050, the STA (301) may receive a BFRP trigger frame. At operation 1070, the STA (301) may transmit a feedback frame including channel state information based on the BFRP trigger frame.

[0116] Operations 1010 to 1070 may be performed simultaneously or sequentially between the STA (301) and one or more devices capable of participating in multi-AP cooperation. The one or more devices capable of participating in multi-AP cooperation may include an AP (e.g., AP (401), AP (403), AP (405)) and / or a communication device (500).

[0117] In operation 1090, the STA (301) may perform communication through a combination of one or more APs determined based on a feedback frame in a network environment for multi-AP cooperation. The STA (301) may perform communication by changing from a single AP to a multi-AP combination, or from a multi-AP combination to a single AP, or from a first multi-AP combination to a second multi-AP combination, depending on the location and / or movement status of the STA (301).

[0118]

[0119] FIGS. 11A to 11C are drawings for explaining frames defined to transmit a report of status information of an STA according to one embodiment.

[0120] FIG. 11A illustrates an example of a request frame requesting a report of status information of an STA (301) according to an embodiment, and FIG. 11B illustrates an example of a response frame specifying status information of an STA (301) according to an embodiment. The status information of the STA (301) may be information specifying a location and / or movement situation of the STA (301). A multi-AP coordination mobility measurement request frame (1110) and a multi-AP coordination mobility measurement report frame (1130) may be frames defined to transmit status information of the STA (301) to a communication device (500). The multi-AP coordination mobility measurement request frame (1110) and the multi-AP coordination mobility measurement report frame (1130) may be defined using a radio measurement action frame of IEEE 802. 11.

[0121] Fig. 11a may represent an action field included in an action frame defined in the 802.11 standard. The action frame can define and use various operations according to the category value of the action field. Table 2 is an excerpt of a portion of the action frame defined according to the category value in the IEEE 802. 11 standard, and the radio measurement action frame can be confirmed in Table 2.

[0122]

[0123]

[0124] According to one embodiment, the radio measurement action frame operates as a request / report pair and can also operate in an autonomous report manner. The role of the radio measurement action frame can be defined according to the value of the radio measurement action field of the radio measurement action frame. As shown in Table 3, six radio measurement action field values ​​(e.g., values ​​0 to 5) are defined, and the radio measurement action frame can be defined and used for the purpose of requesting a peer device to measure a wireless channel status or requesting information about surrounding APs. The remaining values ​​(e.g., values ​​6 to 255) can be left as reserved.

[0125]

[0126]

[0127] According to one embodiment, the multi-AP cooperative mobility measurement request frame (1110) and the multi-AP cooperative mobility measurement report frame (1130) can be defined (or designed) by setting the remaining values ​​(e.g., values ​​6 to 255) in the radio measurement action field of the radio measurement action frame. For example, when the radio measurement action field value is 6, the radio measurement action frame is defined as the multi-AP cooperative mobility measurement request frame (1110), and the multi-AP cooperative mobility measurement request frame (1110) can be used by an AP (e.g., a communication device (500)) to request a single client terminal (e.g., an STA (301)) for a section to update a mobility status. When the radio measurement action field value is 7, the radio measurement action frame is defined as a multi-AP cooperative mobility measurement report frame (1130), and a single client terminal (e.g., STA (301)) can use the multi-AP cooperative mobility measurement report frame (1130) to inform an AP (e.g., communication device (500)) of its mobility status. The AP (e.g., communication device (500)) can simultaneously transmit a multi-AP cooperative mobility measurement request frame (1110) to multiple client terminals, and each client terminal can transmit a multi-AP cooperative mobility measurement report frame (1130) to the AP (e.g., communication device (500)) in response to the multi-AP cooperative mobility measurement request frame (1110).

[0128] According to one embodiment, the multi-AP cooperative mobile measurement request frame (1110) and the multi-AP cooperative mobile measurement report frame (1130) operate as a pair of request / report, and may also operate in an autonomous report manner.

[0129] According to one embodiment, a multi-AP cooperative mobile measurement request frame (1110) may include a category field (1111), a radio measurement action field (1113), a dialog token field (1115), and a measurement request element field (1119). The category field (1111) may be set to a category value (e.g., the category value '2' of Table 2), and the radio measurement action field (1113) may be set to a radio measurement action field value (e.g., one of the radio measurement action field values ​​6 to 255 of Table 3). The dialog token field (1115) may be a field used to identify a measurement request transaction. For example, an AP (e.g., a communication device (500)) may transmit a multi-AP cooperative mobile measurement request frame (1110) by setting the dialog token field (1115) to 1 at time T1, and may transmit a multi-AP cooperative mobile measurement request frame (1110) by setting the dialog token field (1115) to 2 at time T2. The measurement request element field (1119) may include request type information. For example, the request type may be an immediate response request, a measurement start request, and / or a measurement stop request.

[0130] According to one embodiment, the immediate response request type can be used in the operation mode of the request / report pair. When an AP (e.g., communication device (500)) transmits a multi-AP cooperative mobility measurement request frame (1110) with the immediate response request type, an STA (e.g., STA (301)) can measure the current status and transmit a multi-AP cooperative mobility measurement report frame (1130) to the AP (e.g., communication device (500)).

[0131] According to one embodiment, the measurement start request / measurement stop request type can be used in the operation mode of autonomous report. When an STA (e.g., STA (301)) receives a multi-AP cooperative mobile measurement request frame (1110) including a measurement start request, the STA (e.g., STA (301)) may transmit a multi-AP cooperative mobile measurement report frame (1130) to an AP (e.g., communication device (500)) whenever its location and / or movement status changes until the multi-AP cooperative mobile measurement request frame (1110) including a measurement stop request is received by the STA (e.g., STA (301)). For example, when the STA (e.g., STA (301)) changes from a stationary state to a moving state or vice versa, when the STA changes from a moving state to a stationary state, the STA (e.g., STA (301)) may transmit a multi-AP cooperative mobile measurement report frame (1130) to the AP (e.g., communication device (500)). In addition, if the moving speed changes or the SNR of APs changes while moving, the STA (e.g., STA (301)) may transmit a multi-AP cooperative mobility measurement report frame (1130). If the SNR of APs changes even when stationary, the STA (e.g., STA (301)) may transmit a multi-AP cooperative mobility measurement report frame (1130). If the multi-AP cooperative mobility measurement request frame (1110) including a measurement stop request is received from an AP (e.g., communication device (500)), the STA (e.g., STA (301)) may not transmit a multi-AP cooperative mobility measurement report frame (1130) thereafter.

[0132] According to one embodiment, the multi-AP cooperative mobile measurement report frame (1130) may include a category field (1131), a radio measurement action field (1133), a dialog token field (1135), an AID field (1137), and a measurement request element field (1139). The category field (1131) may be set to a category value (e.g., the category value '2' of Table 2), and the radio measurement action field (1133) may be set to a radio measurement action field value (e.g., one of the radio measurement action field values ​​6 to 255 of Table 3). The dialog token field (1135) may be a field used to identify a measurement report transaction. For example, an STA (e.g., STA (301)) may transmit the multi-AP cooperative mobile measurement report frame (1130) by setting the dialog token field (1135). An AP (e.g., a communication device (500)) can check the dialogue token field (1135) of the multi-AP cooperative mobility measurement report frame (1130) to determine at what point in time the measurement result was obtained. The AID field (1137) may contain STA identifier information in the corresponding network. The measurement request element field (1139) may include movement information of an STA (e.g., STA (301)) and information indicating a wireless network environment. For example, the movement information may include movement status information (e.g., stationary or mobility status) and / or movement speed level (e.g., running or walking). The information indicating the wireless network environment may include an AP identifier (e.g., BSSID) and SNR information (e.g., SNR information for the AP). The SNR information may be mapped to the AP identifier.

[0133]

[0134] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation for controlling multi-AP cooperation using channel sounding according to one embodiment.

[0135] Actions 1210 through 1270 may be performed sequentially, but are not necessarily performed sequentially. For example, the order of each action (1210 through 1270) may be changed, and at least two actions may be performed in parallel.

[0136] In operation 1210, the communication device (500) may collect feedback frames for channel sounding transmitted from the STA (301). The feedback frames may include feedback frames between the STA (301) and one or more devices capable of participating in multi-AP cooperation. The one or more devices capable of participating in multi-AP cooperation may include an AP (e.g., AP (401), AP (403), AP (405)) and / or the communication device (500).

[0137] In operation 1230, the communication device (500) can check SNR information for one or more devices capable of participating in multi-AP cooperation from the perspective of the STA (301) from feedback frames.

[0138] In operation 1250, the communication device (500) can determine whether the location and / or movement status of the STA (301) has changed based on SNR information for one or more devices capable of participating in multi-AP cooperation. The communication device (500) can determine the change in the location and / or movement status of the STA (301) compared to before by checking the tendency of change in the signal received by the STA (301) from each device capable of participating in multi-AP cooperation based on this SNR information.

[0139] In operation 1270, when the location or movement status of the STA (301) has changed, the communication device (500) can determine (or select) one or more AP combinations (e.g., an optimal AP combination to communicate with the STA (301)) to participate in data transmission and reception in a network environment for multi-AP cooperation.

[0140]

[0141] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation for controlling multi-AP cooperation using channel sounding according to one embodiment.

[0142] Operations 1310 to 1360 may be performed by the communication device (500), and operations 1370 to 1390 may be performed by the STA (301). Operations 1310 to 1360 and operations 1370 to 1390 may be performed sequentially, but are not necessarily performed sequentially. For example, the order of each operation (1310 to 1360) and the order of each operation (1370 to 1390) may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel. For convenience of explanation, the operation of the communication device (500) will be described before the operation of the STA (301).

[0143] Operation of the communication device (500)

[0144] In operation 1310, the communication device (500) may transmit a multi-AP cooperative mobile measurement request frame (1110) including a measurement start request to the STA (301). The multi-AP cooperative mobile measurement request frame including the measurement start request (e.g., the multi-AP cooperative mobile measurement request frame (1110) of FIG. 11B) may be for requesting that the STA (301) transmit (e.g., include an update) information about the location and / or movement status of the STA (301). The measurement start request may be included in the measurement request element field (1119) of the multi-AP cooperative mobile measurement request frame (1110).

[0145] In operation 1315, the communication device (500) may determine whether it is necessary or optimal to continue measuring the location and / or movement of the STA (301). If it is necessary or optimal to continue measuring the movement of the STA (301), the communication device (500) may perform operation 1325, and if not, the communication device (500) may perform operation 1320.

[0146] In operation 1320, if it is determined that there is no need to continue measuring the location and / or movement of the STA (301), the communication device (500) may transmit a multi-AP cooperative mobility measurement request frame (1110) including a measurement stop request to the STA (301). The measurement stop request may be included in the measurement request element field (1119) of the multi-AP cooperative mobility measurement request frame (1110).

[0147] In operation 1325, the communication device (500) can check whether a multi-AP cooperative movement measurement report frame (1130) transmitted from the STA (301) has been received.

[0148] In operation 1330, when a multi-AP cooperation mobile measurement report frame (1130) is received, the communication device (500) may collect feedback frames for channel sounding transmitted from the STA (301). The feedback frames may include feedback frames between the STA (301) and one or more devices capable of participating in multi-AP cooperation. The one or more devices capable of participating in multi-AP cooperation may include an AP (e.g., AP (401), AP (403), AP (405)) and / or the communication device (500).

[0149] In operation 1340, the communication device (500) can check SNR information about APs (e.g., AP (401), AP (403), AP (405)) from the perspective of STA (301) from feedback frames (e.g., feedback frame between AP (401) and STA (301), feedback frame between AP (403) and STA (301), feedback frame between AP (405) and STA (301)).

[0150] In operation 1350, the communication device (500) can determine whether the location and / or movement status of the STA (301) has changed based on SNR information for one or more devices capable of participating in multi-AP cooperation. The communication device (500) can determine the change in the location and / or movement status of the STA (301) compared to before by checking the tendency of change in the signal received by the STA (301) from each device capable of participating in multi-AP cooperation based on this SNR information.

[0151] In operation 1360, when the location and / or movement status of the STA (301) has changed, the communication device (500) can determine (or select) one or more AP combinations (e.g., an optimal AP combination to communicate with the STA (301)) to participate in data transmission and reception in a network environment for multi-AP cooperation.

[0152] Operation of STA(301)

[0153] In operation 1370 and operation 1380, the STA (301) detects movement of the STA (301) in response to the multi-AP cooperative mobility measurement request frame (1110) including a measurement start request, and determines whether a movement event of the STA (301) has occurred using the movement detection result. Movement detection of the STA (301) may be initiated according to the multi-AP cooperative mobility measurement request frame (1110) including the measurement start request. The STA (301) may detect movement of the STA (301) based on sensor information of a sensor (e.g., an inertial sensor) that detects movement within the STA (301) and / or a change in signal strength of the AP.

[0154] In operation 1390, when a movement event of STA (301) occurs, STA (301) may transmit a multi-AP cooperative movement measurement report frame (1130) including status information of STA (301) specifying the location and / or movement status of STA (301) to the communication device (500).

[0155] When the STA (301) receives a multi-AP cooperative mobility measurement request frame (1110) including a measurement stop request from the communication device (500), the STA (301) can stop detecting the movement of the STA (301). That is, the STA (301) can stop transmitting the multi-AP cooperative mobility measurement report frame (1130) to the communication device (500).

[0156]

[0157] FIG. 14 shows a schematic block diagram of a wireless LAN system for multi-AP cooperation according to one embodiment.

[0158] Referring to FIG. 14, a wireless LAN system (e.g., wireless LAN system (10) of FIG. 1, wireless LAN system (20) of FIG. 2, wireless LAN system (30) of FIG. 4) may include a communication device (500) and an STA (301) (e.g., electronic device (1501), electronic device (1502), or electronic device (1504) of FIG. 15).

[0159] According to one embodiment, the communication device (500) may include a processor (520), a memory (530), a wireless communication module (592), and an antenna module (597). The processor (520) may be operatively connected to the wireless communication module (592). The wireless communication module (592) is configured to transmit and receive wireless signals and may transmit or receive wireless signals through the antenna module (597). The processor (520) is electrically connected to the memory (530) and may execute instructions stored in the memory (530). The memory (530) may store instructions executable by the processor (520).

[0160] According to one embodiment, the memory (530) may include one or more memories. The instructions stored in the memory (530) may be stored in a single memory. The instructions stored in the memory (530) may be divided and stored in multiple memories. The instructions stored in the memory (530) may be individually or collectively executed by the processor (520) to cause the communication device (500) to perform and / or control the operations of the communication device (500) described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 13.

[0161] According to one embodiment, the processor (520) may be implemented as a circuit (e.g., a processing circuit) such as a system on chip (SoC) or an integrated circuit (IC). The processor (520) may include one or more processors. For example, the processor (520) may include a combination of one or more processors such as a CPU, a GPU, an MPU, an AP, and a CP. Instructions stored in the memory (530) may be individually or collectively executed by one processor to cause the communication device (500) to perform and / or control the operation of the communication device (500) described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 13. Instructions stored in the memory (530) may be individually or collectively executed by a plurality of processors to cause the communication device (500) to perform and / or control the operation of the communication device (500) described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 13. According to one embodiment, the STA (301) may include a processor (390) (e.g., the processor 1520 of FIG. 15), a memory (391) (e.g., the memory 1530 of FIG. 15), a wireless communication module (392) (e.g., the wireless communication module 1592 of FIG. 15), and an antenna module (397) (e.g., the antenna module 1597 of FIG. 15). The processor (390) may be operatively connected to the wireless communication module (392). The wireless communication module (392) is configured to transmit and receive wireless signals and may transmit or receive wireless signals through the antenna module (397). The processor (390) is electrically connected to the memory (391) and can execute instructions stored in the memory (391). The memory (391) can store one or more instructions executable by the processor (390).One or more instructions stored in the memory (391) may be executed by the processor (390) to cause the STA (301) to control the operation of the STA (301) described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 13.

[0162] According to one embodiment, the memory (391) may include one or more memories. The instructions stored in the memory (391) may be stored in a single memory. The instructions stored in the memory (391) may be divided and stored in multiple memories. The instructions stored in the memory (391) may be individually or collectively executed by the processor (390) to cause the STA (301) to perform and / or control the operations of the STA (301) described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 13.

[0163] According to one embodiment, the processor (390) may be implemented as a circuit (e.g., a processing circuit) such as a system on chip (SoC) or an integrated circuit (IC). The processor (390) may include one or more processors. For example, the processor (390) may include a combination of one or more processors such as a CPU, a GPU, an MPU, an AP, and a CP. The instructions stored in the memory (391) may be individually or collectively executed by one processor to cause the STA (301) to perform and / or control the operations of the STA (301) described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 13. The instructions stored in the memory (391) may be individually or collectively executed by a plurality of processors to cause the STA (301) to perform and / or control the operations of the STA (301) described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 13.

[0164]

[0165] FIG. 15 is a block diagram of an electronic device (1501) within a network environment (1500) according to various embodiments. Referring to FIG. 15 , in the network environment (1500), the electronic device (1501) may communicate with the electronic device (1502) via a first network (1598) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or may communicate with at least one of the electronic device (1504) or the server (1508) via a second network (1599) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). In one embodiment, the electronic device (1501) may communicate with the electronic device (1504) via the server (1508). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (1501) may include a processor (1520), a memory (1530), an input module (1550), an audio output module (1555), a display module (1560), an audio module (1570), a sensor module (1576), an interface (1577), a connection terminal (1578), a haptic module (1579), a camera module (1580), a power management module (1588), a battery (1589), a communication module (1590), a subscriber identification module (1596), or an antenna module (1597). In some embodiments, the electronic device (1501) may omit at least one of these components (e.g., the connection terminal (1578)), or may have one or more other components added. In some embodiments, some of these components (e.g., sensor module (1576), camera module (1580), or antenna module (1597)) may be integrated into a single component (e.g., display module (1560)).

[0166] The processor (1520) may, for example, execute software (e.g., a program (1540)) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device (1501) connected to the processor (1520) and perform various data processing or operations. According to one embodiment, as at least a part of the data processing or operations, the processor (1520) may store commands or data received from other components (e.g., a sensor module (1576) or a communication module (1590)) in a volatile memory (1532), process the commands or data stored in the volatile memory (1532), and store result data in a non-volatile memory (1534). According to one embodiment, the processor (1520) may include a main processor (1521) (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor) or an auxiliary processor (1523) (e.g., a graphics processing unit, a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor) that can operate independently or together with the main processor (1521). For example, when the electronic device (1501) includes the main processor (1521) and the auxiliary processor (1523), the auxiliary processor (1523) may be configured to use less power than the main processor (1521) or to be specialized for a given function. The auxiliary processor (1523) may be implemented separately from the main processor (1521) or as a part thereof.

[0167] The auxiliary processor (1523) may control at least a portion of functions or states associated with at least one component (e.g., the display module (1560), the sensor module (1576), or the communication module (1590)) of the electronic device (1501), for example, on behalf of the main processor (1521) while the main processor (1521) is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor (1521) while the main processor (1521) is in an active (e.g., application execution) state. In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (1523) (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as a part of another functionally related component (e.g., a camera module (1580) or a communication module (1590)). In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (1523) (e.g., a neural network processing unit) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing artificial intelligence models. The artificial intelligence models may be generated through machine learning. This learning can be performed, for example, on the electronic device (1501) where the artificial intelligence model is executed, or can be performed through a separate server (e.g., server (1508)). The learning algorithm can include, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, but is not limited to the examples described above. The artificial intelligence model can include multiple artificial neural network layers.The artificial neural network may be one of a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), a deep Q-network, or a combination of two or more of the above, but is not limited to the examples described above. In addition to, or alternatively to, a hardware structure, an artificial intelligence model may include a software structure.

[0168] The memory (1530) can store various data used by at least one component (e.g., the processor (1520) or the sensor module (1576)) of the electronic device (1501). The data can include, for example, software (e.g., the program (1540)) and input data or output data for commands related thereto. The memory (1530) can include volatile memory (1532) or non-volatile memory (1534).

[0169] The program (1540) may be stored as software in memory (1530) and may include, for example, an operating system (1542), middleware (1544), or an application (1546).

[0170] The input module (1550) can receive commands or data to be used in a component of the electronic device (1501) (e.g., a processor (1520)) from an external source (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (1501). The input module (1550) can include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

[0171] The audio output module (1555) can output audio signals to the outside of the electronic device (1501). The audio output module (1555) can include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker can be used for general purposes, such as multimedia playback or recording playback. The receiver can be used to receive incoming calls. In one embodiment, the receiver can be implemented separately from the speaker or as part of the speaker.

[0172] The display module (1560) can visually provide information to an external party (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (1501). The display module (1560) may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector, and a control circuit for controlling the device. In one embodiment, the display module (1560) may include a touch sensor configured to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor configured to measure the intensity of a force generated by the touch.

[0173] The audio module (1570) can convert sound into an electrical signal, or vice versa. According to one embodiment, the audio module (1570) can acquire sound through the input module (1550), output sound through the sound output module (1555), or an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (1502)) (e.g., speaker or headphone) directly or wirelessly connected to the electronic device (1501).

[0174] The sensor module (1576) can detect the operating status (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device (1501) or the external environmental status (e.g., user status) and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected status. According to one embodiment, the sensor module (1576) can include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

[0175] The interface (1577) may support one or more designated protocols that may be used to directly or wirelessly connect the electronic device (1501) with an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (1502)). In one embodiment, the interface (1577) may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface.

[0176] The connection terminal (1578) may include a connector through which the electronic device (1501) may be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (1502)). In one embodiment, the connection terminal (1578) may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0177] The haptic module (1579) can convert electrical signals into mechanical stimuli (e.g., vibration or movement) or electrical stimuli that a user can perceive through tactile or kinesthetic sensations. In one embodiment, the haptic module (1579) may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0178] The camera module (1580) can capture still images and videos. In one embodiment, the camera module (1580) may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

[0179] The power management module (1588) can manage the power supplied to the electronic device (1501). According to one embodiment, the power management module (1588) can be implemented as at least a part of, for example, a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0180] A battery (1589) may power at least one component of the electronic device (1501). In one embodiment, the battery (1589) may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0181] The communication module (1590) may support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device (1501) and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (1502), electronic device (1504), or server (1508)), and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module (1590) may operate independently from the processor (1520) (e.g., application processor) and may include one or more communication processors that support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module (1590) may include a wireless communication module (1592) (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (1594) (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Any of these communication modules may communicate with an external electronic device (1504) via a first network (1598) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (1599) (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a local area network or a wide area network)). These various types of communication modules may be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module (1592) may use subscriber information (e.g., an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (1596) to verify or authenticate the electronic device (1501) within a communication network such as the first network (1598) or the second network (1599).

[0182] The wireless communication module (1592) can support 5G networks and next-generation communication technologies following the 4G network, such as NR access technology (new radio access technology). NR access technology can support high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (eMBB (enhanced mobile broadband)), minimizing terminal power and connecting multiple terminals (mMTC (massive machine type communications)), or high reliability and low latency communications (URLLC (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications)). The wireless communication module (1592) can support, for example, a high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band) to achieve a high data transmission rate. The wireless communication module (1592) may support various technologies for securing performance in high-frequency bands, such as beamforming, massive multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO), full dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large scale antenna. The wireless communication module (1592) may support various requirements specified in the electronic device (1501), an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (1504)), or a network system (e.g., the second network (1599)). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module (1592) may support a peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for eMBB implementation, a loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for mMTC implementation, or a U-plane latency (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or 1 ms or less for round trip) for URLLC implementation.

[0183] The antenna module (1597) can transmit or receive signals or power to or from an external device (e.g., an external electronic device). In one embodiment, the antenna module (1597) may include an antenna including a radiator formed of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). In one embodiment, the antenna module (1597) may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication method used in a communication network, such as the first network (1598) or the second network (1599), may be selected from the plurality of antennas by, for example, the communication module (1590). A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module (1590) and the external electronic device via the at least one selected antenna. In some embodiments, in addition to the radiator, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as a part of the antenna module (1597).

[0184] According to various embodiments, the antenna module (1597) may form a mmWave antenna module. In one embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent a first side (e.g., a bottom side) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a designated high frequency band (e.g., a mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna) disposed on or adjacent a second side (e.g., a top side or a side side) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving signals in the designated high frequency band.

[0185] At least some of the above components can be interconnected and exchange signals (e.g., commands or data) with each other via a communication method between peripheral devices (e.g., a bus, GPIO (general purpose input and output), SPI (serial peripheral interface), or MIPI (mobile industry processor interface)).

[0186] According to one embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device (1501) and an external electronic device (1504) via a server (1508) connected to a second network (1599). Each of the external electronic devices (1502 or 1504) may be the same or a different type of device as the electronic device (1501). According to one embodiment, all or part of the operations executed in the electronic device (1501) may be executed in one or more of the external electronic devices (1502, 1504, or 1508). For example, when the electronic device (1501) is to perform a certain function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device (1501) may, instead of or in addition to executing the function or service itself, request one or more external electronic devices to perform the function or at least a part of the service. One or more external electronic devices that receive the request may execute at least a portion of the requested function or service, or an additional function or service related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device (1501). The electronic device (1501) may process the result as is or additionally and provide it as at least a portion of a response to the request. For this purpose, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used, for example. The electronic device (1501) may provide an ultra-low latency service using, for example, distributed computing or mobile edge computing. In another embodiment, the external electronic device (1504) may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server (1508) may be an intelligent server utilizing machine learning and / or a neural network.According to one embodiment, an external electronic device (1504) or server (1508) may be included within the second network (1599). The electronic device (1501) may be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart homes, smart cities, smart cars, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology.

[0187]

[0188] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., STA (301) of FIG. 4, electronic device (1501) of FIG. 15) may include a processor (e.g., processor (390) of FIG. 14, processor (1520) of FIG. 15), one or more wireless communication circuits (e.g., wireless communication module (392) of FIG. 14, wireless communication module (1592) of FIG. 15) operatively connected to the processor (390, 1520) and configured to transmit and receive wireless signals), and a memory (e.g., memory (391) of FIG. 14, memory (1530) of FIG. 15) that stores instructions. The instructions may be individually or collectively executed by the processor (390, 1520) to cause the electronic device (301, 1501) to receive a null data packet announcement (NDPA) frame that notifies channel sounding. The instructions may be individually or collectively executed by the processor (390, 1520) to cause the electronic device (301, 1501) to receive a null data packet (NDP) frame. The instructions may be individually or collectively executed by the processor (390, 1520) to cause the electronic device (301, 1501) to obtain channel state information based on the NDP frame. The instructions may be individually or collectively executed by the processor (390, 1520) to cause the electronic device (301, 1501) to receive a beamforming report poll (BFRP) frame. The instructions may be individually or collectively executed by the processor (390, 1520) to cause the electronic device (301, 1501) to transmit a feedback frame including the channel state information based on the BFRP frame.The above instructions may be individually or collectively executed by the processor (390, 1520) to cause the electronic device (301, 1501) to perform communication through a combination of one or more APs determined based on the feedback frame in a network environment for multi-AP cooperation.

[0189] According to one embodiment, the instructions may be individually or collectively executed by the processor (390, 1520) to cause the electronic device (301, 1501) to report status information of the electronic device (301, 1501) to a device (500) that further controls the multi-AP cooperation.

[0190] According to one embodiment, the status information may include a combination of one or more of movement information of the electronic device (301, 1501) or information indicating a wireless network environment of the electronic device (301, 1501).

[0191] According to one embodiment, the reporting of the status information may be such that the instructions are individually or collectively executed by the processor (390; 1520) to cause the electronic device (301; 1501) to report the status information in response to a request for reporting of the status information or autonomous reporting of the device (500) controlling the multi-AP cooperation.

[0192] In one embodiment, reporting of the status information and requests for reporting may be made using a Radio Measurement Action frame.

[0193] According to one embodiment, the combination of one or more APs may be determined based on SNR information for one or more APs capable of participating in multi-AP cooperation obtained from the feedback frame.

[0194] According to one embodiment, the protocol of the channel sounding may be triggered based on reporting of the status information.

[0195] According to one embodiment, the instructions may be individually or collectively executed by the processor (390, 1520) to cause the electronic device (301, 1501) to perform communication by changing from a single AP to a multi-AP combination.

[0196] According to one embodiment, the instructions may be individually or collectively executed by the processor (390, 1520) to cause the electronic device (301, 1501) to perform communication by changing from a first multi-AP combination to a second multi-AP combination.

[0197] According to one embodiment, the instructions may be individually or collectively executed by the processor (390, 1520) to cause the electronic device (301, 1501) to perform communication by changing from a multi-AP combination to a single AP.

[0198] A communication device (e.g., a communication device (500) of FIG. 4) for controlling multi-AP cooperation according to one embodiment may include a processor (e.g., a processor (520) of FIG. 14), one or more wireless communication circuits (e.g., a wireless communication module (592) of FIG. 14) operatively connected to the processor (520) and configured to transmit and receive wireless signals, and a memory (e.g., a memory (530) of FIG. 14) for storing instructions. The instructions may be individually or collectively executed by the processor (520) to cause the communication device (500) to collect feedback frames according to channel sounding between an AP capable of participating in the multi-AP cooperation and an electronic device (e.g., an STA (301) of FIG. 4, an electronic device (1501) of FIG. 15). The above instructions may be individually or collectively executed by the processor (520) to cause the communication device (500) to determine a combination of one or more APs to communicate with the electronic device (301, 1501) based on the feedback frame.

[0199] According to one embodiment, the instructions may be individually or collectively executed by the processor (520) to cause the communication device (500) to further request reporting of status information of the electronic device (301, 1501).

[0200] According to one embodiment, the status information may include a combination of one or more of movement information of the electronic device (301; 1501) or information indicating a wireless network environment of the electronic device (301; 1501).

[0201] In one embodiment, reporting of the status information and requests for reporting may be made using a Radio Measurement Action frame.

[0202] According to one embodiment, the Radio Measurement Action field value of the Radio Measurement Action frame may be set to any one of 6 to 255.

[0203] According to one embodiment, the instructions may be individually or collectively executed by the processor (520) to cause the communication device (500) to obtain SNR information about APs capable of participating in the multi-AP cooperation from the feedback frame, and to determine a combination of one or more APs to communicate with the electronic device (301; 1501) based on the SNR information.

[0204] According to one embodiment, the protocol of the channel sounding may be triggered based on reporting of the status information.

[0205] According to one embodiment, the instructions may be individually or collectively executed by the processor (520) to cause the communication device (500) to change the combination of the one or more APs from a single AP to a multi-AP combination.

[0206] According to one embodiment, the instructions may be individually or collectively executed by the processor (520) to cause the communication device (500) to change the combination of the one or more APs from a first multi-AP combination to a second multi-AP combination.

[0207] According to one embodiment, the instructions may be individually or collectively executed by the processor (520) to cause the communication device (500) to change the combination of the one or more APs from a multi-AP combination to a single AP.

[0208] According to one embodiment, a method of operating an electronic device (e.g., STA (301) of FIG. 4, electronic device (1501) of FIG. 15) may include an operation of receiving a null data packet announcement (NDPA) frame that notifies channel sounding. The method may include an operation of receiving a null data packet (NDP) frame. The method may include an operation of obtaining channel state information based on the NDP frame. The method may include an operation of receiving a beamforming report poll (BFRP) frame. The method may include an operation of transmitting a feedback frame including the channel state information based on the BFRP frame. The method may include an operation of performing communication through a combination of one or more APs determined based on the feedback frame in a network environment for multi-AP cooperation.

[0209]

[0210] The effects that can be obtained from the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects that are not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains from the description of the present disclosure.

[0211]

[0212] Electronic devices according to the various embodiments disclosed in this document may take various forms. Electronic devices may include, for example, portable communication devices (e.g., smartphones), computer devices, portable multimedia devices, portable medical devices, cameras, wearable devices, or home appliances. Electronic devices according to the embodiments of this document are not limited to the aforementioned devices.

[0213] The various embodiments of this document and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" can include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase among those phrases, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used merely to distinguish one component from another, and do not limit the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order). When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0214] The term "module" used in various embodiments of this document may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A module may be an integral component, or a minimum unit or part of such a component that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0215] Various embodiments of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., a program (1540)) including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., an internal memory (1536) or an external memory (1538)) readable by a machine (e.g., an electronic device (1540)). For example, a processor (e.g., a processor (1520)) of a machine (e.g., an electronic device (1501)) may call at least one instruction among the one or more instructions stored from the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one called instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently or temporarily on the storage medium.

[0216] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in this document may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) through an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smart phones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0217] According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include one or more entities, and some of the entities may be separated and placed in other components. According to various embodiments, one or more components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., a module or a program) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components identically or similarly to those performed by the corresponding component among the plurality of components prior to the integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

Claims

1. In an electronic device (301; 1501), Processor (390; 1520); A wireless communication circuit (392; 1592) operatively connected to the processor (390; 1520) and configured to transmit and receive wireless signals; and Memory for storing instructions (391; 1530) Including, The above instructions are individually or collectively executed by the processor (390; 1520) to cause the electronic device (301; 1501) to: Receives a null data packet announcement (NDPA) frame that signals channel sounding, Receive NDP (null data packet) frame, Obtain channel status information based on the above NDP frame, Receive the BFRP (beamforming report poll) frame, Transmitting a feedback frame including the channel state information based on the BFRP frame; In a network environment for multi-AP cooperation, communication is performed through a combination of one or more APs determined based on the feedback frame. Electronic devices (301; 1501).

2. In paragraph 1, The above instructions are individually or collectively executed by the processor (390; 1520) to cause the electronic device (301; 1501) to further: To report status information of the electronic device (301; 1501) to the device (500) controlling the above multi-AP cooperation, Electronic devices (301; 1501).

3. In either of paragraphs 1 and 2, The above status information is, Movement information of the above electronic device (301; 1501); or Information indicating the wireless network environment of the above electronic device (301; 1501) An electronic device (301; 1501) comprising one or more combinations thereof.

4. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, Reporting of the above status information, An electronic device (301; 1501), wherein the instructions are individually or collectively executed by the processor (390; 1520) to cause the electronic device (301; 1501) to report the status information according to a request for reporting or autonomous reporting of the status information of the device (500) controlling the multi-AP cooperation.

5. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 4, Reporting of the above status information and requests for reporting, An electronic device (301; 1501) utilizing a Radio Measurement Action frame.

6. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 5, A combination of one or more of the above APs, An electronic device (301; 1501), wherein the determination is based on SNR information for one or more APs capable of participating in multi-AP cooperation obtained from the above feedback frame.

7. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 6, The protocol for the above channel sounding is: An electronic device (301; 1501) that is triggered based on the report of the above status information.

8. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 7, The above instructions are individually or collectively executed by the processor (390; 1520) to cause the electronic device (301; 1501) to: To perform communication by changing from a single AP to a multi-AP combination, or To perform communication by changing from the first multi-AP combination to the second multi-AP combination, or An electronic device (301; 1501) that performs communication by changing from a multi-AP combination to a single AP.

9. In a communication device (500) controlling multi-AP cooperation, Processor (520); One or more wireless communication circuits (592) operatively connected to the processor (520) and configured to transmit and receive wireless signals; Memory for storing instructions (530) Including, The above instructions are individually or collectively executed by the processor (520) to cause the communication device (500) to: Collect feedback frames according to channel sounding between APs and electronic devices (301; 1501) that can participate in the above multi-AP cooperation, To determine a combination of one or more APs to communicate with the electronic device (301; 1501) based on the feedback frame. Communication device (500).

10. In paragraph 9, The above instructions are individually or collectively executed by the processor (520) to cause the communication device (500) to further: To request reporting of status information of the above electronic device (301; 1501), Communication device (500).

11. In either of paragraphs 9 and 10, The above status information is, Movement information of the above electronic device (301; 1501); or Information indicating the wireless network environment of the above electronic device (301; 1501) A communication device (500) comprising one or more combinations thereof.

12. In any one of paragraphs 9 to 11, Reporting of the above status information and requests for reporting, A communication device (500) that uses a Radio Measurement Action frame.

13. In any one of paragraphs 9 and 12, A communication device (500) wherein the Radio Measurement Action field value of the above Radio Measurement Action frame is set to any one of 6 to 255.

14. In any one of paragraphs 9 and 13, The above instructions are individually or collectively executed by the processor (520) to cause the communication device (500) to: Obtain SNR information about APs that can participate in the multi-AP cooperation from the above feedback frame, To determine a combination of one or more APs to communicate with the electronic device (301; 1501) based on the above SNR information. Communication device (500).

15. In any one of paragraphs 9 and 14, The above instructions are individually or collectively executed by the processor (520) to cause the communication device (500) to: Change the combination of one or more of the above APs from a single AP to a multi-AP combination, or To change the combination of one or more of the above APs from the first multi-AP combination to the second multi-AP combination, or A communication device (500) that changes a combination of one or more APs from a multi-AP combination to a single AP.

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