Millimeter wave link establishment method and apparatus

Abstract

The present application provides a millimeter wave link establishment method and apparatus, which are applied to the technical field of wireless communications. The millimeter wave link establishment method is applied to an AP, and the method may comprise: an AP and an STA establish a sub-6G link; the AP receives a millimeter wave association request from the STA by means of the sub-6G link, the millimeter wave association request being used for requesting to establish a millimeter wave link in a first direction; the AP sends a millimeter wave association response to the STA by means of the sub-6G link, the millimeter wave association response being used for indicating determination to establish the millimeter wave link in the first direction; and the AP and the STA establish the millimeter wave link in the first direction. On the basis of the solution, the AP and the STA can use the established sub-6G link to transmit interaction messages used for establishing a millimeter wave link, and a Sub-6GHz signal has better anti-interference capability than a millimeter wave signal, so that the transmission success rate of the interaction messages for establishing the millimeter wave link is higher, and the success rate of millimeter wave link establishment can be greatly improved.

Description

Millimeter wave link establishment method and device

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office on October 23, 2023, with application number 202311381510.3 and application name “Millimeter Wave Link Establishment Method and Device”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the field of wireless communication technology, and in particular to a millimeter wave link establishment method and device. Background Art

[0003] Millimeter wave (mmWave) technology is an important technology in the fifth generation (5G) mobile communication standard. It has the advantages of large bandwidth and low latency, and can better meet users' growing network needs.

[0004] However, millimeter-wave signals have poor penetration and are easily blocked by obstacles. Therefore, millimeter-wave communications are susceptible to interference from obstacles surrounding millimeter-wave communication devices. When using millimeter-wave to establish a link between a user station (STA) and an access point (AP), if there are obstacles in the environment, the millimeter-wave signal transmission required for link establishment is likely to fail, resulting in a relatively low success rate for establishing millimeter-wave links.

[0005] Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present application provides a millimeter wave link establishment method and device, which can solve the problem that millimeter wave signals are susceptible to interference, resulting in a low success rate of millimeter wave link establishment.

[0007] In the first aspect, a millimeter wave link establishment method is provided, which can be executed by an AP, or by a component of the AP, such as a processor, chip, or chip system of the AP, or by a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the AP functions. The method may include: the AP and the STA establish a sub-6G link. Afterwards, the AP receives a millimeter wave association request from the STA through the sub-6G link, and the millimeter wave association request is used to request the establishment of a millimeter wave link in a first direction. And, the AP sends a millimeter wave association response to the STA through the sub-6G link, and the millimeter wave association response is used to indicate the determination to establish the millimeter wave link in the first direction. Then, the AP and the STA establish a millimeter wave link in the first direction.

[0008] Based on this solution, AP and STA use the established sub-6G link to transmit interactive messages for establishing millimeter wave links (such as the above-mentioned millimeter wave association request and millimeter wave association request). Sub-6GHz signals have better anti-interference capabilities than millimeter wave signals, so the transmission success rate of interactive messages for establishing millimeter wave links is higher, which can greatly improve the success rate of millimeter wave link establishment. This method can overcome the problem that the interaction of link establishment information through millimeter wave signals in the traditional way is easily affected by environmental interference, resulting in the failure of millimeter wave link establishment. In addition, compared with the solution in the current standard that the uplink and downlink directions of the millimeter wave link are established and take effect together, the uplink millimeter wave link and the downlink millimeter wave link can be established separately in the embodiment of the present application, which can achieve decoupling of the uplink millimeter wave link and the downlink millimeter wave link, which is more flexible.

[0009] In conjunction with the first aspect above, as a possible implementation, the millimeter wave capability field in the millimeter wave association request carries capability information indicating whether the STA supports establishing a separate millimeter wave link in the first direction, and the millimeter wave capability field in the millimeter wave association response carries capability information indicating whether the AP supports establishing a separate millimeter wave link in the first direction. Establishing a millimeter wave link in the first direction between the AP and the STA may specifically include: establishing a millimeter wave link in the first direction when the millimeter wave capability field in the millimeter wave association request indicates that the STA supports establishing a separate millimeter wave link in the first direction, and when the millimeter wave capability field in the millimeter wave association response indicates that the AP supports establishing a separate millimeter wave link in the first direction.

[0010] In combination with the above-mentioned first aspect, as a possible implementation manner, the millimeter wave link in the first direction is an uplink millimeter wave link or a downlink millimeter wave link.

[0011] In combination with the above-mentioned first aspect, as a possible implementation method, when the millimeter wave link in the first direction is an uplink millimeter wave link, the method also includes: the AP uses the uplink millimeter wave link to receive uplink data frames from the STA, and the AP uses the sub-6G link to send downlink data frames to the STA.

[0012] In combination with the above-mentioned first aspect, as a possible implementation method, when the millimeter wave link in the first direction is a downlink millimeter wave link, the method also includes: the AP uses the downlink millimeter wave link to send a downlink data frame to the STA, and the AP uses the sub-6G link to receive an uplink data frame from the STA.

[0013] In conjunction with the first aspect above, as a possible implementation, the method may further include: the AP and the STA transmitting a data frame via a millimeter wave link in a first direction, the data frame including a first identifier, the first identifier indicating that an acknowledgment ACK frame corresponding to the data frame is transmitted via a sub-6G link. Furthermore, the AP and the STA transmitting an ACK frame corresponding to the data frame via the sub-6G link, the ACK frame including a second identifier, the second identifier indicating that the data frame corresponding to the ACK frame is transmitted via the millimeter wave link in the first direction.

[0014] In conjunction with the first aspect above, as a possible implementation, the millimeter wave operation field of the millimeter wave association response carries a first millimeter wave channel, where the first millimeter wave channel is selected by the AP. The millimeter wave association response is used to indicate a determination to establish a millimeter wave link in a first direction, and specifically may include: the millimeter wave association response is used to indicate a determination to use the first millimeter wave channel to establish the millimeter wave link in the first direction.

[0015] In combination with the first aspect above, as a possible implementation method, the millimeter wave link in the first direction is a downlink millimeter wave link. The method may also include: the AP sends a channel scanning frame to the STA on multiple millimeter wave channels, and the channel scanning frame is used to determine the channel quality of multiple millimeter wave channels, and the multiple millimeter wave channels include the first millimeter wave channel. Then, the AP receives a channel scanning feedback frame from the STA through the sub-6G link, and the channel scanning feedback frame is used to indicate the channel quality of multiple millimeter wave channels. Afterwards, the AP determines to switch the channel of the millimeter wave link in the first direction to the second millimeter wave channel based on the channel quality of the multiple millimeter wave channels, and the channel quality of the second millimeter wave channel is better than that of the first millimeter wave channel. Further, the AP sends a channel switching frame to the STA through the sub-6G link, and the channel switching frame is used to instruct the STA to switch the channel of the millimeter wave link in the first direction to the second millimeter wave channel.

[0016] In combination with the first aspect above, as a possible implementation method, the millimeter wave link in the first direction is a downlink millimeter wave link. The method may also include: the AP sends a channel scanning frame to the STA on multiple millimeter wave channels, and the channel scanning frame is used to determine the quality of multiple millimeter wave channels, and the multiple millimeter wave channels include the first millimeter wave channel. Then, the AP receives a channel scanning feedback frame from the STA through the sub-6G link, and the channel scanning feedback frame is used to indicate that the channel quality of the second millimeter wave channel in the multiple millimeter wave channels is better than the first millimeter wave channel. Afterwards, the AP determines to switch the channel of the millimeter wave link in the first direction to the second millimeter wave channel based on the channel scanning feedback frame. Further, the AP sends a channel switching frame to the STA through the sub-6G link, and the channel switching frame is used to instruct the STA to switch the channel of the millimeter wave link in the first direction to the second millimeter wave channel.

[0017] In combination with the first aspect above, as a possible implementation method, the millimeter wave link in the first direction is an uplink millimeter wave link. The method may also include: the AP receives a channel scanning frame from the STA on multiple millimeter wave channels, and the channel scanning frame is used to determine the quality of multiple millimeter wave channels, and the multiple millimeter wave channels include the first millimeter wave channel. Then, the AP determines the channel quality of the multiple millimeter wave channels based on the reception of the channel scanning frame on the multiple millimeter wave channels. Afterwards, the AP sends a channel scanning feedback frame to the STA through the sub-6G link, and the channel scanning feedback frame is used to indicate the quality of multiple millimeter wave channels. Further, the AP receives a channel switching frame from the STA through the sub-6G link, and the channel switching frame is used to instruct the AP to switch the channel of the millimeter wave link in the first direction to a second millimeter wave channel, and the channel quality of the second millimeter wave channel is better than that of the first millimeter wave channel.

[0018] In combination with the first aspect above, as a possible implementation method, the millimeter wave link in the first direction is an uplink millimeter wave link. The method may also include: the AP receives a channel scanning frame from the STA on multiple millimeter wave channels, and the channel scanning frame is used to determine the quality of multiple millimeter wave channels, and the multiple millimeter wave channels include the first millimeter wave channel. Then, the AP determines the channel quality of the multiple millimeter wave channels based on the reception of the channel scanning frame on the multiple millimeter wave channels. Afterwards, the AP sends a channel scanning feedback frame to the STA through the sub-6G link, and the channel scanning feedback frame is used to indicate that the channel quality of the second millimeter wave channel in the multiple millimeter wave channels is better than the first millimeter wave channel. Further, the AP receives a channel switching frame from the STA through the sub-6G link, and the channel switching frame is used to instruct the AP to switch the channel of the millimeter wave link in the first direction to the second millimeter wave channel.

[0019] In combination with the first aspect above, as a possible implementation method, the method may also include: the AP sends a beam alignment request frame to the STA through the sub-6G link. And, the AP receives a beam alignment response frame from the STA through the sub-6G link. Then, the AP sends sector scanning frames to the STA on multiple transmission sectors respectively, and the sector scanning frames are transmitted through the millimeter wave link in the first direction. Afterwards, the AP receives a sector scanning feedback frame from the STA through the sub-6G link, and the sector scanning feedback frame is used to indicate the sector quality of multiple transmission sectors. Further, the AP determines the optimal transmission sector among the multiple transmission sectors based on the sector quality of the multiple transmission sectors.

[0020] In combination with the first aspect above, as a possible implementation, the method may further include: the AP sending a beam alignment request frame to the STA via a sub-6G link. And, the AP receiving a beam alignment response frame from the STA via the sub-6G link. Then, the AP sends sector sweep frames to the STA on multiple transmission sectors, where the sector sweep frames are transmitted via a millimeter wave link in a first direction. Thereafter, the AP receives a sector sweep feedback frame from the STA via the sub-6G link, where the sector sweep feedback frame is used to indicate the optimal transmission sector among the multiple transmission sectors.

[0021] In conjunction with the first aspect above, as a possible implementation, the method may further include: the AP receiving a beam alignment request frame from the STA via a sub-6G link. Furthermore, the AP sending a beam alignment response frame to the STA via the sub-6G link. The AP then receives, at multiple receiving sectors, sector sweep frames sent by the STA from the same transmitting sector. The sector sweep frames are transmitted via a millimeter wave link in a first direction. The AP then determines an optimal receiving sector among the multiple receiving sectors based on reception status of the sector sweep frames received at the multiple receiving sectors.

[0022] On the second aspect, a millimeter wave link establishment method is provided, which can be executed by a STA, or by a component of the STA, such as a processor, chip, or chip system of the STA, or by a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the STA functions. The method may include: the STA and the AP establish a sub-6G link. Then, the STA sends a millimeter wave association request to the AP through the sub-6G link, and the millimeter wave association request is used to request the establishment of a millimeter wave link in a first direction. Afterwards, the STA receives a millimeter wave association response sent from the STA through the sub-6G link, and the millimeter wave association response is used to indicate the determination to establish the millimeter wave link in the first direction. Thus, the STA and the AP establish a millimeter wave link in the first direction.

[0023] In conjunction with the above-mentioned second aspect, as a possible implementation manner, the millimeter wave capability field in the millimeter wave association request carries capability information of whether the STA supports the establishment of a separate millimeter wave link in the first direction, and the millimeter wave capability field in the millimeter wave association response carries capability information of whether the AP supports the establishment of a separate millimeter wave link in the first direction. The AP and the STA establishing a millimeter wave link in the first direction may specifically include: when the millimeter wave capability field in the millimeter wave association request indicates that the STA supports the establishment of a separate millimeter wave link in the first direction, and the millimeter wave capability field in the millimeter wave association response indicates that the AP supports the establishment of a separate millimeter wave link in the first direction, the AP and the STA establish the millimeter wave link in the first direction.

[0024] In combination with the above second aspect, as a possible implementation manner, the millimeter wave link in the first direction is an uplink millimeter wave link or a downlink millimeter wave link.

[0025] In combination with the above-mentioned second aspect, as a possible implementation method, when the millimeter wave link in the first direction is an uplink millimeter wave link, the method may also include: the STA uses the uplink millimeter wave link to send an uplink data frame to the AP, and the STA uses the sub-6G link to receive the downlink data frame from the AP.

[0026] In combination with the above-mentioned second aspect, as a possible implementation method, when the millimeter wave link in the first direction is a downlink millimeter wave link, the method may also include: the STA uses the downlink millimeter wave link to receive downlink data frames from the AP, and the STA uses the sub-6G link to send uplink data frames to the AP.

[0027] In conjunction with the above second aspect, as a possible implementation, the method may further include: the STA and the AP transmitting a data frame via a millimeter wave link in a first direction, the data frame including a first identifier, the first identifier indicating that an acknowledgment ACK frame corresponding to the data frame is transmitted via a sub-6G link. Furthermore, the STA and the AP transmitting an ACK frame corresponding to the data frame via the sub-6G link, the ACK frame including a second identifier, the second identifier indicating that the data frame corresponding to the ACK frame is transmitted via the millimeter wave link in the first direction.

[0028] In conjunction with the second aspect above, as a possible implementation, the millimeter wave operation field of the millimeter wave association response carries a first millimeter wave channel, where the first millimeter wave channel is selected by the AP. The millimeter wave association response is used to indicate a determination to establish a millimeter wave link in a first direction, and specifically may include: the millimeter wave association response is used to indicate a determination to use the first millimeter wave channel to establish the millimeter wave link in the first direction.

[0029] In combination with the above-mentioned second aspect, as a possible implementation method, the millimeter wave link in the first direction is a downlink millimeter wave link. The method may also include: the STA receives a channel scanning frame from the AP on multiple millimeter wave channels, and the channel scanning frame is used to determine the channel quality of multiple millimeter wave channels, and the multiple millimeter wave channels include the first millimeter wave channel. Then, the STA determines the channel quality of the multiple millimeter wave channels based on the reception of the channel scanning frame on the multiple millimeter wave channels. Afterwards, the STA sends a channel scanning feedback frame to the AP through the sub-6G link, and the channel scanning feedback frame is used to indicate the channel quality of multiple millimeter wave channels. Further, the STA receives a channel switching frame from the AP through the sub-6G link, and the channel switching frame is used to instruct the STA to switch the channel of the millimeter wave link in the first direction to the second millimeter wave channel.

[0030] In combination with the above-mentioned second aspect, as a possible implementation method, the millimeter wave link in the first direction is a downlink millimeter wave link. The method may also include: the STA receives a channel scanning frame from the AP on multiple millimeter wave channels, and the channel scanning frame is used to determine the quality of multiple millimeter wave channels, and the multiple millimeter wave channels include the first millimeter wave channel. Then, the STA determines the channel quality of the multiple millimeter wave channels based on the reception of the channel scanning frame on the multiple millimeter wave channels. Afterwards, the STA sends a channel scanning feedback frame to the AP through the sub-6G link, and the channel scanning feedback frame is used to indicate that the channel quality of the second millimeter wave channel among the multiple millimeter wave channels is better than the first millimeter wave channel. Further, the STA receives a channel switching frame from the AP through the sub-6G link, and the channel switching frame is used to instruct the STA to switch the channel of the millimeter wave link in the first direction to the second millimeter wave channel.

[0031] In combination with the above-mentioned second aspect, as a possible implementation method, the millimeter wave link in the first direction is an uplink millimeter wave link. The method may also include: the STA sends a channel scanning frame to the AP on multiple millimeter wave channels, and the channel scanning frame is used to determine the quality of multiple millimeter wave channels, and the multiple millimeter wave channels include the first millimeter wave channel. Then, the STA receives a channel scanning feedback frame from the AP through the sub-6G link, and the channel scanning feedback frame is used to indicate the quality of multiple millimeter wave channels. Afterwards, the STA determines to switch the channel of the millimeter wave link in the first direction to the second millimeter wave channel based on the quality of the multiple millimeter wave channels. Further, the STA sends a channel switching frame to the AP through the sub-6G link, and the channel switching frame is used to instruct the AP to switch the channel of the millimeter wave link in the first direction to the second millimeter wave channel. Wherein, the channel quality of the second millimeter wave channel is better than that of the first millimeter wave channel.

[0032] In combination with the above-mentioned second aspect, as a possible implementation method, the millimeter wave link in the first direction is an uplink millimeter wave link. The method may also include: the STA sends a channel scanning frame to the AP on multiple millimeter wave channels, and the channel scanning frame is used to determine the quality of multiple millimeter wave channels, and the multiple millimeter wave channels include the first millimeter wave channel. Then, the STA receives a channel scanning feedback frame from the AP through the sub-6G link, and the channel scanning feedback frame is used to indicate that the channel quality of the second millimeter wave channel in the multiple millimeter wave channels is better than the first millimeter wave channel. Afterwards, the STA determines to switch the channel of the millimeter wave link in the first direction to the second millimeter wave channel based on the channel scanning feedback frame. Further, the STA sends a channel switching frame to the AP through the sub-6G link, and the channel switching frame is used to instruct the AP to switch the channel of the millimeter wave link in the first direction to the second millimeter wave channel.

[0033] In combination with the above-mentioned second aspect, as a possible implementation method, the method may also include: the STA sends a beam alignment request frame to the AP through the sub-6G link. Then, the STA receives a beam alignment response frame from the AP through the sub-6G link. Afterwards, the STA sends sector scanning frames to the AP on multiple transmission sectors respectively, and the sector scanning frames are transmitted through the millimeter wave link in the first direction. Further, the STA receives a sector scanning feedback frame from the AP through the sub-6G link, and the sector scanning feedback frame is used to indicate the sector quality of multiple transmission sectors. Finally, the STA determines the optimal transmission sector among the multiple transmission sectors based on the sector quality of the multiple transmission sectors.

[0034] In conjunction with the above-mentioned second aspect, as a possible implementation method, the method may further include: the STA sends a beam alignment request frame to the AP via the sub-6G link. Then, the STA receives a beam alignment response frame from the AP via the sub-6G link. Thereafter, the STA sends a sector scan frame to the AP on multiple transmission sectors, where the sector scan frame is transmitted via the millimeter wave link in the first direction. Furthermore, the STA receives a sector scan feedback frame from the AP via the sub-6G link, where the sector scan feedback frame is used to indicate the optimal transmission sector among the multiple transmission sectors.

[0035] In conjunction with the second aspect above, as a possible implementation, the method may further include: the STA receiving a beam alignment request frame from the AP via a sub-6G link. The STA then sends a beam alignment response frame to the AP via the sub-6G link. Thereafter, the STA receives, on multiple receiving sectors, sector sweep frames sent by the AP from the same transmitting sector. The sector sweep frames are transmitted via the millimeter wave link in the first direction. Furthermore, the STA determines an optimal receiving sector among the multiple receiving sectors based on reception status of the sector sweep frames received on the multiple receiving sectors.

[0036] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, which can be applied to an AP. The communication device can implement the functions performed by the management device in any possible design of the first aspect above, and the functions can be implemented by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions. The communication device may include a transceiver module, and optionally, may also include a processing module. Among them, the transceiver module can be used to establish a sub-6G link with the STA. The transceiver module can also be used to receive a millimeter wave association request from the STA through the sub-6G link, and the millimeter wave association request is used to request the establishment of a millimeter wave link in a first direction. The transceiver module can also be used to send a millimeter wave association response to the STA through the sub-6G link, and the millimeter wave association response is used to indicate the determination to establish a millimeter wave link in the first direction. The transceiver module can also be used to establish a millimeter wave link in the first direction with the STA.

[0037] In combination with the third aspect above, as a possible implementation method, the millimeter wave capability field in the millimeter wave association request carries capability information of whether the STA supports the establishment of a separate millimeter wave link in the first direction, and the millimeter wave capability field in the millimeter wave association response carries capability information of whether the AP supports the establishment of a separate millimeter wave link in the first direction. The transceiver module can be specifically used to establish a millimeter wave link in the first direction with the STA when the millimeter wave capability field in the millimeter wave association request indicates that the STA supports the establishment of a separate millimeter wave link in the first direction, and the millimeter wave capability field in the millimeter wave association response indicates that the AP supports the establishment of a separate millimeter wave link in the first direction.

[0038] In combination with the third aspect above, as a possible implementation manner, the millimeter wave link in the first direction is an uplink millimeter wave link or a downlink millimeter wave link.

[0039] In combination with the above-mentioned third aspect, as a possible implementation method, when the millimeter wave link in the first direction is an uplink millimeter wave link, the transceiver module can also be used to: use the uplink millimeter wave link to receive uplink data frames from the STA, and use the sub-6G link to send downlink data frames to the STA.

[0040] In combination with the above-mentioned third aspect, as a possible implementation method, when the millimeter wave link in the first direction is a downlink millimeter wave link, the transceiver module can also be used to: use the downlink millimeter wave link to send downlink data frames to the STA, and use the sub-6G link to receive uplink data frames from the STA.

[0041] In conjunction with the third aspect above, as a possible implementation, the transceiver module may also be configured to: transmit a data frame with a STA via a millimeter wave link in a first direction, and transmit an ACK frame corresponding to the data frame with the STA via a sub-6G link. The data frame includes a first identifier, indicating that the ACK frame corresponding to the data frame is transmitted via the sub-6G link. The ACK frame includes a second identifier, indicating that the data frame corresponding to the ACK frame is transmitted via the millimeter wave link in the first direction.

[0042] In conjunction with the third aspect above, as a possible implementation, the millimeter wave operation field of the millimeter wave association response carries a first millimeter wave channel, where the first millimeter wave channel is selected by the AP. The millimeter wave association response is used to indicate a determination to establish a millimeter wave link in a first direction, and specifically may include: the millimeter wave association response is used to indicate a determination to use the first millimeter wave channel to establish the millimeter wave link in the first direction.

[0043] In combination with the third aspect above, as a possible implementation method, the millimeter wave link in the first direction is a downlink millimeter wave link. The transceiver module can also be used to send a channel scanning frame to the STA on multiple millimeter wave channels, and the channel scanning frame is used to determine the channel quality of multiple millimeter wave channels, and the multiple millimeter wave channels include the first millimeter wave channel. In addition, the transceiver module can also be used to receive a channel scanning feedback frame from the STA through the sub-6G link, and the channel scanning feedback frame is used to indicate the channel quality of multiple millimeter wave channels. The processing module can be used to determine that the channel of the millimeter wave link in the first direction is switched to the second millimeter wave channel based on the channel quality of multiple millimeter wave channels, and the channel quality of the second millimeter wave channel is better than that of the first millimeter wave channel. The transceiver module can also be used to send a channel switching frame to the STA through the sub-6G link, and the channel switching frame is used to instruct the STA to switch the channel of the millimeter wave link in the first direction to the second millimeter wave channel.

[0044] In combination with the third aspect above, as a possible implementation method, the millimeter wave link in the first direction is a downlink millimeter wave link. The transceiver module can also be used to send a channel scanning frame to the STA on multiple millimeter wave channels, and the channel scanning frame is used to determine the quality of multiple millimeter wave channels, and the multiple millimeter wave channels include the first millimeter wave channel. The transceiver module can also be used to receive a channel scanning feedback frame from the STA through the sub-6G link, and the channel scanning feedback frame is used to indicate that the channel quality of the second millimeter wave channel in the multiple millimeter wave channels is better than the first millimeter wave channel. The processing module can be used to determine to switch the channel of the millimeter wave link in the first direction to the second millimeter wave channel based on the channel scanning feedback frame. The transceiver module can also be used to send a channel switching frame to the STA through the sub-6G link, and the channel switching frame is used to instruct the STA to switch the channel of the millimeter wave link in the first direction to the second millimeter wave channel.

[0045] In combination with the third aspect above, as a possible implementation method, the millimeter wave link in the first direction is an uplink millimeter wave link. The transceiver module can also be used to receive channel scanning frames from the STA on multiple millimeter wave channels, and the channel scanning frames are used to determine the quality of multiple millimeter wave channels, and the multiple millimeter wave channels include the first millimeter wave channel. The processing module can be used to determine the channel quality of multiple millimeter wave channels based on the reception status of the channel scanning frames on multiple millimeter wave channels. The transceiver module can also be used to send a channel scanning feedback frame to the STA through the sub-6G link, and the channel scanning feedback frame is used to indicate the quality of multiple millimeter wave channels. The transceiver module can also be used to receive a channel switching frame from the STA through the sub-6G link, and the channel switching frame is used to instruct the AP to switch the channel of the millimeter wave link in the first direction to the second millimeter wave channel, and the channel quality of the second millimeter wave channel is better than that of the first millimeter wave channel.

[0046] In combination with the third aspect above, as a possible implementation method, the millimeter wave link in the first direction is an uplink millimeter wave link. The transceiver module can also be used to receive channel scanning frames from the STA on multiple millimeter wave channels, and the channel scanning frames are used to determine the quality of multiple millimeter wave channels, and the multiple millimeter wave channels include the first millimeter wave channel. The processing module can be used to determine the channel quality of multiple millimeter wave channels based on the reception of the channel scanning frames on multiple millimeter wave channels. The transceiver module can also be used to send a channel scanning feedback frame to the STA through the sub-6G link, and the channel scanning feedback frame is used to indicate that the channel quality of the second millimeter wave channel in the multiple millimeter wave channels is better than the first millimeter wave channel. The transceiver module can also be used to receive a channel switching frame from the STA through the sub-6G link, and the channel switching frame is used to instruct the AP to switch the channel of the millimeter wave link in the first direction to the second millimeter wave channel.

[0047] In combination with the third aspect above, as a possible implementation method, the transceiver module can also be used to send a beam alignment request frame to the STA through the sub-6G link. The transceiver module can also be used to receive a beam alignment response frame from the STA through the sub-6G link. The transceiver module can also be used to send sector scanning frames to the STA on multiple transmission sectors respectively, and the sector scanning frames are transmitted through the millimeter wave link in the first direction. The transceiver module can also be used to receive a sector scanning feedback frame from the STA through the sub-6G link, and the sector scanning feedback frame is used to indicate the sector quality of multiple transmission sectors. The processing module can be used to determine the optimal transmission sector among multiple transmission sectors based on the sector quality of multiple transmission sectors.

[0048] In conjunction with the third aspect above, as a possible implementation, the transceiver module may further be configured to send a beam alignment request frame to the STA via a sub-6G link. The transceiver module may further be configured to receive a beam alignment response frame from the STA via the sub-6G link. The transceiver module may further be configured to send sector sweep frames to the STA on multiple transmit sectors, respectively, where the sector sweep frames are transmitted via the millimeter wave link in the first direction. The transceiver module may further be configured to receive a sector sweep feedback frame from the STA via the sub-6G link, where the sector sweep feedback frame is used to indicate the optimal transmit sector among the multiple transmit sectors.

[0049] In conjunction with the third aspect above, as a possible implementation, the transceiver module may be further configured to receive a beam alignment request frame from a STA via a sub-6G link. The transceiver module may also be configured to send a beam alignment response frame to the STA via the sub-6G link. The transceiver module may also be configured to receive, on multiple receiving sectors, sector sweep frames sent by the STA from the same transmitting sector, where the sector sweep frames are transmitted via a millimeter wave link in a first direction. The processing module may be configured to determine an optimal receiving sector among the multiple receiving sectors based on reception conditions of the sector sweep frames received on the multiple receiving sectors.

[0050] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, which can be applied to a STA. The communication device can implement the functions performed by the management device in any possible design of the second aspect above, and the functions can be implemented by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions. The communication device may include a transceiver module, and optionally, may also include a processing module. The transceiver module can be used to establish a sub-6G link with the AP. The transceiver module can also be used to send a millimeter wave association request to the AP via the sub-6G link, and the millimeter wave association request is used to request the establishment of a millimeter wave link in a first direction. The transceiver module can also be used to receive a millimeter wave association response sent from the STA via the sub-6G link, and the millimeter wave association response is used to indicate the determination to establish a millimeter wave link in the first direction. The transceiver module can also be used to establish a millimeter wave link in the first direction with the AP.

[0051] In conjunction with the fourth aspect above, as a possible implementation method, the millimeter wave capability field in the millimeter wave association request carries capability information of whether the STA supports the establishment of a millimeter wave link in the first direction alone, and the millimeter wave capability field in the millimeter wave association response carries capability information of whether the AP supports the establishment of a millimeter wave link in the first direction alone. The transceiver module can be specifically configured to establish a millimeter wave link in the first direction with the AP when the millimeter wave capability field in the millimeter wave association request indicates that the STA supports the establishment of a millimeter wave link in the first direction alone, and the millimeter wave capability field in the millimeter wave association response indicates that the AP supports the establishment of a millimeter wave link in the first direction alone.

[0052] In combination with the fourth aspect above, as a possible implementation manner, the millimeter wave link in the first direction is an uplink millimeter wave link or a downlink millimeter wave link.

[0053] In combination with the above-mentioned fourth aspect, as a possible implementation method, when the millimeter wave link in the first direction is an uplink millimeter wave link, the transceiver module can also be used to: use the uplink millimeter wave link to send uplink data frames to the AP, and use the sub-6G link to receive downlink data frames from the AP.

[0054] In combination with the above-mentioned fourth aspect, as a possible implementation method, when the millimeter wave link in the first direction is a downlink millimeter wave link, the transceiver module can also be used to: use the downlink millimeter wave link to receive downlink data frames from the AP, and use the sub-6G link to send uplink data frames to the AP.

[0055] In conjunction with the fourth aspect above, as a possible implementation, the transceiver module may also be configured to: transmit a data frame with the AP via a millimeter wave link in a first direction, and transmit an ACK frame corresponding to the data frame with the AP via a sub-6G link. The data frame includes a first identifier, indicating that the ACK frame corresponding to the data frame is transmitted via the sub-6G link. The ACK frame includes a second identifier, indicating that the data frame corresponding to the ACK frame is transmitted via the millimeter wave link in the first direction.

[0056] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, as a possible implementation, the millimeter wave operation field of the millimeter wave association response carries a first millimeter wave channel, where the first millimeter wave channel is selected by the AP. The millimeter wave association response is used to indicate a determination to establish a millimeter wave link in a first direction, and may specifically include: the millimeter wave association response is used to indicate a determination to use the first millimeter wave channel to establish the millimeter wave link in the first direction.

[0057] In combination with the fourth aspect above, as a possible implementation method, the millimeter wave link in the first direction is a downlink millimeter wave link. The transceiver module can also be used to receive channel scanning frames from the AP on multiple millimeter wave channels, and the channel scanning frames are used to determine the channel quality of multiple millimeter wave channels, and the multiple millimeter wave channels include the first millimeter wave channel. The processing module can be used to determine the channel quality of multiple millimeter wave channels based on the reception status of the channel scanning frames on multiple millimeter wave channels. The transceiver module can also be used to send a channel scanning feedback frame to the AP through the sub-6G link, and the channel scanning feedback frame is used to indicate the channel quality of multiple millimeter wave channels. The transceiver module can also be used to receive a channel switching frame from the AP through the sub-6G link, and the channel switching frame is used to instruct the STA to switch the channel of the millimeter wave link in the first direction to the second millimeter wave channel.

[0058] In combination with the fourth aspect above, as a possible implementation method, the millimeter wave link in the first direction is a downlink millimeter wave link. The transceiver module can also be used to receive channel scanning frames from the AP on multiple millimeter wave channels, and the channel scanning frames are used to determine the quality of multiple millimeter wave channels, and the multiple millimeter wave channels include the first millimeter wave channel. The processing module can be used to determine the channel quality of multiple millimeter wave channels based on the reception of the channel scanning frames on multiple millimeter wave channels. The transceiver module can also be used to send a channel scanning feedback frame to the AP through the sub-6G link, and the channel scanning feedback frame is used to indicate that the channel quality of the second millimeter wave channel in the multiple millimeter wave channels is better than the first millimeter wave channel. The transceiver module can also be used to receive a channel switching frame from the AP through the sub-6G link, and the channel switching frame is used to instruct the STA to switch the channel of the millimeter wave link in the first direction to the second millimeter wave channel.

[0059] In combination with the fourth aspect above, as a possible implementation method, the millimeter wave link in the first direction is an uplink millimeter wave link. The transceiver module can also be used to send a channel scanning frame to the AP on multiple millimeter wave channels, and the channel scanning frame is used to determine the quality of multiple millimeter wave channels, and the multiple millimeter wave channels include the first millimeter wave channel. The transceiver module can also be used to receive a channel scanning feedback frame from the AP through the sub-6G link, and the channel scanning feedback frame is used to indicate the quality of multiple millimeter wave channels. The processing module can be used to determine to switch the channel of the millimeter wave link in the first direction to the second millimeter wave channel based on the quality of multiple millimeter wave channels. The transceiver module can also be used to send a channel switching frame to the AP through the sub-6G link, and the channel switching frame is used to instruct the AP to switch the channel of the millimeter wave link in the first direction to the second millimeter wave channel. Wherein, the channel quality of the second millimeter wave channel is better than that of the first millimeter wave channel.

[0060] In combination with the fourth aspect above, as a possible implementation method, the millimeter wave link in the first direction is an uplink millimeter wave link. The transceiver module can also be used to send a channel scanning frame to the AP on multiple millimeter wave channels, and the channel scanning frame is used to determine the quality of multiple millimeter wave channels, and the multiple millimeter wave channels include the first millimeter wave channel. The transceiver module can also be used to receive a channel scanning feedback frame from the AP through the sub-6G link, and the channel scanning feedback frame is used to indicate that the channel quality of the second millimeter wave channel in the multiple millimeter wave channels is better than the first millimeter wave channel. The processing module can be used to determine to switch the channel of the millimeter wave link in the first direction to the second millimeter wave channel based on the channel scanning feedback frame. The transceiver module can also be used to send a channel switching frame to the AP through the sub-6G link, and the channel switching frame is used to instruct the AP to switch the channel of the millimeter wave link in the first direction to the second millimeter wave channel.

[0061] In combination with the fourth aspect above, as a possible implementation method, the transceiver module can also be used to send a beam alignment request frame to the AP through the sub-6G link. The transceiver module can also be used to receive a beam alignment response frame from the AP through the sub-6G link. The transceiver module can also be used to send sector scanning frames to the AP on multiple transmission sectors respectively, and the sector scanning frames are transmitted through the millimeter wave link in the first direction. The transceiver module can also be used to receive a sector scanning feedback frame from the AP through the sub-6G link, and the sector scanning feedback frame is used to indicate the sector quality of multiple transmission sectors. The processing module can be used to determine the optimal transmission sector among multiple transmission sectors based on the sector quality of multiple transmission sectors.

[0062] In conjunction with the fourth aspect above, as a possible implementation, the transceiver module may further be configured to send a beam alignment request frame to the AP via a sub-6G link. The transceiver module may further be configured to receive a beam alignment response frame from the AP via a sub-6G link. The transceiver module may further be configured to send sector sweep frames to the AP on multiple transmit sectors, respectively, where the sector sweep frames are transmitted via a millimeter wave link in a first direction. The transceiver module may further be configured to receive a sector sweep feedback frame from the AP via a sub-6G link, where the sector sweep feedback frame is used to indicate the optimal transmit sector among the multiple transmit sectors.

[0063] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, as a possible implementation, the transceiver module may be further configured to receive a beam alignment request frame from an AP via a sub-6G link. The transceiver module may also be configured to send a beam alignment response frame to the AP via the sub-6G link. The transceiver module may also be configured to receive, at multiple receiving sectors, sector sweep frames sent by the AP from the same transmitting sector, where the sector sweep frames are transmitted via a millimeter wave link in a first direction. The processing module may be configured to determine an optimal receiving sector among the multiple receiving sectors based on reception status of the sector sweep frames received at the multiple receiving sectors.

[0064] In a fifth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising: a processor and a memory; the memory is used to store computer instructions, and when the device is running, the processor executes the computer instructions stored in the memory to enable the device to perform the millimeter wave link establishment method as described in any one of the first or second aspects above.

[0065] In conjunction with the fifth aspect, in one possible implementation, the apparatus further includes a communication interface configured to communicate between the apparatus and other devices. Exemplarily, the communication interface may be a transceiver, an input / output interface, an interface circuit, an output circuit, an input circuit, a pin, or related circuits.

[0066] In a sixth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, which stores instructions. When the computer-readable storage medium is run on a computer, the computer can execute the millimeter wave link establishment method described in any one of the first or second aspects above.

[0067] In a seventh aspect, a computer program product comprising instructions is provided, which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute the millimeter wave link establishment method described in any one of the first or second aspects above.

[0068] Among them, the technical effects brought about by any design method in the second to seventh aspects can refer to the technical effects brought about by different design methods in the first aspect, and will not be repeated here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0069] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0070] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of a flow chart of a millimeter wave link establishment method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0071] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of a frame format of a millimeter wave association request provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0072] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of a frame format of a millimeter wave association response provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0073] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of a flow chart of another millimeter wave link establishment method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0074] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of a flow chart of another millimeter wave link establishment method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0075] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of a flow chart of another millimeter wave link establishment method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0076] FIG8 is a schematic diagram of a flow chart of another millimeter wave link establishment method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0077] FIG9 is a schematic diagram of a flow chart of another millimeter wave link establishment method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0078] FIG10 is a schematic diagram of a flow chart of another millimeter wave link establishment method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0079] FIG11 is a schematic diagram of a flow chart of another millimeter wave link establishment method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0080] FIG12 is a schematic diagram of a flow chart of another millimeter wave link establishment method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0081] FIG13 is a schematic diagram of a flow chart of another millimeter wave link establishment method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0082] FIG14 is a schematic diagram of a flow chart of another millimeter wave link establishment method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0083] FIG15 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0084] FIG16 is a schematic structural diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0085] In order to better understand the embodiments of the present application, some of the terms or technologies involved in the embodiments of the present application are explained below:

[0086] Sub-6GHz and millimeter wave: Sub-6G and millimeter wave are the code names for the two frequency bands of 5G networks. The 5G network is defined by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). In the 5G wireless specification, 3GPP defines the operating frequency of the 5G New Radio (NR) as consisting of two parts, namely FR1 and FR2. FR1 defines 450 Mega Hertz (MHz)-6000Mhz, which is called Sub-6GHz. FR2 defines 24250Mhz-52600Mhz. Since most of the bands covered by FR2 are less than 10 mm in wavelength, this part of the frequency band is also called "millimeter wave". Compared with Sub-6GHz signals, millimeter wave signals are high-frequency signals.

[0087] Sub-6GHz signals have longer wavelengths, making them less susceptible to interference and offering strong penetration, long signal propagation distances, and wide coverage. In contrast, millimeter-wave signals have shorter wavelengths, making them more susceptible to interference, with poor penetration and a smaller coverage area. However, thanks to the physical properties of radio waves, millimeter-wave's short wavelength and narrow beam significantly enhance signal resolution, transmission security, and speed. Furthermore, millimeter-wave spectrum resources are abundant, enabling greater network capacity.

[0088] In the prior art, when using millimeter waves to establish a link between a STA and an AP, since millimeter wave signals are easily interfered with during propagation, the signals for link establishment interaction are prone to transmission failure, resulting in a relatively low success rate for establishing the millimeter wave link.

[0089] In view of this, embodiments of the present application provide a method for establishing a millimeter wave link. The AP and STA can establish a first link using a signal with a frequency lower than millimeter waves. This first link is then used to transmit control information used to establish the millimeter wave link, thereby assisting in establishing the millimeter wave link. Establishing the first link using a signal with a frequency lower than millimeter waves offers greater stability, and the transmitted signal is less susceptible to interference. This results in a higher success rate for transmitting the control information used to establish the millimeter wave link, thereby improving the success rate of establishing the millimeter wave link.

[0090] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present application will be described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Among them, in the description of the present application, unless otherwise specified, " / " indicates that the objects associated before and after are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B can represent A or B; "and / or" in the present application is only a description of the association relationship of the associated objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. In addition, in the description of the present application, unless otherwise specified, "multiple" refers to two or more than two. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refers to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, c can be single or multiple. In addition, to facilitate the clear description of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, in the embodiments of the present application, words such as "first" and "second" are used to distinguish between identical or similar items with substantially the same functions and effects. Those skilled in the art will understand that words such as "first" and "second" do not limit the quantity or execution order, and words such as "first" and "second" do not necessarily limit differences. At the same time, in the embodiments of the present application, words such as "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or explanations. Any embodiment or design described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of the present application should not be construed as being preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or design. Specifically, the use of words such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present related concepts in a concrete manner to facilitate understanding. In addition, the network architecture and service scenarios described in the embodiments of the present application are intended to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application and do not constitute a limitation of the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new service scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application are equally applicable to similar technical problems.

[0091] Before introducing the millimeter wave link establishment method provided in the embodiment of the present application, the communication system / service scenario to which the millimeter wave link establishment method provided in the present application is applied is first introduced.

[0092] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system provided by the present application, including an AP 101 and a STA 102, wherein a sub-6G link can be established between AP 101 and STA 102. In addition, AP 101 and STA 102 are also capable of communicating using millimeter waves. AP 101 and STA 102 can establish a millimeter wave link using a first link as an auxiliary. For specific implementation, please refer to the millimeter wave link establishment method below, which will not be described in detail here.

[0093] It should be understood that the network architecture and business scenarios described in the embodiments of the present application are intended to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application. Ordinary technicians in this field can know that with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0094] The following describes the millimeter wave link establishment method provided by the embodiment of the present application in conjunction with the communication system shown in Figure 1. The actions, terms, etc. involved in the various embodiments of the present application can refer to each other without limitation. The message name or parameter name in the message in the embodiment of the present application is only an example, and other names can also be used in the specific implementation without limitation.

[0095] FIG2 is a flow chart of a method for establishing a millimeter wave link according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG2 , the method may include the following steps:

[0096] Step 201: The AP and STA establish a sub-6G link.

[0097] A sub-6G link is a communication link established using sub-6GHz signals. Once the AP and STA establish a sub-6G link using sub-6GHz signals, they can communicate over this link.

[0098] Step 202: The STA sends a millimeter wave association request (Association Request) to the AP through the sub-6G link. The millimeter wave association request is used to request to establish a millimeter wave link in a first direction.

[0099] The millimeter wave link in the first direction is an uplink millimeter wave link or a downlink millimeter wave link. The uplink millimeter wave link refers to the millimeter wave link in the direction from STA to AP, and the downlink millimeter wave link refers to the millimeter wave link in the direction from AP to STA. In this embodiment of the present application, the millimeter wave links in the uplink and downlink directions need to be established through millimeter wave association requests respectively.

[0100] Optionally, the millimeter wave capability field of the millimeter wave association request may carry capability information on whether the STA supports establishing a millimeter wave link in a first direction alone. For example, if the first direction is an uplink direction, the millimeter wave capability field of the millimeter wave association request may carry capability information on whether the STA supports establishing a millimeter wave link in an uplink direction alone. If the first direction is a downlink direction, the millimeter wave capability field of the millimeter wave association request may carry capability information on whether the STA supports establishing a millimeter wave link in a downlink direction alone.

[0101] As a possible implementation method, the millimeter wave capability field of the millimeter wave association request can also carry the capability information of whether the STA supports the establishment of an uplink millimeter wave link alone and the capability information of whether the STA supports the establishment of a downlink millimeter wave link alone.

[0102] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the frame format of a millimeter wave association request provided by the present application. As shown in Figure 3, the millimeter wave association request may include a media access control (MAC) frame header, a frame body, and a frame check sequence (FCS). Among them, the MAC frame header may include a frame control field, a duration field, and a basic service set identifier (BSSID) field. The frame body may include a supported rate (Supported Rates) field, an extended supported rate (Extended Supported Rates) field, a multi-band (Multi-band) field, and a millimeter wave capability (mmW Capabilities) field. The meaning of the fields in the frame format of the millimeter wave association request shown in Figure 3 can refer to the description of the relevant standards. The millimeter wave capability field of the embodiment of the present application may additionally carry capability information of whether the STA supports the separate establishment of a millimeter wave link in the first direction.

[0103] Step 203: The AP sends a millimeter wave association response to the STA through the sub-6G link. The millimeter wave association response is used to indicate the determination to establish a millimeter wave link in the first direction.

[0104] Optionally, the millimeter wave capability field of the millimeter wave association response may carry capability information indicating whether the AP supports establishing a separate millimeter wave link in the first direction. For example, if the first direction is an uplink direction, the millimeter wave capability field of the millimeter wave association response may carry capability information indicating whether the AP supports establishing a separate uplink millimeter wave link. If the first direction is a downlink direction, the millimeter wave capability field of the millimeter wave association response may carry capability information indicating whether the AP supports establishing a separate downlink millimeter wave link.

[0105] As a possible implementation method, the millimeter wave capability field of the millimeter wave association response can also carry the capability information of whether the AP supports the establishment of an uplink millimeter wave link alone and the capability information of whether the AP supports the establishment of a downlink millimeter wave link alone.

[0106] Optionally, the millimeter wave operation field of the millimeter wave association response may carry a first millimeter wave channel, and the millimeter wave association response is used to indicate that the first millimeter wave channel is determined to be used to establish a millimeter wave link in the first direction, wherein the first millimeter wave channel is an initial channel selected by the AP.

[0107] For example, Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the frame format of a millimeter wave association response provided by the present application. As shown in Figure 4, the millimeter wave association response may include a MAC frame header, a frame body, and an FCS. Among them, the MAC frame header may include a frame control field, a duration field, and a BSSID field. The frame body may include a supported rate field, an extended supported rate field, a multi-band field, a millimeter wave capability field, and a millimeter wave option field. The meaning of the fields in the frame format of the millimeter wave association response shown in Figure 4 can refer to the description of the relevant standards. The millimeter wave capability field of the embodiment of the present application may additionally carry the capability information of whether the AP supports the separate establishment of a millimeter wave link in the first direction, and the millimeter wave option field of the embodiment of the present application may additionally carry the first millimeter wave channel used by the millimeter wave link in the first direction.

[0108] Step 204: The AP and the STA establish a millimeter wave link in a first direction.

[0109] As an implementation method, when the millimeter wave capability field of the millimeter wave association request indicates that the STA supports the separate establishment of the millimeter wave link in the first direction and the millimeter wave capability field of the millimeter wave association response indicates that the AP supports the separate establishment of the millimeter wave link in the first direction, the AP and the STA can successfully establish the millimeter wave link in the first direction.

[0110] Based on the above solution, the AP and STA use the established sub-6GHz link to transmit the interactive messages used to establish the millimeter wave link (such as the millimeter wave association request and millimeter wave association request mentioned above). Sub-6GHz signals have better anti-interference capabilities than millimeter wave signals, resulting in a higher transmission success rate for interactive messages used to establish the millimeter wave link, which can greatly improve the success rate of millimeter wave link establishment. This method can overcome the problem that the traditional method of exchanging link establishment information through millimeter wave signals is extremely susceptible to environmental interference, resulting in the failure of millimeter wave link establishment.

[0111] In addition, compared with the current standard solution in which the uplink and downlink directions of the millimeter wave link are established and effective together, in the embodiment of the present application, the uplink millimeter wave link and the downlink millimeter wave link can be established separately, which can achieve decoupling of the uplink millimeter wave link and the downlink millimeter wave link, which is more flexible.

[0112] Optionally, before the AP and STA establish a sub-6G link, both the AP and the STA can broadcast a beacon frame. Compared to the traditional standard beacon frame, the beacon frame sent by the AP in this application can additionally indicate that the AP supports millimeter wave communication, and can also carry the AP's millimeter wave capability information and millimeter wave communication parameters. In addition, the beacon frame sent by the STA in this application can additionally indicate that the STA supports millimeter wave communication, and can also carry the STA's millimeter wave capability information and millimeter wave communication parameters.

[0113] Optionally, before the AP and STA establish a sub-6G link, the STA can send a Probe Request frame to the AP, and the AP can reply with a Probe Response frame to the STA. Compared with the traditional standard probe request frame, the probe request frame sent by the STA in this application can additionally indicate that the STA supports millimeter wave communication, and can also carry the STA's millimeter wave capability information and millimeter wave communication parameters. In addition, the probe response frame sent by the AP in this application can additionally indicate that the AP supports millimeter wave communication, and can also carry the AP's millimeter wave capability information and millimeter wave communication parameters.

[0114] Optionally, after the AP establishes an uplink millimeter wave link with the STA, the AP can use the uplink millimeter wave link to receive uplink data frames from the STA and use the sub-6G link to send downlink data frames to the STA. Alternatively, after the AP establishes a downlink millimeter wave link with the STA, the AP can use the downlink millimeter wave link to send downlink data frames to the STA and use the sub-6G link to receive uplink data frames from the STA. Based on this solution, the communication of the millimeter wave links in two directions between the AP and the STA can be decoupled. Communication can be achieved after the millimeter wave link in one direction is established, without relying on the establishment of the millimeter wave link in the other direction.

[0115] Optionally, the AP and STA may use the method of steps 201 to 204 above to establish an uplink millimeter wave link and a downlink millimeter wave link, and subsequent data transmission in the uplink / downlink directions between the AP and STA may also use millimeter wave link communication.

[0116] In summary, in the embodiments of the present application, the AP and the STA can flexibly select sub-6G links and millimeter wave links for data transmission as needed. The data transmission method is more flexible and can improve data transmission efficiency and bandwidth utilization.

[0117] Optionally, after establishing a bidirectional millimeter wave link between the AP and STA, the AP and STA can use the millimeter wave link to transmit data frames and the sub-6G link to transmit management frames and control frames. This solution can improve data transmission efficiency and bandwidth utilization.

[0118] Optionally, the AP and STA can transmit data frames via the millimeter wave link in the first direction. The data frame may include a first identifier, which is used to indicate that the acknowledgment (ACK) frame corresponding to the data frame is transmitted via the sub-6G link. Afterwards, the AP and STA can transmit the ACK frame corresponding to the data frame via the sub-6G link. Based on this solution, the AP can carry the first identifier in the data frame sent via the millimeter wave link to indicate that the ACK frame corresponding to the data frame is transmitted via the sub-6G link, so that the data frame and the control frame are transmitted via the same link, thereby improving data transmission efficiency and network bandwidth utilization.

[0119] Optionally, the ACK frame corresponding to the data frame transmitted by the AP and the STA via the sub-6G link may carry a second identifier, where the second identifier indicates that the data frame corresponding to the ACK frame is transmitted via the millimeter wave link in the first direction.

[0120] Optionally, after the AP and the STA establish a millimeter wave link in the first direction, the AP and / or the STA may further perform a channel scanning process so that the millimeter wave link in the first direction communicates using a millimeter wave link with higher channel quality.

[0121] As a possible implementation, when the millimeter wave link in the first direction is a downlink millimeter wave link, the millimeter wave link establishment method may further include the steps shown in FIG5 :

[0122] Step 501: The AP sends a channel scan frame to a STA on multiple millimeter wave channels. Accordingly, the STA may receive the channel scan frame from the AP on multiple millimeter wave channels. The channel scan frame is used to determine the channel quality of multiple millimeter wave channels, including the first millimeter wave channel.

[0123] Step 502: The STA determines the channel qualities of the multiple millimeter wave channels according to the reception status of the channel scanning frames received on the multiple millimeter wave channels.

[0124] Step 503: The STA sends a channel scan feedback frame to the AP via the sub-6G link. The channel scan feedback frame is used to indicate the channel quality of multiple millimeter wave channels.

[0125] Step 504: The AP determines to switch the channel of the millimeter wave link in the first direction to a second millimeter wave channel based on the channel qualities of the multiple millimeter wave channels, where the channel quality of the second millimeter wave channel is better than that of the first millimeter wave channel.

[0126] Optionally, the second millimeter wave channel is a channel with the best channel quality among the multiple millimeter wave channels indicated by the channel scan feedback frame.

[0127] Step 505: The AP sends a channel switching frame to the STA through the sub-6G link. The channel switching frame is used to instruct the STA to switch the channel of the millimeter wave link in the first direction to the second millimeter wave channel.

[0128] As another possible implementation, when the millimeter wave link in the first direction is a downlink millimeter wave link, the millimeter wave link establishment method may further include the steps shown in FIG6 :

[0129] Steps 601 to 602 are the same as steps 501 to 502 .

[0130] Step 603: The STA sends a channel scan feedback frame to the AP through the sub-6G link. The channel scan feedback frame is used to indicate that the channel quality of the second millimeter wave channel among the multiple millimeter wave channels is better than that of the first millimeter wave channel.

[0131] Step 604: The AP determines to switch the channel of the millimeter wave link in the first direction to a second millimeter wave channel according to the channel quality feedback frame.

[0132] Step 605 is the same as step 505 .

[0133] Optionally, the above steps 501 and 601 may be triggered and executed by the AP when it finds that the channel quality of the first millimeter wave channel is poor.

[0134] As a possible implementation, when the millimeter wave link in the first direction is an uplink millimeter wave link, the millimeter wave link establishment method may further include the steps shown in FIG7 :

[0135] Step 701: A STA sends a channel scan frame to an AP on multiple millimeter wave channels. In response, the AP may receive the channel scan frame from the STA on multiple millimeter wave channels. The channel scan frame is used to determine the channel quality of multiple millimeter wave channels, including the first millimeter wave channel.

[0136] Step 702: The AP determines the channel qualities of the multiple millimeter wave channels according to the reception status of the channel scanning frames received on the multiple millimeter wave channels.

[0137] Step 703: The AP sends a channel scan feedback frame to the STA via the sub-6G link. The channel scan feedback frame is used to indicate the channel quality of multiple millimeter wave channels.

[0138] Step 704: The AP determines to switch the channel of the millimeter wave link in the first direction to a second millimeter wave channel based on the channel qualities of the multiple millimeter wave channels, where the channel quality of the second millimeter wave channel is better than that of the first millimeter wave channel.

[0139] As a possible implementation manner, the second millimeter wave channel is a channel with the best channel quality among the multiple millimeter wave channels indicated by the first channel scan feedback frame.

[0140] Step 705: The STA sends a channel switching frame to the AP through the sub-6G link. The channel switching frame is used to instruct the AP to switch the channel of the millimeter wave link in the first direction to the second millimeter wave channel.

[0141] As a possible implementation, when the millimeter wave link in the first direction is an uplink millimeter wave link, the millimeter wave link establishment method may further include the steps shown in FIG8 :

[0142] Steps 801 to 802 are the same as steps 701 to 702 .

[0143] Step 803: The AP sends a channel scan feedback frame to the STA through the sub-6G link. The channel scan feedback frame is used to indicate that the channel quality of the second millimeter wave channel among the multiple millimeter wave channels is better than that of the first millimeter wave channel.

[0144] Step 804: The STA determines to switch the channel of the millimeter wave link in the first direction to a second millimeter wave channel according to the channel quality feedback frame.

[0145] Step 805 is the same as step 705 .

[0146] Optionally, the above steps 701 and 801 may be triggered and executed by the AP when it finds that the channel quality of the first millimeter wave channel is poor.

[0147] Based on the method embodiments corresponding to Figures 5 to 8 above, after the AP and STA establish a millimeter wave link using the first millimeter wave channel, the AP and STA can also perform a channel scanning process to enable the millimeter wave link to use a millimeter wave channel with better channel quality, thereby improving the performance of the millimeter wave link. The STA and AP transmit channel scanning feedback frames over a sub-6G link, which is more reliable than transmission over a millimeter wave link.

[0148] Optionally, during the channel scanning process, if the AP or STA receives a channel scanning frame and determines, based on the reception status of the channel scanning frame, that the first millimeter wave channel is the channel with the best channel quality among multiple millimeter wave channels, then the millimeter wave link in the first direction continues to use the first millimeter wave channel without performing channel switching.

[0149] Optionally, after the AP and the STA establish a millimeter wave link in the first direction, the AP and / or the STA may further perform a beam alignment process to improve the communication performance between the AP and the STA.

[0150] As a possible implementation, the millimeter wave link establishment method may further include the steps shown in FIG9 :

[0151] Step 901: The AP sends a beam alignment request frame to the STA via the sub-6G link.

[0152] Step 902: The STA sends a beam alignment response frame to the AP via the sub-6G link.

[0153] Step 903: The AP sends sector-sweep frames to the STA on multiple transmission sectors. Correspondingly, the STA receives the sector-sweep frames sent by the AP from the multiple transmission sectors. The sector-sweep frames are transmitted via the established millimeter wave link in the first direction.

[0154] Step 904: The STA determines the sector qualities of the AP's multiple transmission sectors based on the reception status of the sector scan frames sent by the AP from the multiple transmission sectors.

[0155] Step 905: The STA sends a sector scan feedback frame to the AP via the sub-6G link. The sector scan feedback frame is used to indicate the sector quality of multiple transmitting sectors of the AP.

[0156] Step 906: The AP determines the optimal transmission sector among the multiple transmission sectors according to the sector qualities of the multiple transmission sectors.

[0157] As another possible implementation, the millimeter wave link establishment method may further include the steps shown in FIG10 :

[0158] Steps 1001 to 1004 are the same as steps 901 to 904 .

[0159] Step 1005: The STA sends a sector scan feedback frame to the AP via the sub-6G link. The sector scan feedback frame is used to indicate the optimal transmission sector among multiple transmission sectors of the AP.

[0160] Step 1006: The AP determines the optimal transmission sector among multiple transmission sectors according to the sector scanning feedback frame.

[0161] Based on the method embodiments corresponding to Figures 9 and 10 above, the AP can achieve alignment of the transmission sectors. It should be understood that after the AP determines the optimal transmission sector, it can subsequently transmit millimeter wave signals to STAs according to the optimal transmission sector, thereby improving communication performance.

[0162] As another possible implementation, the millimeter wave link establishment method may further include the steps shown in FIG11 :

[0163] Steps 1101 to 1102 are the same as steps 901 to 902 .

[0164] Step 1103: The AP sends sector-sweep frames to the STA multiple times in the same transmit sector. Correspondingly, the STA receives the sector-sweep frames sent by the AP from the same transmit sector in multiple receive sectors. The sector-sweep frames are transmitted via the established millimeter wave link in the first direction.

[0165] Optionally, step 1103 may be performed after step 906 or step 1006, and the transmission sector in step 1103 may be an optimal transmission sector determined by the AP.

[0166] Step 1104: The STA determines the quality of the multiple receiving sectors according to the reception status of the sector-scan frames received in the multiple receiving sectors.

[0167] Step 1105: The STA determines the optimal receiving sector among the multiple receiving sectors according to the qualities of the multiple receiving sectors.

[0168] Based on the method embodiment corresponding to Figure 11 above, the STA can achieve alignment of the receiving sectors. It should be understood that after the STA determines the optimal receiving sector, it can subsequently receive millimeter wave signals from the AP in the optimal receiving sector, thereby improving communication performance.

[0169] As another possible implementation, the millimeter wave link establishment method may further include the steps shown in FIG12 :

[0170] Step 1201: The STA sends a beam alignment request frame to the AP via a sub-6G link.

[0171] Step 1202: The AP sends a beam alignment response frame to the STA via the sub-6G link.

[0172] Step 1203: The STA sends sector-sweep frames to the AP on multiple transmission sectors. Correspondingly, the AP receives the sector-sweep frames sent by the STA from the multiple transmission sectors. The sector-sweep frames are transmitted via the established millimeter wave link in the first direction.

[0173] Step 1204: The AP determines the sector qualities of the multiple transmission sectors of the STA based on the reception status of the sector scan frames sent by the STA from the multiple transmission sectors.

[0174] Step 1205: The AP sends a sector scan feedback frame to the STA via the sub-6G link. The sector scan feedback frame is used to indicate the sector quality of multiple transmitting sectors of the STA.

[0175] Step 1206: The STA determines the optimal transmission sector among the multiple transmission sectors according to the sector qualities of the multiple transmission sectors.

[0176] As another possible implementation, the millimeter wave link establishment method may further include the steps shown in FIG13 :

[0177] Steps 1301 to 1304 are the same as steps 1201 to 1204 .

[0178] Step 1305: The AP sends a sector scan feedback frame to the STA via the sub-6G link. The sector scan feedback frame is used to indicate the optimal transmission sector among multiple transmission sectors of the STA.

[0179] Step 1306: The STA determines the optimal transmission sector among multiple transmission sectors according to the sector scanning feedback frame.

[0180] Based on the method embodiments corresponding to Figures 12 and 13 above, the STA can achieve alignment of the transmission sectors. It should be understood that after the STA determines the optimal transmission sector, it can subsequently transmit millimeter wave signals to the AP according to the optimal transmission sector, thereby improving communication performance.

[0181] As another possible implementation, the millimeter wave link establishment method may further include the steps shown in FIG14 :

[0182] Steps 1401 to 1402 are the same as steps 1201 to 1202 .

[0183] Step 1403: The STA sends sector-sweep frames to the AP multiple times from the same transmit sector. Accordingly, the AP receives the sector-sweep frames sent by the STA from the same transmit sector on multiple receive sectors. The sector-sweep frames are transmitted via the established millimeter wave link in the first direction.

[0184] Optionally, step 1403 may be performed after step 1206 or step 1206, and the transmission sector in step 1403 may be an optimal transmission sector determined by the STA.

[0185] Step 1404: The AP determines the quality of the multiple receiving sectors according to the reception status of the sector scan frames received in the multiple receiving sectors.

[0186] Step 1405: The AP determines the optimal receiving sector among the multiple receiving sectors according to the qualities of the multiple receiving sectors.

[0187] Based on the method embodiment corresponding to FIG14 , the AP can achieve alignment of the receiving sectors. It should be understood that after determining the optimal receiving sector, the AP can subsequently receive millimeter wave signals from STAs in the optimal receiving sector, thereby improving communication performance.

[0188] Optionally, the above-mentioned millimeter wave link establishment method in the embodiment of the present application can be performed by a communication device, which can be the management device in the above-mentioned method embodiment, or a device including the above-mentioned management device, or a component that can be used for the management device. In order to realize the above-mentioned functions, the communication device includes a hardware structure and / or software module corresponding to the execution of each function. It should be easy for those skilled in the art to realize that, in combination with the units and algorithm steps of each example described in the embodiments disclosed herein, the present application can be implemented in the form of hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in the form of hardware or computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional and technical personnel can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered to be beyond the scope of this application.

[0189] FIG15 shows a schematic structural diagram of a communication device, wherein the communication device 150 includes a transceiver module 1501. Optionally, the communication device 150 may further include a processing module 1502.

[0190] Here, the communication device 150 is taken as the AP in the above method embodiment as an example:

[0191] The transceiver module can be used to establish a sub-6G link with a STA. The transceiver module can also be used to receive a millimeter wave association request from the STA via the sub-6G link, where the millimeter wave association request is used to request the establishment of a millimeter wave link in a first direction. The transceiver module can also be used to send a millimeter wave association response to the STA via the sub-6G link, where the millimeter wave association response is used to indicate the determination to establish the millimeter wave link in the first direction. The transceiver module can also be used to establish a millimeter wave link in the first direction with the STA.

[0192] Optionally, the millimeter wave capability field in the millimeter wave association request carries capability information on whether the STA supports the establishment of a separate millimeter wave link in the first direction, and the millimeter wave capability field in the millimeter wave association response carries capability information on whether the AP supports the establishment of a separate millimeter wave link in the first direction. The transceiver module 1501 can be specifically configured to establish a millimeter wave link in the first direction with the STA when the millimeter wave capability field in the millimeter wave association request indicates that the STA supports the establishment of a separate millimeter wave link in the first direction, and when the millimeter wave capability field in the millimeter wave association response indicates that the AP supports the establishment of a separate millimeter wave link in the first direction.

[0193] Optionally, when the millimeter wave link in the first direction is an uplink millimeter wave link, the transceiver module 1501 can also be used to: use the uplink millimeter wave link to receive uplink data frames from the STA, and use the sub-6G link to send downlink data frames to the STA.

[0194] Optionally, when the millimeter wave link in the first direction is a downlink millimeter wave link, the transceiver module 1501 can also be used to: use the downlink millimeter wave link to send downlink data frames to the STA, and use the sub-6G link to receive uplink data frames from the STA.

[0195] Optionally, the transceiver module 1501 may also be configured to transmit a data frame to a STA via a millimeter wave link in a first direction, and to transmit an ACK frame corresponding to the data frame to the STA via a sub-6G link. The data frame includes a first identifier, indicating that the ACK frame corresponding to the data frame is transmitted via the sub-6G link. The ACK frame includes a second identifier, indicating that the data frame corresponding to the ACK frame is transmitted via the millimeter wave link in the first direction.

[0196] Optionally, the millimeter wave link in the first direction is a downlink millimeter wave link. The transceiver module 1501 can also be used to send a channel scanning frame to the STA on multiple millimeter wave channels, and the channel scanning frame is used to determine the channel quality of multiple millimeter wave channels, and the multiple millimeter wave channels include the first millimeter wave channel. In addition, the transceiver module 1501 can also be used to receive a channel scanning feedback frame from the STA through the sub-6G link, and the channel scanning feedback frame is used to indicate the channel quality of multiple millimeter wave channels. The processing module 1502 can be used to determine that the channel of the millimeter wave link in the first direction is switched to a second millimeter wave channel based on the channel quality of multiple millimeter wave channels, and the channel quality of the second millimeter wave channel is better than that of the first millimeter wave channel. The transceiver module 1501 can also be used to send a channel switching frame to the STA through the sub-6G link, and the channel switching frame is used to instruct the STA to switch the channel of the millimeter wave link in the first direction to the second millimeter wave channel.

[0197] Optionally, the millimeter wave link in the first direction is a downlink millimeter wave link. The transceiver module 1501 can also be used to send a channel scanning frame to the STA on multiple millimeter wave channels, and the channel scanning frame is used to determine the quality of multiple millimeter wave channels, and the multiple millimeter wave channels include the first millimeter wave channel. The transceiver module 1501 can also be used to receive a channel scanning feedback frame from the STA through the sub-6G link, and the channel scanning feedback frame is used to indicate that the channel quality of the second millimeter wave channel in the multiple millimeter wave channels is better than the first millimeter wave channel. The processing module 1502 can be used to determine to switch the channel of the millimeter wave link in the first direction to the second millimeter wave channel according to the channel scanning feedback frame. The transceiver module 1501 can also be used to send a channel switching frame to the STA through the sub-6G link, and the channel switching frame is used to instruct the STA to switch the channel of the millimeter wave link in the first direction to the second millimeter wave channel.

[0198] Optionally, the millimeter wave link in the first direction is an uplink millimeter wave link. The transceiver module 1501 can also be used to receive a channel scanning frame from the STA on multiple millimeter wave channels, and the channel scanning frame is used to determine the quality of multiple millimeter wave channels, and the multiple millimeter wave channels include the first millimeter wave channel. The processing module 1502 can be used to determine the channel quality of multiple millimeter wave channels based on the reception status of the channel scanning frame on multiple millimeter wave channels. The transceiver module 1501 can also be used to send a channel scanning feedback frame to the STA through the sub-6G link, and the channel scanning feedback frame is used to indicate the quality of multiple millimeter wave channels. The transceiver module 1501 can also be used to receive a channel switching frame from the STA through the sub-6G link, and the channel switching frame is used to instruct the AP to switch the channel of the millimeter wave link in the first direction to the second millimeter wave channel, and the channel quality of the second millimeter wave channel is better than that of the first millimeter wave channel.

[0199] Optionally, the millimeter wave link in the first direction is an uplink millimeter wave link. The transceiver module 1501 can also be used to receive a channel scanning frame from the STA on multiple millimeter wave channels, and the channel scanning frame is used to determine the quality of multiple millimeter wave channels, and the multiple millimeter wave channels include the first millimeter wave channel. The processing module 1502 can be used to determine the channel quality of multiple millimeter wave channels based on the reception status of the channel scanning frame on multiple millimeter wave channels. The transceiver module 1501 can also be used to send a channel scanning feedback frame to the STA through the sub-6G link, and the channel scanning feedback frame is used to indicate that the channel quality of the second millimeter wave channel in the multiple millimeter wave channels is better than the first millimeter wave channel. The transceiver module 1501 can also be used to receive a channel switching frame from the STA through the sub-6G link, and the channel switching frame is used to instruct the AP to switch the channel of the millimeter wave link in the first direction to the second millimeter wave channel.

[0200] Optionally, the transceiver module 1501 may also be used to send a beam alignment request frame to the STA via the sub-6G link. The transceiver module 1501 may also be used to receive a beam alignment response frame from the STA via the sub-6G link. The transceiver module 1501 may also be used to send sector scanning frames to the STA on multiple transmission sectors respectively, where the sector scanning frames are transmitted via the millimeter wave link in the first direction. The transceiver module 1501 may also be used to receive a sector scanning feedback frame from the STA via the sub-6G link, where the sector scanning feedback frame is used to indicate the sector quality of the multiple transmission sectors. The processing module 1502 may be used to determine the optimal transmission sector among the multiple transmission sectors based on the sector quality of the multiple transmission sectors.

[0201] Optionally, the transceiver module 1501 may also be configured to send a beam alignment request frame to the STA via the sub-6G link. The transceiver module 1501 may also be configured to receive a beam alignment response frame from the STA via the sub-6G link. The transceiver module 1501 may also be configured to send sector scan frames to the STA on multiple transmit sectors, respectively. The sector scan frames are transmitted via the millimeter wave link in the first direction. The transceiver module 1501 may also be configured to receive a sector scan feedback frame from the STA via the sub-6G link. The sector scan feedback frame is used to indicate the optimal transmit sector among the multiple transmit sectors.

[0202] Optionally, the transceiver module 1501 may also be configured to receive a beam alignment request frame from a STA via a sub-6G link. The transceiver module 1501 may also be configured to send a beam alignment response frame to the STA via the sub-6G link. The transceiver module 1501 may also be configured to receive, on multiple receiving sectors, sector sweep frames sent by the STA from the same transmitting sector, where the sector sweep frames are transmitted via a millimeter wave link in a first direction. The processing module 1502 may be configured to determine an optimal receiving sector among the multiple receiving sectors based on the reception status of the sector sweep frames received on the multiple receiving sectors.

[0203] Take the communication device 150 as an STA in the above method embodiment as an example:

[0204] The transceiver module 1501 can be used to establish a sub-6G link with the AP. The transceiver module 1501 can also be used to send a millimeter wave association request to the AP via the sub-6G link. The millimeter wave association request is used to request the establishment of a millimeter wave link in a first direction. The transceiver module 1501 can also be used to receive a millimeter wave association response from the STA via the sub-6G link. The millimeter wave association response is used to indicate the determination to establish the millimeter wave link in the first direction. The transceiver module 1501 can also be used to establish a millimeter wave link in the first direction with the AP.

[0205] Optionally, the millimeter wave capability field in the millimeter wave association request carries capability information of whether the STA supports the establishment of a separate millimeter wave link in the first direction, and the millimeter wave capability field in the millimeter wave association response carries capability information of whether the AP supports the establishment of a separate millimeter wave link in the first direction. The transceiver module 1501 can be specifically configured to establish a millimeter wave link in the first direction with the AP when the millimeter wave capability field in the millimeter wave association request indicates that the STA supports the establishment of a separate millimeter wave link in the first direction, and when the millimeter wave capability field in the millimeter wave association response indicates that the AP supports the establishment of a separate millimeter wave link in the first direction.

[0206] Optionally, when the millimeter wave link in the first direction is an uplink millimeter wave link, the transceiver module 1501 can also be used to: use the uplink millimeter wave link to send uplink data frames to the AP, and use the sub-6G link to receive downlink data frames from the AP.

[0207] Optionally, when the millimeter wave link in the first direction is a downlink millimeter wave link, the transceiver module 1501 can also be used to: use the downlink millimeter wave link to receive downlink data frames from the AP, and use the sub-6G link to send uplink data frames to the AP.

[0208] Optionally, the transceiver module 1501 may also be configured to transmit a data frame to the AP via a millimeter wave link in a first direction, and to transmit an ACK frame corresponding to the data frame to the AP via a sub-6G link. The data frame includes a first identifier, indicating that the ACK frame corresponding to the data frame is transmitted via the sub-6G link. The ACK frame includes a second identifier, indicating that the data frame corresponding to the ACK frame is transmitted via the millimeter wave link in the first direction.

[0209] Optionally, the millimeter wave link in the first direction is a downlink millimeter wave link. The transceiver module 1501 can also be used to receive a channel scanning frame from the AP on multiple millimeter wave channels, and the channel scanning frame is used to determine the channel quality of multiple millimeter wave channels, and the multiple millimeter wave channels include a first millimeter wave channel. The processing module 1502 can be used to determine the channel quality of multiple millimeter wave channels based on the reception status of the channel scanning frame on multiple millimeter wave channels. The transceiver module 1501 can also be used to send a channel scanning feedback frame to the AP through the sub-6G link, and the channel scanning feedback frame is used to indicate the channel quality of multiple millimeter wave channels. The transceiver module 1501 can also be used to receive a channel switching frame from the AP through the sub-6G link, and the channel switching frame is used to instruct the STA to switch the channel of the millimeter wave link in the first direction to the second millimeter wave channel.

[0210] Optionally, the millimeter wave link in the first direction is a downlink millimeter wave link. The transceiver module 1501 can also be used to receive a channel scanning frame from the AP on multiple millimeter wave channels, and the channel scanning frame is used to determine the quality of multiple millimeter wave channels, and the multiple millimeter wave channels include the first millimeter wave channel. The processing module 1502 can be used to determine the channel quality of multiple millimeter wave channels based on the reception of the channel scanning frame on multiple millimeter wave channels. The transceiver module 1501 can also be used to send a channel scanning feedback frame to the AP through the sub-6G link, and the channel scanning feedback frame is used to indicate that the channel quality of the second millimeter wave channel in the multiple millimeter wave channels is better than the first millimeter wave channel. The transceiver module 1501 can also be used to receive a channel switching frame from the AP through the sub-6G link, and the channel switching frame is used to instruct the STA to switch the channel of the millimeter wave link in the first direction to the second millimeter wave channel.

[0211] Optionally, the millimeter wave link in the first direction is an uplink millimeter wave link. The transceiver module 1501 can also be used to send a channel scanning frame to the AP on multiple millimeter wave channels, and the channel scanning frame is used to determine the quality of multiple millimeter wave channels, and the multiple millimeter wave channels include the first millimeter wave channel. The transceiver module 1501 can also be used to receive a channel scanning feedback frame from the AP through the sub-6G link, and the channel scanning feedback frame is used to indicate the quality of multiple millimeter wave channels. The processing module 1502 can be used to determine to switch the channel of the millimeter wave link in the first direction to the second millimeter wave channel based on the quality of multiple millimeter wave channels. The transceiver module 1501 can also be used to send a channel switching frame to the AP through the sub-6G link, and the channel switching frame is used to instruct the AP to switch the channel of the millimeter wave link in the first direction to the second millimeter wave channel. The channel quality of the second millimeter wave channel is better than that of the first millimeter wave channel.

[0212] Optionally, the millimeter wave link in the first direction is an uplink millimeter wave link. The transceiver module 1501 can also be used to send a channel scanning frame to the AP on multiple millimeter wave channels, and the channel scanning frame is used to determine the quality of multiple millimeter wave channels, and the multiple millimeter wave channels include the first millimeter wave channel. The transceiver module 1501 can also be used to receive a channel scanning feedback frame from the AP through the sub-6G link, and the channel scanning feedback frame is used to indicate that the channel quality of the second millimeter wave channel in the multiple millimeter wave channels is better than the first millimeter wave channel. The processing module 1502 can be used to determine to switch the channel of the millimeter wave link in the first direction to the second millimeter wave channel based on the channel scanning feedback frame. The transceiver module 1501 can also be used to send a channel switching frame to the AP through the sub-6G link, and the channel switching frame is used to instruct the AP to switch the channel of the millimeter wave link in the first direction to the second millimeter wave channel.

[0213] Optionally, the transceiver module 1501 may also be used to send a beam alignment request frame to the AP via the sub-6G link. The transceiver module 1501 may also be used to receive a beam alignment response frame from the AP via the sub-6G link. The transceiver module 1501 may also be used to send sector scanning frames to the AP on multiple transmission sectors respectively, where the sector scanning frames are transmitted via the millimeter wave link in the first direction. The transceiver module 1501 may also be used to receive a sector scanning feedback frame from the AP via the sub-6G link, where the sector scanning feedback frame is used to indicate the sector quality of the multiple transmission sectors. The processing module 1502 may be used to determine the optimal transmission sector among the multiple transmission sectors based on the sector quality of the multiple transmission sectors.

[0214] Optionally, the transceiver module 1501 may also be configured to send a beam alignment request frame to the AP via a sub-6G link. The transceiver module 1501 may also be configured to receive a beam alignment response frame from the AP via the sub-6G link. The transceiver module 1501 may also be configured to send sector sweep frames to the AP on multiple transmission sectors, respectively. The sector sweep frames are transmitted via the millimeter wave link in the first direction. The transceiver module 1501 may also be configured to receive a sector sweep feedback frame from the AP via the sub-6G link. The sector sweep feedback frame is used to indicate the optimal transmission sector among the multiple transmission sectors.

[0215] Optionally, the transceiver module 1501 may also be configured to receive a beam alignment request frame from the AP via a sub-6G link. The transceiver module 1501 may also be configured to send a beam alignment response frame to the AP via the sub-6G link. The transceiver module 1501 may also be configured to receive, at multiple receiving sectors, sector sweep frames sent by the AP from the same transmitting sector, where the sector sweep frames are transmitted via a millimeter wave link in a first direction. The processing module 1502 may be configured to determine an optimal receiving sector among the multiple receiving sectors based on reception status of the sector sweep frames received at the multiple receiving sectors.

[0216] All relevant contents of each step involved in the above method embodiment can be referred to the functional description of the corresponding functional module and will not be repeated here. Since the communication device 150 provided in this embodiment can execute the above-mentioned millimeter wave link establishment method, the technical effects that can be obtained can be referred to the above method embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0217] In the embodiment of the present application, the communication device may be divided into functional modules according to the different method behaviors in the above method embodiments. As a possible implementation method, the above transceiver module 1501 may specifically include a sub-6G submodule 1501a and a millimeter wave submodule 1501b. The behaviors of using sub-6G link communication in the above embodiments can all be implemented by the sub-6G submodule 1501a, and the behaviors of using millimeter wave communication in the above embodiments can all be implemented by the millimeter wave submodule 1501b.

[0218] It should be understood that the module division in the embodiments of the present application is illustrative and merely represents a logical functional division. In actual implementation, other division methods may be employed. For example, two or more functions may be integrated into a single processing module. Furthermore, the integrated modules may be implemented in either hardware or software functional modules, and this application does not impose any limitations thereon.

[0219] In this embodiment, communication device 150 is presented in the form of integrated functional modules. "Module" here can refer to a specific ASIC, circuit, processor and memory executing one or more software or firmware programs, integrated logic circuit, and / or other device capable of providing the aforementioned functionality. In a simple embodiment, those skilled in the art will appreciate that communication device 150 can take the form of communication device 160 shown in FIG. 16 .

[0220] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of the structure of another communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 16, the communication device 160 includes one or more processors 1601, a communication line 1602, and at least one communication interface (Figure 16 is only illustrative and takes the communication interface 1603 and one processor 1601 as an example for explanation). Optionally, a memory 1604 may also be included. The processor 1601 may be a general-purpose central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits for controlling the execution of the program of the present application. The communication line 1602 may include a path for communication between different components. The communication interface 1603 may be a transceiver module for communicating with other devices or communication networks, such as Ethernet, RAN, wireless local area networks (WLAN), etc. For example, the transceiver module may be a device such as a transceiver or a transceiver. Optionally, the communication interface 1603 may also be a transceiver circuit located in the processor 1601 to realize signal input and signal output of the processor. The memory 1604 may be a device having a storage function. For example, it may be a read-only memory (ROM) or other types of static storage devices that can store static information and instructions, a random access memory (RAM) or other types of dynamic storage devices that can store information and instructions, or an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disc storage, optical disc storage (including compressed optical discs, laser discs, optical discs, digital versatile discs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), a magnetic disk storage medium or other magnetic storage device, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program codes in the form of instructions or data structures and can be accessed by a computer, but is not limited thereto. The memory may be independent and connected to the processor via a communication line 1602. The memory may also be integrated with the processor. Among them, the memory 1604 is used to store computer-executable instructions for executing the solution of the present application, and is controlled by the processor 1601 for execution. The processor 1601 is used to execute the computer-executable instructions stored in the memory 1604, thereby implementing the millimeter wave link establishment method provided in the embodiment of the present application.Alternatively, in the embodiment of the present application, the processor 1601 performs the processing-related functions in the millimeter wave link establishment method provided in the following embodiment of the present application, and the communication interface 1603 is responsible for communicating with other devices or communication networks. The embodiment of the present application does not specifically limit this. The computer-executable instructions in the embodiment of the present application may also be referred to as application code, which is not specifically limited in the embodiment of the present application. As an embodiment, the processor 1601 may include one or more CPUs, such as CPU0 and CPU1 in Figure 16.

[0221] As an embodiment, the communication device 160 may include multiple processors, such as the processor 1601 and the processor 1607 in FIG16 . Each of these processors may be a single-core processor or a multi-core processor. The processors here may include, but are not limited to, at least one of the following: a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a microcontroller unit (MCU), or an artificial intelligence processor, etc., various types of computing devices that run software, each of which may include one or more cores for executing software instructions to perform calculations or processing.

[0222] As an embodiment, the communication device 160 may further include an output device 1605 and an input device 1606. The output device 1605 communicates with the processor 1601 and can display information in a variety of ways. For example, the output device 1605 can be a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED) display device, a cathode ray tube (CRT) display device, or a projector. The input device 1606 communicates with the processor 1601 and can receive user input in a variety of ways. For example, the input device 1606 can be a mouse, a keyboard, a touch screen device, or a sensor device.

[0223] The communication device 160 described above may also sometimes be referred to as a communication device, which may be a general-purpose device or a dedicated device. For example, the communication device 160 may be a controller in a network or a device having a similar structure as shown in FIG16 . The embodiment of the present application does not limit the type of the communication device 160 .

[0224] The processor 1601 in the communication device 160 shown in FIG16 can cause the communication device 160 to execute the millimeter wave link establishment method in the above-described method embodiment by invoking computer-executable instructions stored in the memory 1604. Since the communication device 160 provided in this embodiment can execute the above-described millimeter wave link establishment method, the technical effects achieved can be referred to the above-described method embodiment and will not be further described here.

[0225] In the various embodiments of the present application, the size of the sequence number of each process does not mean the order of execution, and the order of execution of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of the present application. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the units and algorithm steps of each example described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented with electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are performed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional and technical personnel can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered to be beyond the scope of this application. Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the convenience and simplicity of description, the specific working processes of the systems, devices and units described above can refer to the corresponding processes in the aforementioned method embodiments, and will not be repeated here. In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For example, the division of units described is merely a logical functional division. In actual implementation, other divisions may be employed. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be omitted or not implemented. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through interfaces, or indirect coupling or communication connection between devices or units, which may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms. The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, i.e., they may be located in a single location or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of these units may be selected to achieve the objectives of the present embodiments as needed. Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of the present application may be integrated into a single processing unit, each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into a single unit. In the above embodiments, all or part of the implementation may be achieved through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, all or part of the implementation may be in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the processes or functions described in the embodiments of the present application are generated in whole or in part. The computer may be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device.The computer instructions may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another computer-readable storage medium. For example, the computer instructions may be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via a wired (e.g., coaxial cable, optical fiber, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) method. The computer-readable storage medium may be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center that includes one or more available media. The available medium may be a magnetic medium (e.g., a floppy disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape), an optical medium (e.g., a digital versatile disc (DVD)), or a semiconductor medium (e.g., a solid state disk (SSD)).

[0226] As used in this application, the terms "component", "module", "system" and the like are intended to refer to a computer-related entity, which can be hardware, firmware, a combination of hardware and software, software or software in operation. For example, a component can be, but is not limited to: a process running on a processor, a processor, an object, an executable file, a thread in execution, a program and / or a computer. As an example, both an application running on a computing device and the computing device can be a component. One or more components can exist in a process and / or thread in execution, and a component can be located in a computer and / or distributed between two or more computers. In addition, these components can be executed from various computer-readable media with various data structures thereon. These components can communicate in the form of local and / or remote processes, such as based on signals having one or more data packets (e.g., data from a component that interacts with another component in a local system, a distributed system and / or interacts with other systems in the form of signals over a network such as the Internet). This application presents various aspects, embodiments or features around a system that can include multiple devices, components, modules, etc. It is to be understood and appreciated that the various systems may include additional devices, components, modules, etc. and / or may not include all of the devices, components, modules, etc. discussed in connection with the figures. Furthermore, combinations of these aspects may also be used.

[0227] In addition, in the embodiments of the present application, the word "exemplary" is used to indicate an example, illustration or explanation. Any embodiment or design described in the present application as an "example" should not be interpreted as being more preferred or more advantageous than other embodiments or design. Specifically, the use of the word "exemplary" is intended to present the concept in a concrete way. In the embodiments of the present application, information, signal, message, and channel are sometimes used interchangeably. It should be noted that when the distinction between them is not emphasized, the meanings to be expressed are consistent. "of", "corresponding, relevant" and "corresponding" are sometimes used interchangeably. It should be noted that when the distinction between them is not emphasized, the meanings to be expressed are consistent. "System" and "network" are sometimes used interchangeably. When the distinction between them is not emphasized, the meanings to be expressed are consistent. For example, "communication network" also refers to "communication system". The network architecture and business scenarios described in the embodiments of the present application are intended to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application. Ordinary technicians in this field will know that with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0228] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present application, but the scope of protection of the present application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included in the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A millimeter wave link establishment method, characterized in that: The method comprises: The access point AP and the user station STA establish a sub-6G link; The AP receives a millimeter wave association request from the STA through a sub-6G link, where the millimeter wave association request is used to request to establish a millimeter wave link in a first direction; The AP sends a millimeter wave association response to the STA through a sub-6G link, where the millimeter wave association response is used to indicate a determination to establish a millimeter wave link in the first direction; The AP and the STA establish a millimeter wave link in the first direction.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The millimeter wave capability field in the millimeter wave association request carries capability information of whether the STA supports the establishment of a millimeter wave link alone in the first direction, and the millimeter wave capability field in the millimeter wave association response carries capability information of whether the AP supports the establishment of a millimeter wave link alone in the first direction; The AP and the STA establish a millimeter wave link in the first direction, including: When the millimeter wave capability field of the millimeter wave association request indicates that the STA supports the establishment of a millimeter wave link in the first direction, and the millimeter wave capability field of the millimeter wave association response indicates that the AP supports the establishment of a millimeter wave link in the first direction, the AP and the STA establish a millimeter wave link in the first direction.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The millimeter wave link in the first direction is an uplink millimeter wave link or a downlink millimeter wave link.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that In a case where the millimeter wave link in the first direction is an uplink millimeter wave link, the method further includes: The AP receives an uplink data frame from the STA using the uplink millimeter wave link; And, the AP uses the sub-6G link to send downlink data frames to the STA.

5. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that: In a case where the millimeter wave link in the first direction is a downlink millimeter wave link, the method further includes: The AP sends a downlink data frame to the STA using a downlink millimeter wave link; And, the AP uses the sub-6G link to receive uplink data frames from the STA.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The method further comprises: The AP and the STA transmit a data frame through the millimeter wave link in the first direction, where the data frame includes a first identifier, and the first identifier indicates that an acknowledgment ACK frame corresponding to the data frame is transmitted through the sub-6G link; Furthermore, the AP and the STA transmit an ACK frame corresponding to the data frame through the sub-6G link, and the ACK frame includes a second identifier, and the second identifier indicates that the data frame corresponding to the ACK frame is transmitted through the millimeter wave link in the first direction.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The millimeter wave operation field of the millimeter wave association response carries a first millimeter wave channel, where the first millimeter wave channel is selected by the AP; The millimeter wave association response is used to indicate a determination to establish a millimeter wave link in the first direction, including: The millimeter wave association response is used to indicate a determination to use the first millimeter wave channel to establish a millimeter wave link in the first direction.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that The millimeter wave link in the first direction is a downlink millimeter wave link; the method further includes: The AP sends a channel scanning frame to the STA on a plurality of millimeter wave channels, where the channel scanning frame is used to determine channel qualities of the plurality of millimeter wave channels, where the plurality of millimeter wave channels include the first millimeter wave channel; The AP receives a channel scanning feedback frame from the STA through the sub-6G link, where the channel scanning feedback frame is used to indicate channel quality of the multiple millimeter wave channels; The AP determines, according to the channel qualities of the multiple millimeter wave channels, to switch the channel of the millimeter wave link in the first direction to the second millimeter wave channel; wherein the channel quality of the second millimeter wave channel is better than that of the first millimeter wave channel; The AP sends a channel switching frame to the STA through the sub-6G link, where the channel switching frame is used to instruct the STA to switch the channel of the millimeter wave link in the first direction to the second millimeter wave channel.

9. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that: The millimeter wave link in the first direction is a downlink millimeter wave link; the method further includes: The AP sends a channel scanning frame to the STA on multiple millimeter wave channels, and the channel scanning frame is used to determine the multiple millimeter wave channels. channel quality, the plurality of millimeter wave channels including the first millimeter wave channel; The AP receives a channel scan feedback frame from the STA through the sub-6G link, where the channel scan feedback frame is used to indicate that a channel quality of a second millimeter wave channel among the multiple millimeter wave channels is better than that of the first millimeter wave channel; The AP determines, according to the channel scanning feedback frame, to switch the channel of the millimeter wave link in the first direction to the second millimeter wave channel; The AP sends a channel switching frame to the STA through the sub-6G link, where the channel switching frame is used to instruct the STA to switch the channel of the millimeter wave link in the first direction to the second millimeter wave channel.

10. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that The millimeter wave link in the first direction is an uplink millimeter wave link; and the method further includes: The AP receives a channel scanning frame from the STA on a plurality of millimeter wave channels, where the channel scanning frame is used to determine the quality of the plurality of millimeter wave channels, where the plurality of millimeter wave channels include the first millimeter wave channel; The AP determines, according to a reception status of the channel scanning frame on the multiple millimeter wave channels, channel qualities of the multiple millimeter wave channels; The AP sends a channel scanning feedback frame to the STA through the sub-6G link, where the channel scanning feedback frame is used to indicate the quality of the multiple millimeter wave channels; The AP receives a channel switching frame from the STA through the sub-6G link, and the channel switching frame is used to instruct the AP to switch the channel of the millimeter wave link in the first direction to a second millimeter wave channel, and the channel quality of the second millimeter wave channel is better than that of the first millimeter wave channel.

11. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that The millimeter wave link in the first direction is an uplink millimeter wave link; and the method further includes: The AP receives a channel scanning frame from the STA on a plurality of millimeter wave channels, where the channel scanning frame is used to determine the quality of the plurality of millimeter wave channels, where the plurality of millimeter wave channels include the first millimeter wave channel; The AP determines, according to a reception status of the channel scanning frame on the multiple millimeter wave channels, channel qualities of the multiple millimeter wave channels; The AP sends a channel scan feedback frame to the STA through the sub-6G link, where the channel scan feedback frame is used to indicate that the channel quality of the second millimeter wave channel among the multiple millimeter wave channels is better than that of the first millimeter wave channel; The AP receives a channel switching frame from the STA through the sub-6G link, where the channel switching frame is used to instruct the AP to switch the channel of the millimeter wave link in the first direction to the second millimeter wave channel.

12. The method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that: The method further comprises: The AP sends a beam alignment request frame to the STA through the sub-6G link; The AP receives a beam alignment response frame from the STA through the sub-6G link; The AP sends sector scanning frames to the STA on the multiple transmission sectors respectively, where the sector scanning frames are transmitted through the millimeter wave link in the first direction; The AP receives a sector scan feedback frame from the STA through the sub-6G link, where the sector scan feedback frame is used to indicate sector qualities of the multiple transmission sectors; The AP determines an optimal transmission sector among the multiple transmission sectors according to sector qualities of the multiple transmission sectors.

13. The method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that: The method further comprises: The AP sends a beam alignment request frame to the STA through the sub-6G link; The AP receives a beam alignment response frame from the STA through the sub-6G link; The AP sends sector scanning frames to the STA on the multiple transmission sectors respectively, where the sector scanning frames are transmitted through the millimeter wave link in the first direction; The AP receives a sector scanning feedback frame from the STA through the sub-6G link, where the sector scanning feedback frame is used to indicate an optimal transmission sector among the multiple transmission sectors.

14. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that: The method further comprises: The AP receives a beam alignment request frame from the STA through the sub-6G link; The AP sends a beam alignment response frame to the STA through the sub-6G link; The AP receives, at the plurality of receiving sectors respectively, sector scanning frames sent by the STA from the same transmitting sector, where the sector scanning frames are transmitted via the millimeter wave link in the first direction; The AP determines the best receiving sector among the multiple receiving sectors according to the reception status of the sector scanning frame received on the multiple receiving sectors.

15. A millimeter wave link establishment method, characterized in that: The method comprises: The user station STA and the access point AP establish a sub-6G link; The STA sends a millimeter wave association request to the AP through a sub-6G link, where the millimeter wave association request is used to request to establish a millimeter wave link in a first direction; The STA receives, through the sub-6G link, a millimeter wave association response sent from the STA, where the millimeter wave association response is used to indicate a determination to establish a millimeter wave link in the first direction; The STA and the AP establish a millimeter wave link in the first direction.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that The millimeter wave capability field in the millimeter wave association request carries capability information of whether the STA supports the establishment of a millimeter wave link alone in the first direction, and the millimeter wave capability field in the millimeter wave association response carries capability information of whether the AP supports the establishment of a millimeter wave link alone in the first direction; The AP and the STA establish a millimeter wave link in the first direction, including: When the millimeter wave capability field of the millimeter wave association request indicates that the STA supports the establishment of a millimeter wave link in the first direction, and the millimeter wave capability field of the millimeter wave association response indicates that the AP supports the establishment of a millimeter wave link in the first direction, the AP and the STA establish a millimeter wave link in the first direction.

17. The method according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that The millimeter wave link in the first direction is an uplink millimeter wave link or a downlink millimeter wave link.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that In a case where the millimeter wave link in the first direction is an uplink millimeter wave link, the method further includes: The STA sends an uplink data frame to the AP using the uplink millimeter wave link; And, the STA uses the sub-6G link to receive the downlink data frame of the AP.

19. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that In a case where the millimeter wave link in the first direction is a downlink millimeter wave link, the method further includes: The STA receives a downlink data frame from the AP using a downlink millimeter wave link; And, the STA uses the sub-6G link to send an uplink data frame to the AP.

20. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 19, characterized in that: The method further comprises: The STA and the AP transmit a data frame through the millimeter wave link in the first direction, where the data frame includes a first identifier, and the first identifier indicates that an acknowledgment ACK frame corresponding to the data frame is transmitted through the sub-6G link; Furthermore, the STA and the AP transmit an ACK frame corresponding to the data frame through the sub-6G link, and the ACK frame includes a second identifier, and the second identifier indicates that the data frame corresponding to the ACK frame is transmitted through the millimeter wave link in the first direction.

21. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 20, characterized in that: The millimeter wave operation field of the millimeter wave association response carries a first millimeter wave channel, where the first millimeter wave channel is selected by the AP; The millimeter wave association response is used to indicate a determination to establish a millimeter wave link in the first direction, including: The millimeter wave association response is used to indicate a determination to use the first millimeter wave channel to establish a millimeter wave link in the first direction.

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that The millimeter wave link in the first direction is a downlink millimeter wave link; the method further includes: The STA receives a channel scanning frame from the AP on a plurality of millimeter wave channels, where the channel scanning frame is used to determine channel qualities of the plurality of millimeter wave channels, where the plurality of millimeter wave channels include the first millimeter wave channel; The STA determines, according to a reception status of the channel scanning frame on the multiple millimeter wave channels, channel qualities of the multiple millimeter wave channels; The STA sends a channel scanning feedback frame to the AP through the sub-6G link, where the channel scanning feedback frame is used to indicate channel quality of the multiple millimeter wave channels; The STA receives a channel switching frame from the AP through the sub-6G link, where the channel switching frame is used to instruct the STA to switch the channel of the millimeter wave link in the first direction to the second millimeter wave channel.

23. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that The millimeter wave link in the first direction is a downlink millimeter wave link; the method further includes: The STA receives a channel scanning frame from the AP on a plurality of millimeter wave channels, where the channel scanning frame is used to determine the quality of the plurality of millimeter wave channels, where the plurality of millimeter wave channels include the first millimeter wave channel; The STA determines the channel quality of the multiple millimeter wave channels according to the reception status of the channel scanning frame on the multiple millimeter wave channels. quantity; The STA sends a channel scanning feedback frame to the AP through the sub-6G link, where the channel scanning feedback frame is used to indicate that the channel quality of the second millimeter wave channel among the multiple millimeter wave channels is better than that of the first millimeter wave channel; The STA receives a channel switching frame from the AP through the sub-6G link, where the channel switching frame is used to instruct the STA to switch the channel of the millimeter wave link in the first direction to the second millimeter wave channel.

24. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that The millimeter wave link in the first direction is an uplink millimeter wave link; and the method further includes: The STA sends a channel scanning frame to the AP on a plurality of millimeter wave channels, where the channel scanning frame is used to determine the quality of the plurality of millimeter wave channels, where the plurality of millimeter wave channels include the first millimeter wave channel; The STA receives a channel scanning feedback frame from the AP through the sub-6G link, where the channel scanning feedback frame is used to indicate the quality of the multiple millimeter wave channels; The STA determines, according to the quality of the multiple millimeter wave channels, to switch the channel of the millimeter wave link in the first direction to a second millimeter wave channel; wherein the channel quality of the second millimeter wave channel is better than that of the first millimeter wave channel; The STA sends a channel switching frame to the AP through the sub-6G link, where the channel switching frame is used to instruct the AP to switch the channel of the millimeter wave link in the first direction to a second millimeter wave channel.

25. A communication device, characterized in that: The communication device comprises: a processor and a memory; The memory is used to store program instructions. When the processor executes the program instructions, the communication device executes the millimeter wave link establishment method as described in any one of claims 1-14 or 15-24.

26. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that: The method comprises instructions which, when executed on a computer, enable the computer to execute the millimeter wave link establishment method according to any one of claims 1 to 14 or 15 to 24.

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