Signal measurement method, device and system

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application provide a signal measurement method, device and system, used for performing signal measurement in a CSR scenario. The method can be applied to a first station, and comprises: receiving a first message from a first access point, the first message being used for requesting the first station to send a first measurement result to the first access point when the difference between the first measurement result and a second measurement result is greater than a first threshold, the first measurement result being a result related to a second access point and measured by the first station at a first time, the second measurement result being a result related to the second access point and measured by the first station at a second time, and the second time being earlier than the first time; and when the difference between the first measurement result and the second measurement result is greater than the first threshold, sending the first measurement result to the first access point.

Description

Signal measurement method, device and system

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office on December 29, 2023, with application number 202311856061.3 and application name “Signal Measurement Method, Device and System”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the field of wireless fidelity technology, and in particular to a signal measurement method, device, and system. Background Art

[0003] In a coordinated spatial reuse (CSR) scenario, multiple access points (APs) can transmit simultaneously on the same transmission resources, thereby improving the utilization of transmission resources. Transmission resources include channels and / or resource blocks. Assume that while AP1 sends a signal to station (STA) 1, AP2 sends a signal to STA2 on the same channel. Then, the signal received by STA1 from AP1 is a useful signal, and the signal received by STA1 from AP2 is an interference signal. If STA1 can measure the strength of the beacon frame from AP2 before AP1 and AP2 transmit simultaneously, and inform AP1 of the measurement results, then AP1 can infer the path loss between STA1 and AP2 based on the measurement results, and then AP1 can control the transmission power of AP2 so that STA1 is less interfered with by AP2. In other words, in order to reduce interference, STA1 needs to measure the strength of beacon frames from APs other than AP1.

[0004] In the current signal measurement method, AP1 can send a request frame to STA1, requesting STA1 to measure the strength of beacon frames from APs other than AP1. If specific conditions and thresholds are met, STA1 can send a response frame including the measurement results to AP1.

[0005] However, the specific conditions and thresholds in current signal measurement methods are designed for AP switching scenarios. Specifically, AP1 can determine whether to switch to an AP other than AP1 based on STA1's measurement results. In other words, the specific conditions and thresholds in current signal measurement methods are not applicable to CSR scenarios. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The embodiments of the present application provide a signal measurement method, device, and system for performing signal measurement in a CSR scenario.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the embodiments of the present application adopt the following technical solutions:

[0008] In a first aspect, a signal measurement method is provided. An apparatus performing the signal measurement method may be a first station or a module implemented in the first station, such as a chip or a chip system. The signal measurement method includes: receiving a first message from a first access point, the first message requesting the first station to send the first measurement result to the first access point if a difference between a first measurement result and a second measurement result is greater than a first threshold, the first measurement result being a result measured by the first station at a first time and associated with the second access point, and the second measurement result being a result measured by the first station at a second time and associated with the second access point, the second time being earlier than the first time; and sending the first measurement result to the first access point if the difference between the first measurement result and the second measurement result is greater than the first threshold.

[0009] In the signal measurement method provided in this embodiment of the present application, the difference between the first measurement result and the second measurement result can reflect the change in the measurement result associated with the second access point. When the change is greater than a first threshold, the first station sends the first measurement result to the first access point, so that the first access point can determine whether to initiate cooperative transmission with the second access point based on the first measurement result. In other words, the signal measurement method provided in this embodiment of the present application is applicable to CSR scenarios.

[0010] In conjunction with the first aspect described above, in one possible implementation, the time interval between two adjacent measurements by the first station is less than or equal to a preset time interval. In this solution, the preset time interval is the maximum time interval between two adjacent measurements, thereby achieving the technical effect of controlling the measurement period. When the time interval between two adjacent measurements is the preset time interval, the first station performs measurements at the lowest frequency, which helps to reduce the power consumption incurred by the first station in measuring and reporting measurement results.

[0011] In conjunction with the first aspect above, in one possible implementation, the preset time interval is carried in the first message. In this solution, because the preset time interval is carried in the first message sent by the first access point, setting the preset time interval is more flexible, that is, the value of the preset time interval is easier to modify.

[0012] In conjunction with the first aspect above, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: transmitting the first measurement result to the first access point if the difference between the first measurement result and the second measurement result is less than or equal to a first threshold within a preset duration. In this solution, if there is no preset duration, if the difference between the first measurement result and the second measurement result is continuously less than or equal to the first threshold, the first access point will not be able to receive the first measurement result, and thus the first access point will not be able to determine whether the first station is performing measurements and conditional determination of reporting measurement results. Therefore, the preset duration can be used by the first access point to confirm that the first station's measurements and conditional determination of reporting measurement results are ongoing without interruption.

[0013] In conjunction with the first aspect above, in one possible implementation, the preset duration is carried in the first message. In this solution, since the preset duration is carried in the first message sent by the first access point, the setting of the preset duration is more flexible, that is, the value of the preset duration is easier to modify.

[0014] In conjunction with the first aspect described above, in one possible implementation, the first measurement result and / or the second measurement result are used to indicate the relative strength of the signals from the first access point and the second access point to the first site. In this solution, the relative strength may reflect the strength comparison between the signal from the first access point to the first site and the signal from the second access point to the first site. The relative strength may be expressed using the difference method mentioned in the embodiments of this application, or may be expressed using a quotient or other method, and this embodiment of the application does not impose any limitation on this.

[0015] In combination with the above first aspect, in a possible implementation, the relative strength of the signals from the first access point and the second access point to the first site is a difference between the strength of the signal from the first access point and the strength of the signal from the second access point measured by the first site.

[0016] With reference to the foregoing first aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the first measurement result is carried in a measurement response message.

[0017] With reference to the foregoing first aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the first measurement result is carried in an optional sub-element field of the measurement response message.

[0018] With reference to the foregoing first aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the first measurement result and / or the second measurement result is the strength of the signal from the second access point measured by the first station.

[0019] In conjunction with the first aspect above, in one possible implementation, the signal strength is the received channel power indication RCPI or the received signal-to-noise ratio indication RSNI of the signal. In an embodiment of the present application, the signal strength may also be characterized by other parameters, which is not limited in this embodiment of the present application.

[0020] In conjunction with the first aspect above, in one possible implementation, the first message includes identifiers of one or more second access points. In this solution, when the first message includes identifiers of multiple second access points, the first message can be used to simultaneously trigger the first station to perform measurements on multiple second access points. This avoids the transmission of multiple request messages corresponding one-to-one to multiple second access points, thereby achieving the technical effect of reducing signaling overhead.

[0021] In combination with the above-mentioned first aspect, in a possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving a second message from the first access point, the second message being used to request to query whether the first site has the first measurement result to be fed back; and sending a third message to the first access point, the third message being used to indicate that the first site has the first measurement result to be fed back.

[0022] In conjunction with the first aspect above, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: upon the first station receiving a fourth message from the first access point, updating the first station's state to indicate that the first measurement result to be fed back exists. In this solution, the first station's state may default to indicating that no first measurement result to be fed back exists. The fourth message may trigger a state switch for the first station, i.e., the fourth message may trigger the first station to update its state from indicating that no first measurement result to be fed back exists to indicating that the first measurement result to be fed back exists.

[0023] In conjunction with the first aspect above, in one possible implementation, the second measurement result is the measurement result last sent by the first station to the first access point before the first time. In this solution, the difference between the first measurement result and the second measurement result can more promptly reflect the change in the measurement results related to the second access point.

[0024] In combination with the above-mentioned first aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the first threshold is carried in the first message.

[0025] According to a second aspect, a signal measurement method is provided. A device performing the signal measurement method may be a first station, or a module implemented in the first station, such as a chip or chip system. The signal measurement method includes: receiving a first message from a first access point, the first message requesting the first station to send a first measurement result to the first access point upon receiving a second message from the first access point. The first measurement result is a result of measurement by the first station related to the second access point at a first time; and sending the first measurement result to the first access point in response to receiving the second message from the first access point.

[0026] In the signal measurement method provided in the embodiments of the present application, a first access point may send a second message to a first station if it desires to initiate coordinated transmission with a second access point. The first access point may then determine whether to initiate coordinated transmission with the second access point based on the first measurement result fed back by the first station. In other words, the signal measurement method provided in the embodiments of the present application is applicable to CSR scenarios.

[0027] In conjunction with the second aspect above, in one possible implementation, the time interval between two adjacent measurements by the first station is less than or equal to a preset time interval. In this solution, the preset time interval is the maximum time interval between two adjacent measurements, thereby achieving the technical effect of controlling the measurement period. When the time interval between two adjacent measurements is the preset time interval, the first station performs measurements at the lowest frequency, which helps to reduce the power consumption incurred by the first station in measuring and reporting the measurement results.

[0028] In conjunction with the second aspect above, in one possible implementation, the preset time interval is carried in the first message. In this solution, because the preset time interval is carried in the first message sent by the first access point, the setting of the preset time interval is more flexible, that is, the value of the preset time interval is easier to modify.

[0029] In conjunction with the second aspect described above, in one possible implementation, the first measurement result is used to indicate the relative strength of the signals from the first access point and the second access point to the first site. In this solution, the relative strength may reflect the strength comparison between the signal from the first access point to the first site and the signal from the second access point to the first site. The relative strength may be expressed using the difference method mentioned in the embodiments of this application, or may be expressed using a quotient or other method, and this embodiment of the application does not impose any limitation on this.

[0030] In combination with the above second aspect, in a possible implementation, the relative strength of the signals from the first access point and the second access point to the first site is a difference between the strength of the signal from the first access point and the strength of the signal from the second access point measured by the first site.

[0031] With reference to the foregoing second aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the first measurement result is carried in a measurement response message.

[0032] With reference to the second aspect above, in a possible implementation manner, the first measurement result is carried in an optional sub-element field of the measurement response message.

[0033] With reference to the foregoing second aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the first measurement result is the strength of the signal from the second access point measured by the first station.

[0034] In conjunction with the above second aspect, in one possible implementation, the signal strength is the received channel power indication RCPI or the received signal-to-noise ratio indication RSNI of the signal. In the embodiment of the present application, the signal strength can also be characterized by other parameters, which is not limited in this embodiment of the present application.

[0035] In conjunction with the second aspect above, in one possible implementation, the first message includes identifiers of one or more second access points. In this solution, when the first message includes identifiers of multiple second access points, the first message can be used to simultaneously trigger the first station to perform measurements on multiple second access points. This avoids the transmission of multiple request messages corresponding one-to-one to multiple second access points, thereby achieving the technical effect of reducing signaling overhead.

[0036] With reference to the second aspect above, in a possible implementation manner, the first message includes indication information, where the indication information is used to instruct the first station to send the first measurement result to the first access point when receiving the second message from the first access point.

[0037] With reference to the second aspect above, in a possible implementation manner, the first message is a measurement request message, and the indication information is carried in a measurement request mode field or a measurement mode field of the first message.

[0038] In combination with the above-mentioned second aspect, in a possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving a third message from the first access point, the third message being used to request to query whether the first site has the first measurement result to be fed back; and sending a fourth message to the first access point, the fourth message being used to indicate that the first site has the first measurement result to be fed back.

[0039] In conjunction with the above-mentioned second aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: when the difference between the first measurement result and the second measurement result is greater than a first threshold, updating the state of the first station to indicate that the first measurement result to be fed back exists; wherein the second measurement result is a result related to the second access point measured by the first station at a second time, and the second time is earlier than the first time. In this solution, the state of the first station can default to the state that there is no first measurement result to be fed back. The condition that the difference between the first measurement result and the second measurement result is greater than the first threshold can trigger the state switching of the first station, that is, this condition can trigger the first station to update its state from no first measurement result to be fed back to the state that there is a first measurement result to be fed back.

[0040] With reference to the foregoing second aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the second measurement result is a measurement result that the first station sent to the first access point for the last time before the first time.

[0041] In conjunction with the second aspect above, in a possible implementation, the first threshold is carried in the first message. In this solution, the difference between the first measurement result and the second measurement result can more promptly reflect the change in the measurement result related to the second access point.

[0042] According to a third aspect, a signal measurement method is provided. A device performing the signal measurement method may be a first station, or a module implemented in the first station, such as a chip or chip system. The signal measurement method includes: receiving a first message from a first access point; wherein the first message is used to request the first station to send a first measurement result to the first access point, wherein the first measurement result is a result of a measurement related to a second access point made by the first station at a first time, and the time interval between two adjacent measurements is less than or equal to a preset time interval; and sending the first measurement result to the first access point.

[0043] In the signal measurement method provided in the embodiments of the present application, the preset time interval is the maximum time interval between two adjacent measurements, thereby achieving the technical effect of controlling the measurement period. When the time interval between two adjacent measurements is the preset time interval, the first station performs measurements at the lowest frequency, which helps to reduce the power consumption incurred by the first station due to measurement and reporting of measurement results.

[0044] In conjunction with the third aspect above, in one possible implementation, the preset time interval is carried in the first message. In this solution, because the preset time interval is carried in the first message sent by the first access point, setting the preset time interval is more flexible, that is, the value of the preset time interval is easier to modify.

[0045] In conjunction with the third aspect described above, in one possible implementation, the first measurement result is used to indicate the relative strength of the signals from the first access point and the second access point to the first site. In this solution, the relative strength may reflect the strength comparison between the signal from the first access point to the first site and the signal from the second access point to the first site. The relative strength may be expressed using the difference method mentioned in the embodiments of this application, or may be expressed using a quotient or other method, and this embodiment of the application does not impose any limitation on this.

[0046] In combination with the third aspect above, in one possible implementation, the relative strength of the signals from the first access point and the second access point to the first site is a difference between the strength of the signal from the first access point and the strength of the signal from the second access point measured by the first site.

[0047] With reference to the third aspect above, in a possible implementation manner, the first measurement result is carried in a measurement response message.

[0048] With reference to the third aspect above, in a possible implementation manner, the first measurement result is carried in an optional sub-element field of the measurement response message.

[0049] With reference to the third aspect above, in a possible implementation, the first measurement result is the strength of the signal from the second access point measured by the first station.

[0050] In conjunction with the third aspect above, in one possible implementation, the signal strength is the received channel power indication RCPI or the received signal-to-noise ratio indication RSNI of the signal. In an embodiment of the present application, the signal strength may also be characterized by other parameters, which is not limited in this embodiment of the present application.

[0051] In conjunction with the third aspect above, in one possible implementation, the first message includes identifiers of one or more second access points. In this solution, when the first message includes identifiers of multiple second access points, the first message can be used to simultaneously trigger the first station to perform measurements on multiple second access points. This avoids the transmission of multiple request messages corresponding one-to-one to multiple second access points, thereby achieving the technical effect of reducing signaling overhead.

[0052] In a fourth aspect, a signal measurement method is provided. The device performing the signal measurement method may be a first access point, or may be a module implemented in the first access point, such as a chip or chip system. The signal measurement method includes: sending a first message to a first station, the first message being used to request the first station to send the first measurement result to the first access point if a difference between the first measurement result and a second measurement result is greater than a first threshold, the first measurement result being a result related to the second access point measured by the first station at a first time, and the second measurement result being a result related to the second access point measured by the first station at a second time, the second time being earlier than the first time; and receiving the first measurement result from the first station if the difference between the first measurement result and the second measurement result is greater than the first threshold.

[0053] In combination with the fourth aspect above, in a possible implementation manner, a time interval between two adjacent measurements of the first station is less than or equal to a preset time interval.

[0054] In combination with the fourth aspect above, in a possible implementation manner, the preset time interval is carried in the first message.

[0055] In combination with the above-mentioned fourth aspect, in a possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving the first measurement result from the first site when the difference between the first measurement result and the second measurement result is less than or equal to a first threshold within a preset time period.

[0056] In combination with the fourth aspect above, in a possible implementation, the preset duration is carried in the first message.

[0057] With reference to the fourth aspect above, in a possible implementation, the first measurement result and / or the second measurement result is used to indicate relative strengths of signals from the first access point and the second access point to the first station.

[0058] In combination with the fourth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the relative strength of the signals from the first access point and the second access point to the first site is a difference between the strength of the signal from the first access point and the strength of the signal from the second access point measured by the first site.

[0059] With reference to the fourth aspect above, in a possible implementation manner, the first measurement result is carried in a measurement response message.

[0060] With reference to the fourth aspect above, in a possible implementation manner, the first measurement result is carried in an optional sub-element field of the measurement response message.

[0061] With reference to the fourth aspect above, in a possible implementation manner, the first measurement result and / or the second measurement result is the strength of the signal from the second access point measured by the first station.

[0062] In combination with the fourth aspect above, in a possible implementation, the signal strength is a received channel power indication RCPI or a received signal-to-noise ratio indication RSNI of the signal.

[0063] With reference to the fourth aspect above, in a possible implementation, the first message includes identifiers of one or more second access points.

[0064] In combination with the above-mentioned fourth aspect, in a possible implementation, the method also includes: sending a second message to the first site, the second message being used to request to query whether the first site has the first measurement result to be fed back; and receiving a third message from the first site, the third message being used to indicate that the first site has the first measurement result to be fed back.

[0065] With reference to the fourth aspect above, in a possible implementation, the second measurement result is a measurement result that the first station sent to the first access point for the last time before the first time.

[0066] In combination with the fourth aspect above, in a possible implementation, the first threshold is carried in the first message.

[0067] Among them, the technical effects brought about by any possible implementation method of the fourth aspect can be referred to the technical effects brought about by the above-mentioned first aspect or different implementation methods of the first aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0068] In a fifth aspect, a signal measurement method is provided. The device performing the signal measurement method may be a first access point, or may be a module implemented in the first access point, such as a chip or chip system. The signal measurement method includes: sending a first message to a first station, the first message being used to request the first station to send a first measurement result to the first access point upon receiving a second message from the first access point. The first measurement result is a result of measurement by the first station related to the second access point at a first time; and sending a second message to the first station and receiving the first measurement result from the first station.

[0069] In combination with the fifth aspect above, in a possible implementation manner, a time interval between two adjacent measurements of the first station is less than or equal to a preset time interval.

[0070] In combination with the fifth aspect above, in a possible implementation manner, the preset time interval is carried in the first message.

[0071] With reference to the fifth aspect, in a possible implementation, the first measurement result is used to indicate relative strengths of signals from the first access point and the second access point to the first station.

[0072] In combination with the fifth aspect, in one possible implementation, the relative strength of the signals from the first access point and the second access point to the first site is a difference between the strength of the signal from the first access point and the strength of the signal from the second access point measured by the first site.

[0073] With reference to the fifth aspect above, in a possible implementation manner, the first measurement result is carried in a measurement response message.

[0074] With reference to the fifth aspect above, in a possible implementation manner, the first measurement result is carried in an optional sub-element field of the measurement response message.

[0075] With reference to the fifth aspect above, in a possible implementation, the first measurement result is the strength of the signal from the second access point measured by the first station.

[0076] In combination with the fifth aspect above, in a possible implementation manner, the signal strength is a received channel power indication RCPI or a received signal-to-noise ratio indication RSNI of the signal.

[0077] With reference to the fifth aspect above, in a possible implementation, the first message includes identifiers of one or more second access points.

[0078] With reference to the fifth aspect above, in a possible implementation manner, the first message includes indication information, where the indication information is used to instruct the first station to send the first measurement result to the first access point when receiving the second message from the first access point.

[0079] With reference to the fifth aspect above, in a possible implementation manner, the first message is a measurement request message, and the indication information is carried in a measurement request mode field or a measurement mode field of the first message.

[0080] In combination with the above-mentioned fifth aspect, in a possible implementation method, the method also includes: sending a third message to the first site, the third message being used to request to query whether the first site has the first measurement result to be fed back; and receiving a fourth message from the first site, the fourth message being used to indicate that the first site has the first measurement result to be fed back.

[0081] Among them, the technical effects brought about by any possible implementation method of the fifth aspect can be referred to the technical effects brought about by the above-mentioned second aspect or different implementation methods of the second aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0082] In a sixth aspect, a signal measurement method is provided. A device performing the signal measurement method may be a first station, or may be a module implemented in the first station, such as a chip or chip system. The signal measurement method includes: sending a first message to the first station; wherein the first message is used to request the first station to send a first measurement result to the first access point, where the first measurement result is a result of the first station measuring a second access point at a first time, and the time interval between two adjacent measurements is less than or equal to a preset time interval; and receiving the first measurement result from the first station.

[0083] In combination with the sixth aspect above, in a possible implementation, the preset time interval is carried in the first message.

[0084] With reference to the sixth aspect, in a possible implementation, the first measurement result is used to indicate relative strengths of signals from the first access point and the second access point to the first station.

[0085] In combination with the sixth aspect, in one possible implementation, the relative strength of the signals from the first access point and the second access point to the first site is a difference between the strength of the signal from the first access point and the strength of the signal from the second access point measured by the first site.

[0086] With reference to the sixth aspect above, in a possible implementation manner, the first measurement result is carried in a measurement response message.

[0087] With reference to the sixth aspect above, in a possible implementation manner, the first measurement result is carried in an optional sub-element field of the measurement response message.

[0088] With reference to the sixth aspect above, in a possible implementation, the first measurement result is the strength of the signal from the second access point measured by the first station.

[0089] In combination with the sixth aspect above, in a possible implementation, the signal strength is a received channel power indication RCPI or a received signal-to-noise ratio indication RSNI of the signal.

[0090] With reference to the sixth aspect above, in a possible implementation, the first message includes identifiers of one or more second access points.

[0091] Among them, the technical effects brought about by any possible implementation method of the sixth aspect can be referred to the technical effects brought about by the above-mentioned third aspect or different implementation methods of the third aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0092] In a seventh aspect, a communication device is provided for implementing the above method. The communication device includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the above method. The modules, units, or means can be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software implementations. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above functions.

[0093] In conjunction with the seventh aspect, in one possible implementation, the communication device includes: a transceiver module and a measurement module; the transceiver module is configured to receive a first message from a first access point, the first message being configured to request the transceiver module to send the first measurement result to the first access point if a difference between the first measurement result and a second measurement result is greater than a first threshold, the first measurement result being a result related to the second access point measured by the measurement module at a first time, and the second measurement result being a result related to the second access point measured by the measurement module at a second time, the second time being earlier than the first time; the transceiver module is further configured to send the first measurement result to the first access point if the difference between the first measurement result and the second measurement result is greater than the first threshold.

[0094] In combination with the seventh aspect above, in a possible implementation manner, the time interval between two adjacent measurements by the measurement module is less than or equal to a preset time interval.

[0095] In combination with the seventh aspect above, in a possible implementation, the preset time interval is carried in the first message.

[0096] In combination with the above-mentioned seventh aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the transceiver module is further used to send the first measurement result to the first access point when the difference between the first measurement result and the second measurement result is less than or equal to a first threshold within a preset time period.

[0097] In combination with the seventh aspect above, in a possible implementation, the preset duration is carried in the first message.

[0098] In combination with the seventh aspect, in a possible implementation, the first measurement result and / or the second measurement result is used to indicate relative strengths of signals from the first access point and the second access point to the communication device.

[0099] In combination with the seventh aspect, in one possible implementation, the relative strength of the signals from the first access point and the second access point to the communication device is a difference between the strength of the signal from the first access point and the strength of the signal from the second access point measured by the communication device.

[0100] With reference to the seventh aspect above, in a possible implementation manner, the first measurement result is carried in a measurement response message.

[0101] In combination with the seventh aspect above, in a possible implementation manner, the first measurement result is carried in an optional sub-element field of the measurement response message.

[0102] With reference to the seventh aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the first measurement result and / or the second measurement result is the strength of the signal from the second access point measured by the measurement module.

[0103] In combination with the seventh aspect above, in a possible implementation manner, the signal strength is a received channel power indication RCPI or a received signal-to-noise ratio indication RSNI of the signal.

[0104] With reference to the seventh aspect above, in a possible implementation, the first message includes identifiers of one or more second access points.

[0105] In combination with the seventh aspect, in one possible implementation, the transceiver module is further configured to receive a second message from the first access point, where the second message is used to request that the communication device have the first measurement result to be fed back; and send a third message to the first access point, where the third message is used to indicate to the communication device that the first measurement result to be fed back exists.

[0106] In combination with the seventh aspect, in one possible implementation, the communication device further includes a status update module; the status update module is configured to update the status of the communication device to include the first measurement result to be fed back when a fourth message from the first access point is received through the receiving module.

[0107] With reference to the seventh aspect, in a possible implementation, the second measurement result is a measurement result last sent by the transceiver module to the first access point before the first time.

[0108] In combination with the seventh aspect above, in a possible implementation, the first threshold is carried in the first message.

[0109] Among them, the technical effects brought about by any possible implementation method of the seventh aspect can be referred to the technical effects brought about by the above-mentioned first aspect or different implementation methods of the first aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0110] In an eighth aspect, a communication device is provided for implementing the above method. The communication device includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the above method. The modules, units, or means can be implemented in hardware, software, or by executing corresponding software implementations in hardware. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above functions.

[0111] In conjunction with the eighth aspect, in one possible implementation, the communication device includes: a transceiver module and a measurement module; the transceiver module is configured to receive a first message from a first access point, the first message being used to request the transceiver module to send a first measurement result to the first access point upon receiving a second message from the first access point, the first measurement result being a result related to the second access point measured by the measurement module at a first time; and the transceiver module is further configured to send the first measurement result to the first access point in response to receiving the second message from the first access point.

[0112] In combination with the eighth aspect above, in a possible implementation manner, the time interval between two adjacent measurements by the measurement module is less than or equal to a preset time interval.

[0113] In combination with the eighth aspect above, in a possible implementation, the preset time interval is carried in the first message.

[0114] In combination with the eighth aspect, in a possible implementation, the first measurement result is used to indicate relative strengths of signals from the first access point and the second access point to the communication device.

[0115] In combination with the above-mentioned eighth aspect, in one possible implementation, the relative strength of the signals from the first access point and the second access point to the communication device is the difference between the strength of the signal from the first access point and the strength of the signal from the second access point measured by the communication device.

[0116] With reference to the eighth aspect above, in a possible implementation manner, the first measurement result is carried in a measurement response message.

[0117] In combination with the eighth aspect above, in a possible implementation manner, the first measurement result is carried in an optional sub-element field of the measurement response message.

[0118] With reference to the eighth aspect, in a possible implementation, the first measurement result is the strength of the signal from the second access point measured by the measurement module.

[0119] In combination with the eighth aspect above, in a possible implementation manner, the signal strength is a received channel power indication RCPI or a received signal-to-noise ratio indication RSNI of the signal.

[0120] With reference to the eighth aspect above, in a possible implementation manner, the first message includes identifiers of one or more second access points.

[0121] In combination with the eighth aspect above, in a possible implementation manner, the first message includes indication information, where the indication information is used to instruct the transceiver module to send the first measurement result to the first access point when the second message from the first access point is received.

[0122] With reference to the eighth aspect above, in a possible implementation manner, the first message is a measurement request message, and the indication information is carried in a measurement request mode field or a measurement mode field of the first message.

[0123] In combination with the eighth aspect, in one possible implementation, the transceiver module is further configured to receive a third message from the first access point, where the third message is used to request that the communication device have the first measurement result to be fed back; and send a fourth message to the first access point, where the fourth message is used to indicate to the communication device that the first measurement result to be fed back exists.

[0124] In conjunction with the eighth aspect, in one possible implementation, the communication device further includes a status update module; the status update module is configured to, when a difference between the first measurement result and the second measurement result is greater than a first threshold, update the status of the communication device to indicate that the first measurement result to be fed back exists; wherein the second measurement result is a result related to the second access point measured by the measurement module at a second time, where the second time is earlier than the first time.

[0125] With reference to the eighth aspect, in a possible implementation, the second measurement result is a measurement result last sent by the transceiver module to the first access point before the first time.

[0126] In combination with the above-mentioned eighth aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the first threshold is carried in the first message.

[0127] Among them, the technical effects brought about by any possible implementation method of the eighth aspect can be referred to the technical effects brought about by the above-mentioned second aspect or different implementation methods of the second aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0128] In a ninth aspect, a communication device is provided for implementing the above method. The communication device includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the above method. The modules, units, or means can be implemented in hardware, software, or by executing corresponding software implementations in hardware. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above functions.

[0129] In conjunction with the ninth aspect, in one possible implementation, the communication device includes: a transceiver module and a measurement module; the transceiver module is configured to receive a first message from a first access point; the first message is configured to request the transceiver module to send a first measurement result to the first access point, where the first measurement result is a result related to the second access point measured by the measurement module at a first time, and the time interval between two adjacent measurements is less than or equal to a preset time interval; and the transceiver module is further configured to send the first measurement result to the first access point.

[0130] In combination with the ninth aspect above, in a possible implementation, the preset time interval is carried in the first message.

[0131] In combination with the ninth aspect, in a possible implementation, the first measurement result is used to indicate relative strengths of signals from the first access point and the second access point to the communication device.

[0132] In combination with the above-mentioned ninth aspect, in one possible implementation, the relative strength of the signals from the first access point and the second access point to the communication device is the difference between the strength of the signal from the first access point and the strength of the signal from the second access point measured by the communication device.

[0133] In combination with the ninth aspect above, in a possible implementation manner, the first measurement result is carried in a measurement response message.

[0134] In combination with the ninth aspect above, in a possible implementation manner, the first measurement result is carried in an optional sub-element field of the measurement response message.

[0135] With reference to the ninth aspect above, in a possible implementation manner, the first measurement result is the strength of the signal from the second access point measured by the measurement module.

[0136] In combination with the ninth aspect above, in a possible implementation manner, the signal strength is a received channel power indication RCPI or a received signal-to-noise ratio indication RSNI of the signal.

[0137] In combination with the ninth aspect above, in a possible implementation manner, the first message includes identifiers of one or more second access points.

[0138] Among them, the technical effects brought about by any possible implementation method of the ninth aspect can be referred to the technical effects brought about by the above-mentioned third aspect or different implementation methods of the third aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0139] In a tenth aspect, a communication device is provided for implementing the above method. The communication device includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the above method. The modules, units, or means can be implemented through hardware, software, or hardware executing corresponding software implementations. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above functions.

[0140] In conjunction with the tenth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the communication device includes: a receiving module and a sending module; the sending module is configured to send a first message to a first station, the first message being configured to request the first station to send the first measurement result to the communication device if a difference between the first measurement result and the second measurement result is greater than a first threshold, the first measurement result being a result related to a second access point measured by the first station at a first time, and the second measurement result being a result related to the second access point measured by the first station at a second time, the second time being earlier than the first time; the receiving module is configured to receive the first measurement result from the first station if the difference between the first measurement result and the second measurement result is greater than the first threshold.

[0141] In combination with the tenth aspect above, in a possible implementation manner, the time interval between two adjacent measurements of the first site is less than or equal to a preset time interval.

[0142] In combination with the tenth aspect above, in a possible implementation, the preset time interval is carried in the first message.

[0143] In combination with the above-mentioned tenth aspect, in a possible implementation method, the receiving module is also used to receive the first measurement result from the first site when the difference between the first measurement result and the second measurement result is less than or equal to a first threshold within a preset time period.

[0144] In combination with the above-mentioned tenth aspect, in a possible implementation method, the preset duration is carried in the first message.

[0145] In combination with the tenth aspect above, in a possible implementation manner, the first measurement result and / or the second measurement result is used to indicate relative strengths of signals from the communication device and the second access point to the first site.

[0146] In combination with the above-mentioned tenth aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the relative strength of the signals from the communication device and the second access point to the first site is the difference between the strength of the signal from the communication device and the strength of the signal from the second access point measured by the first site.

[0147] In combination with the foregoing tenth aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the first measurement result is carried in a measurement response message.

[0148] In combination with the foregoing tenth aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the first measurement result is carried in an optional sub-element field of the measurement response message.

[0149] In combination with the tenth aspect above, in a possible implementation manner, the first measurement result and / or the second measurement result is the strength of the signal from the second access point measured by the first station.

[0150] In combination with the tenth aspect above, in a possible implementation manner, the strength of the signal is a received channel power indication RCPI or a received signal-to-noise ratio indication RSNI of the signal.

[0151] In combination with the tenth aspect above, in a possible implementation manner, the first message includes identifiers of one or more second access points.

[0152] In combination with the above-mentioned tenth aspect, in a possible implementation method, the sending module is also used to send a second message to the first site, and the second message is used to request to query whether the first site has the first measurement result to be fed back; the receiving module is also used to receive a third message from the first site, and the third message is used to indicate that the first site has the first measurement result to be fed back.

[0153] In combination with the tenth aspect above, in a possible implementation manner, the second measurement result is the measurement result last sent by the first site to the communication device before the first time.

[0154] In combination with the tenth aspect above, in a possible implementation, the first threshold is carried in the first message.

[0155] Among them, the technical effects brought about by any possible implementation method of the tenth aspect can be referred to the technical effects brought about by the above-mentioned first aspect or different implementation methods of the first aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0156] In an eleventh aspect, a communication device is provided for implementing the above method. The communication device includes modules, units, or means corresponding to implementing the above method. The modules, units, or means can be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software implementations. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above functions.

[0157] In combination with the above-mentioned eleventh aspect, in a possible implementation, the communication device includes: a sending module and a receiving module; the sending module is used to send a first message to a first station, where the first message is used to request the first station to send a first measurement result to the communication device when receiving a second message from the communication device, where the first measurement result is a result related to the second access point measured by the first station at a first time; the sending module is further used to send the second message to the first station; and the receiving module is used to receive the first measurement result from the first station.

[0158] In combination with the eleventh aspect above, in a possible implementation manner, a time interval between two adjacent measurements of the first station is less than or equal to a preset time interval.

[0159] In combination with the above eleventh aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the preset time interval is carried in the first message.

[0160] In combination with the eleventh aspect, in a possible implementation, the first measurement result is used to indicate relative strengths of signals from the communication device and the second access point to the first station.

[0161] In combination with the above-mentioned eleventh aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the relative strength of the signal from the communication device and the second access point to the first site is the difference between the strength of the signal from the communication device and the strength of the signal from the second access point measured by the first site.

[0162] In combination with the eleventh aspect above, in a possible implementation manner, the first measurement result is carried in a measurement response message.

[0163] In combination with the eleventh aspect above, in a possible implementation manner, the first measurement result is carried in an optional sub-element field of the measurement response message.

[0164] With reference to the eleventh aspect above, in a possible implementation, the first measurement result is the strength of the signal from the second access point measured by the first station.

[0165] In combination with the eleventh aspect above, in a possible implementation manner, the signal strength is a received channel power indication RCPI or a received signal-to-noise ratio indication RSNI of the signal.

[0166] With reference to the eleventh aspect above, in a possible implementation, the first message includes identifiers of one or more second access points.

[0167] In combination with the above-mentioned eleventh aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the first message includes indication information, and the indication information is used to instruct the first station to send the first measurement result to the communication device when receiving the second message from the communication device.

[0168] In combination with the above eleventh aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the first message is a measurement request message, and the indication information is carried in a measurement request mode field or a measurement mode field of the first message.

[0169] In combination with the above-mentioned eleventh aspect, in a possible implementation method, the sending module is also used to send a third message to the first site, and the third message is used to request to query whether the first site has the first measurement result to be fed back; the receiving module is also used to receive a fourth message from the first site, and the fourth message is used to indicate that the first site has the first measurement result to be fed back.

[0170] Among them, the technical effects brought about by any possible implementation method of the eleventh aspect can be referred to the technical effects brought about by the above-mentioned second aspect or different implementation methods of the second aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0171] In a twelfth aspect, a communication device is provided for implementing the above method. The communication device includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the above method. The modules, units, or means can be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software implementations. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above functions.

[0172] In conjunction with the above-mentioned twelfth aspect, in one possible implementation, the communication device includes: a sending module and a receiving module; the sending module is used to send a first message to a first site; wherein the first message is used to request the first site to send a first measurement result to the communication device, where the first measurement result is a result related to the second access point measured by the first site at a first time, and the time interval between two adjacent measurements is less than or equal to a preset time interval; the receiving module is used to receive the first measurement result from the first site.

[0173] In combination with the above-mentioned twelfth aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the preset time interval is carried in the first message.

[0174] In combination with the above-mentioned twelfth aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the first measurement result is used to indicate the relative strength of the signals from the communication device and the second access point to the first station.

[0175] In combination with the above-mentioned twelfth aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the relative strength of the signals from the communication device and the second access point to the first site is the difference between the strength of the signal from the communication device and the strength of the signal from the second access point measured by the first site.

[0176] In combination with the above-mentioned twelfth aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the first measurement result is carried in a measurement response message.

[0177] In combination with the above-mentioned twelfth aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the first measurement result is carried in an optional sub-element field of the measurement response message.

[0178] In combination with the twelfth aspect above, in a possible implementation manner, the first measurement result is the strength of the signal from the second access point measured by the first station.

[0179] In combination with the above-mentioned twelfth aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the strength of the signal is a received channel power indication RCPI or a received signal-to-noise ratio indication RSNI of the signal.

[0180] In combination with the twelfth aspect above, in a possible implementation manner, the first message includes identifiers of one or more second access points.

[0181] Among them, the technical effects brought about by any possible implementation method of the twelfth aspect can be referred to the technical effects brought about by the above-mentioned third aspect or different implementation methods of the third aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0182] In a thirteenth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising: a processor; the processor is used to couple with a memory, and after reading the computer instructions stored in the memory, execute the method described in any one of the first to sixth aspects above according to the instructions.

[0183] In combination with the above-mentioned thirteenth aspect, in a possible implementation, the communication device also includes a memory; the memory is used to store computer instructions.

[0184] In conjunction with the thirteenth aspect, in one possible implementation, the communication device further includes a communication interface; the communication interface is used for the communication device to communicate with other devices. Exemplarily, the communication interface can be a transceiver, an input / output interface, an interface circuit, an output circuit, an input circuit, a pin, or related circuits.

[0185] In conjunction with the thirteenth aspect, in one possible implementation, the communication device may be a chip or a chip system. When the communication device is a chip system, the communication device may be composed of a chip or may include a chip and other discrete devices.

[0186] In conjunction with the thirteenth aspect, in one possible implementation, when the communication device is a chip or a chip system, the communication interface may be an input / output interface, an interface circuit, an output circuit, an input circuit, a pin, or related circuits on the chip or chip system. The processor may also be embodied as a processing circuit or a logic circuit.

[0187] In a fourteenth aspect, a communication system is provided, comprising: a second access point, a first station executing the method described in the first aspect, and a first access point executing the method described in the fourth aspect; or, comprising: a second access point, a first station executing the method described in the second aspect, and a first access point executing the method described in the fifth aspect; or, comprising: a second access point, a first station executing the method described in the third aspect, and a first access point executing the method described in the sixth aspect.

[0188] In the fifteenth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, in which instructions are stored. When the computer-readable storage medium is run on a computer, the computer can execute the method described in any one of the first to sixth aspects above.

[0189] In the sixteenth aspect, a computer program product comprising instructions is provided, which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute the method described in any one of the first to sixth aspects above.

[0190] Among them, the technical effects brought about by any possible implementation method of the thirteenth to sixteenth aspects can be referred to the technical effects brought about by the different implementation methods of the first to third aspects mentioned above, and will not be repeated here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0191] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a request frame in the current 802.11 standard;

[0192] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the measurement request element field in the current 802.11 standard;

[0193] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the measurement request field in the current 802.11 standard;

[0194] FIG4 is a diagram of a network architecture for multi-AP cooperative communication provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0195] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of the composition of a WLAN device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0196] FIG6 is a flow chart of a signal measurement method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0197] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first message provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0198] FIG8 is a structural diagram of a sub-element provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0199] FIG9 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a measurement response message provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0200] FIG10 is a second structural diagram of a sub-element provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0201] FIG11 is a third structural diagram of a sub-element provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0202] FIG12 is a fourth structural diagram of a sub-element provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0203] FIG13 is a flow chart of another signal measurement method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0204] FIG14 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a measurement request mode field provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0205] FIG15 is a flowchart of another signal measurement method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0206] FIG16 is a first structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0207] FIG17 is a second structural diagram of the communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0208] In order to facilitate understanding of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, a brief introduction to the relevant technologies or terms of the present application is first given as follows.

[0209] First, multi-AP collaborative transmission and CSR scenarios.

[0210] With the popularization of wireless fidelity (WiFi) technology, access points (APs) are becoming increasingly dense. This denser AP population leads to greater inter-AP interference. Reducing inter-AP interference through multi-AP collaborative transmission, thereby improving user service quality, is a pressing issue for next-generation Wi-Fi technology. In the embodiments of this application, "inter-AP interference" can also be replaced with "inter-basic service set (BSS) interference" or "inter-cell interference," which are described uniformly here and will not be further elaborated below.

[0211] Multi-AP collaborative transmission includes CSR scenarios. In CSR scenarios, low interference between APs can be ensured through power control and / or user selection. Specifically, on the one hand, the sharing AP can control the transmit power of the shared AP, thereby controlling interference. The sharing AP can be the AP that initiates multi-AP collaborative transmission, and the shared AP can be one or more other APs that share transmission resources or transmission opportunities. On the other hand, assuming that AP1 needs to send a signal to STA1, then AP1 can choose to initiate collaborative transmission to AP2, whose signal strength to STA1 is the weakest, thereby controlling the interference received by STA1 when receiving the signal from AP1.

[0212] As described in the background technology, it is assumed that AP1 sends a signal to STA1 while AP2 sends a signal to STA2 on the same channel. If AP1 is a shared AP, AP1 can control the transmit power of AP2 based on the measurement results from STA1, so that STA1 is less interfered with by AP2. If AP1 is a shared AP, AP1 can infer the path loss between STA1 and AP2 based on the measurement results from STA1, and then AP1 can select appropriate transmission parameters, such as modulation and coding set (MCS) and / or number of spatial and time streams (NSTS) to send a signal to STA1, so that transmission between AP1 and STA1 can still be achieved when the transmit power of AP1 is limited. It can be seen that whether AP1 is a shared AP or a shared AP, in order to reduce interference between APs, STA1 needs to measure the strength of beacon frames from APs other than AP1.

[0213] In an embodiment of the present application, the strength of a received beacon frame or signal may be characterized by a received channel power indicator (RCPI) or a received signal-to-noise ratio indicator (RSNI). The strength of a received beacon frame or signal may also be characterized by other parameters, which are not limited in this embodiment of the present application.

[0214] Second, the current signal measurement method.

[0215] In current signal measurement methods, the request frame sent by AP1 to STA1 and the response frame sent by STA1 to AP1 can be, for example, radio measurement request and response frames in the 802.11 standard. Specifically, the corresponding measurement types in the radio measurement request and response frames are beacon request and beacon report, respectively.

[0216] For example, Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a request frame in the 802.11 standard. The request frame includes a category field, a radio measurement action field, a dialog token field, a number of repetitions field, and a measurement request element field. The category field, radio measurement action field, and dialog token field can each occupy one octet; the number of repetitions field can occupy two bytes; and the number of bytes occupied by the measurement request element field is variable. The number of repetitions field can carry information about the number of requested measurement repetitions.

[0217] For example, Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the measurement request element field. The measurement request element field includes: an element identification (ID) field, a length field, a measurement token field, a measurement request mode field, a measurement type field, and a measurement request field. The element identification field, the length field, the measurement token field, the measurement request mode field, and the measurement type field can each occupy 1 byte; the number of bytes occupied by the measurement request field is variable. The measurement type field can carry measurement type information. The value of the measurement type field is 5, indicating that the measurement type is a beacon frame request. In this measurement type, the structure of the measurement request field is shown in Figure 3.

[0218] In Figure 3, the measurement request field includes: an operating class field, a channel number field, a randomization interval field, a measurement duration field, a measurement mode field, a basic service set identity (BSSID) field, and an optional subelements field. The operating class field, channel number field, and measurement mode field can each occupy 1 byte; the randomization interval field and measurement duration field can each occupy 2 bytes; the BSSID field can occupy 6 bytes; and the number of bytes occupied by the optional subelements field is variable. The operating class field and channel number field can respectively carry information about the operating class and channel location of the target AP for which measurement is requested. Measurement modes can specifically include passive measurement, active measurement, and feedback beacon table. The BSSID field can carry information about the BSSID corresponding to the AP for which measurement is requested.

[0219] In Figure 3, the optional sub-element field may carry information of one or more optional sub-elements, such as a beacon frame reporting sub-element. The beacon frame reporting sub-element may specifically include a reporting condition field and a threshold / offset reference field. The reporting condition field may carry information on the conditions under which STA1 sends a measurement report to AP1, and the threshold / offset reference field may carry threshold information in the conditions under which STA1 sends a measurement report to AP1. The condition for STA1 to send a measurement report to AP1 may be: the RCPI (or RSNI) value of the beacon frame from the target AP measured by STA1 is higher (or lower) than a specific threshold; or, the difference between the RCPI (or RSNI) value of the beacon frame from the target AP measured by STA1 and the RCPI (or RSNI) value of the serving AP is higher (or lower) than a specific threshold. The serving AP may be AP1. The specific conditions may be as shown in Table 1.

[0220] Table 1

[0221] However, the above-mentioned condition for STA1 to send a measurement report to AP1 is designed for roaming requirements, specifically for AP switching scenarios, and has a low degree of matching with CSR scenarios.

[0222] The technical solutions in 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 associated relationship of 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, in order 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 and 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 interpreted as being more preferred or more advantageous than other embodiments or design schemes. Specifically, the use of words such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present related concepts in a concrete way for easy understanding.

[0223] Figure 4 is a network architecture diagram of multi-AP cooperative communication provided by an embodiment of the present application. The network includes at least two APs and at least two STAs. In the embodiment of the present application, the AP can be an AP device or an AP multi-link device (MLD); the STA can be a (non-AP) STA device or a non-AP MLD, and the embodiment of the present application does not impose any restrictions on this. For ease of description, Figure 4 only shows two APs, namely the first AP and the second AP, and two STAs, namely the first STA and the second STA. It is expected that the communication between the first AP and the first STA and the communication between the second AP and the second STA are carried out simultaneously on the same transmission resources.

[0224] The MLD in the embodiments of the present application can be a single-antenna device or a multi-antenna device. For example, it can be a device with two or more antennas. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the number of antennas included in the MLD. The frequency bands in which the multi-link device operates may include: sub-1 GHz, 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz, and high frequency 60 GHz.

[0225] The STA involved in the embodiments of the present application can be a wireless communication chip, a wireless sensor, or a wireless communication terminal. For example, a user terminal, a user device, an access device, a subscriber station, a subscriber unit, a mobile station, a user agent, and a user equipment that supports WiFi communication functions. Among them, the user terminal can include various handheld devices with wireless communication functions, vehicle-mounted devices, wearable devices, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, computing devices, or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem, as well as various forms of user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), terminal, terminal equipment, portable communication devices, handheld devices, portable computing devices, entertainment devices, gaming devices or systems, global positioning system devices, or any other suitable devices configured to communicate over a wireless medium. In addition, the STA can support the 802.11be standard. The STA can also support multiple WLAN standards such as 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, and 802.11a.

[0226] The AP involved in the embodiment of the present application can be a device deployed in a wireless communication network to provide wireless communication functions for its associated STAs. It is mainly deployed in homes, inside buildings and inside campuses, with a typical coverage radius of tens to hundreds of meters. Of course, it can also be deployed outdoors. The AP is equivalent to a bridge connecting the wired network and the wireless network. Its main function is to connect various wireless network clients together and then connect the wireless network to the Ethernet. Specifically, the AP can be a communication device such as a base station, router, gateway, repeater, communication server, switch or bridge with a WiFi chip, wherein the base station can include various forms of macro base stations, micro base stations, relay stations, etc. In addition, the AP can support the 802.11be standard. The AP can also support WLAN standards such as 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b and 802.11a.

[0227] In some embodiments, the AP and STA involved in this application may be collectively referred to as a WLAN device. In specific implementation, the WLAN device may adopt the composition structure shown in FIG5 , or include the components shown in FIG5 .

[0228] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the composition of a WLAN device 500 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The WLAN device 500 can be a STA or a chip or chip system (or system-on-chip) within a STA; it can also be an AP or a chip or chip system (or system-on-chip) within an AP. In the embodiment of the present application, the chip system can be composed of a chip or can include a chip and other discrete components.

[0229] As shown in Figure 5, the WLAN device 500 includes a processor 501, a transceiver 502, and a communication line 503. Furthermore, the WLAN device 500 may also include a memory 504. The processor 501, the memory 504, and the transceiver 502 may be connected via the communication line 503.

[0230] The processor 501 is a central processing unit (CPU), a general-purpose processor, a network processor (NP), a digital signal processor (DSP), a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a programmable logic device (PLD), or any combination thereof. The processor 501 may also be other devices with processing functions, such as circuits, devices, or software modules, without limitation.

[0231] The transceiver 502 is configured to communicate with other devices or other communication networks, such as Ethernet, a radio access network (RAN), or WLAN. The transceiver 502 may be a module, a circuit, a transceiver, or any other device capable of communication.

[0232] The communication line 503 is used to transmit information between the components included in the WLAN device 500 .

[0233] The memory 504 is used to store instructions, where the instructions may be computer programs.

[0234] The memory 504 may be a read-only memory (ROM) or other type of static storage device that can store static information and / or instructions, or a random access memory (RAM) or other type of dynamic storage device that can store information and / or 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 compact disc, laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc, Blu-ray disc, etc.), magnetic disk storage media or other magnetic storage devices, etc., without limitation.

[0235] It should be noted that the memory 504 can exist independently of the processor 501 or can be integrated with the processor 501. The memory 504 can be used to store instructions, program code, or some data. The memory 504 can be located within the WLAN device 500 or outside the WLAN device 500, without limitation. The processor 501 is configured to execute the instructions stored in the memory 504 to implement the methods provided in the following embodiments of the present application.

[0236] In an example, the processor 501 may include one or more CPUs, such as CPU0 and CPU1 in FIG. 5 .

[0237] As an optional implementation, the WLAN device 500 includes multiple processors. For example, in addition to the processor 501 in FIG. 5 , it may further include a processor 507 .

[0238] As an optional implementation, the WLAN device 500 further includes an output device 505 and an input device 506. For example, the input device 506 is a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, or a joystick, and the output device 505 is a display screen, a speaker, or other devices.

[0239] It is understandable that the composition structure shown in Figure 5 does not constitute a limitation on the WLAN device. In addition to the components shown in Figure 5, the WLAN device may include more or fewer components than shown, or combine certain components, or arrange the components differently.

[0240] The signal measurement method provided in the embodiment of the present application will be described in detail below with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 5 .

[0241] FIG6 shows a flow chart of a signal measurement method provided in an embodiment of the present application, including the following steps:

[0242] Step S601: A first access point sends a first message to a first station. Correspondingly, the first station receives the first message from the first access point.

[0243] The first message is used to request the first station to send the first measurement result to the first access point when the difference between the first measurement result and the second measurement result is greater than a first threshold, where the first measurement result is a result related to the second access point measured by the first station at a first time, and the second measurement result is a result related to the second access point measured by the first station at a second time, where the second time is earlier than the first time.

[0244] 4 , the first access point in the embodiment shown in FIG6 may be the first AP in FIG4 , the second access point in the embodiment shown in FIG6 may be the second AP in FIG4 , and the first station in the embodiment shown in FIG6 may be the first STA in FIG4 .

[0245] Optionally, the first threshold is carried in the first message.

[0246] Optionally, the second measurement result is the last measurement result sent by the first station to the first access point before the first time. In other words, the second time is the measurement time corresponding to the last second measurement result sent by the first station to the first access point before the first time. In this solution, the difference between the first measurement result and the second measurement result can more promptly reflect the change in the measurement results related to the second access point.

[0247] The second measurement result in the embodiment of the present application may be the result of a single measurement, or the result obtained by calculating multiple measurement results, for example, the average value, median value or root mean square value of multiple measurement results. The embodiment of the present application does not impose any limitation on this.

[0248] In an embodiment of the present application, the difference between the first measurement result and the second measurement result can be a value obtained by subtracting the second measurement result from the first measurement result, or a value obtained by subtracting the first measurement result from the second measurement result, or an absolute value of a value obtained by subtracting the second measurement result from the first measurement result. The embodiment of the present application does not impose any limitation on this.

[0249] Optionally, the time interval between two adjacent measurements by the first station is less than or equal to a preset time interval. In this solution, the preset time interval is the maximum time interval between two adjacent measurements, thereby achieving the technical effect of controlling the measurement cycle. When the time interval between two adjacent measurements is the preset time interval, the first station performs measurements at the lowest frequency, which helps reduce the power consumption incurred by the first station in measuring and reporting measurement results.

[0250] Optionally, the preset time interval is carried in the first message. In this solution, since the preset time interval is carried in the first message sent by the first access point, the setting of the preset time interval is more flexible, that is, the value of the preset time interval is easier to modify.

[0251] In conjunction with Figures 1, 2, and 3, Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first message in an embodiment of the present application. For the description of each field in Figure 7, please refer to the corresponding text descriptions of Figures 1, 2, and 3, and will not be repeated here.

[0252] Exemplarily, the preset time interval may be carried in the optional sub-element field shown in FIG7 . The optional sub-element field shown in FIG7 may include a sub-element, the name of which may be, for example, an extended measurement request sub-element, and the structure of which may be as shown in FIG8 . In FIG8 , the sub-element may include a sub-element ID field, a length field, and a measurement interval field. Specifically, the first measurement result may be carried in the measurement interval field shown in FIG8 .

[0253] In addition, the value of the preset time interval may also be specified by the protocol, and the embodiments of the present application do not impose any limitation on this.

[0254] The unit of the preset time interval in the embodiment of the present application can be a beacon frame interval (BI), or can be milliseconds (ms), a time unit (TU), or 100TU, and the embodiment of the present application does not impose any limitation on this. The beacon frame interval can be the beacon frame interval of the BSS where the first access point is located or the beacon frame interval of the BSS where the second access point is located. The TU can be 1024 microseconds.

[0255] In a possible implementation, the first measurement result and / or the second measurement result is a result related to the second access point measured by the first station, including: the first measurement result and / or the second measurement result is a strength of a signal from the second access point measured by the first station.

[0256] In the embodiment of the present application, the signal strength is the RCPI or RSNI of the signal. The signal strength can also be characterized by other parameters, which are not limited in the embodiment of the present application.

[0257] The first measurement result and / or the second measurement result in the embodiment of the present application may be a measurement result for a signal, such as a beacon frame.

[0258] In another possible implementation, the first measurement result and / or the second measurement result are results measured by the first station related to the second access point, including: the first measurement result and / or the second measurement result are used to indicate the relative strength of the signals from the first access point and the second access point to the first station. In this solution, the relative strength may reflect the strength comparison between the signal from the first access point to the first station and the signal from the second access point to the first station. The relative strength may be expressed by calculating the difference as described in the embodiments of this application, or by calculating the quotient or other methods, which are not limited in this embodiment of this application.

[0259] Exemplarily, the relative strengths of the signals from the first access point and the second access point to the first station are the difference between the strength of the signal from the first access point and the strength of the signal from the second access point measured by the first station.

[0260] In this embodiment of the present application, the relative strength of the signals from the first access point and the second access point to the first station can be the value obtained by subtracting the strength of the signal from the second access point from the strength of the signal from the first access point measured by the first station, or the value obtained by subtracting the strength of the signal from the second access point from the strength of the signal from the first access point measured by the first station. Taking the first definition as an example, a larger first measurement result and / or second measurement result indicates that the signal from the first access point to the first station is stronger relative to the signal from the second access point to the first station. For the first station, the signal from the first access point to the first station is a useful signal, while the signal from the second access point to the first station is an interference signal. Therefore, a higher signal-to-interference ratio indicates a more suitable situation for multi-AP coordinated transmission. In this case, the first access point can initiate coordinated transmission to the second access point based on the first measurement result received in step S602. Conversely, a smaller first measurement result and / or second measurement result indicates a less suitable situation for multi-AP coordinated transmission. In this case, the first access point can not initiate coordinated transmission to the second access point based on the first measurement result received in step S602. Specifically, the first access point may perform device selection. For example, the first access point may switch the first station to the second access point, or the first access point may select other stations except the first station as target transmission objects.

[0261] Similarly, taking the second definition as an example, the smaller the first measurement result and / or the second measurement result, the more suitable it is for multi-AP collaborative transmission; the larger the first measurement result and / or the second measurement result, the less suitable it is for multi-AP collaborative transmission.

[0262] Optionally, the first measurement result is carried in a measurement response message.

[0263] Optionally, the first measurement result is carried in an optional sub-element field of the measurement response message.

[0264] For example, FIG9 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a measurement response message. The measurement response message may include a classification field, a wireless measurement action field, a session token field, and a measurement report element field. Furthermore, the measurement report element field may include an element ID field, a length field, a measurement token field, a measurement report mode field, a measurement type field, and a measurement report field. Furthermore, the measurement report field may include an operation level field, a channel number field, an actual measurement start time field, a measurement time field, a reported frame information field, an RCPI field, an RSNI field, a BSSID field, an antenna ID field, the lower four bytes of the time synchronization function (parent time synchronization function, parent TSF) field, and an optional sub-element field.

[0265] Exemplarily, the first measurement result may be carried in the optional sub-element field shown in FIG9 . The optional sub-element field shown in FIG9 may include a sub-element, the name of the sub-element may be, for example, an extended measurement report sub-element (extended measurement report subelement), and the structure of the sub-element may be as shown in FIG10 . In FIG10 , the sub-element may include a sub-element ID field, a length field, and an RCPI offset field. Specifically, the first measurement result may be carried in the RCPI offset field shown in FIG10 .

[0266] Step S602: If the difference between the first measurement result and the second measurement result is greater than a first threshold, the first station sends the first measurement result to the first access point. Correspondingly, the first access point receives the first measurement result from the first station.

[0267] In the signal measurement method provided in this embodiment of the present application, the difference between the first measurement result and the second measurement result can reflect the change in the measurement result associated with the second access point. When the change is greater than a first threshold, the first station sends the first measurement result to the first access point, so that the first access point can determine whether to initiate cooperative transmission with the second access point based on the first measurement result. In other words, the signal measurement method provided in this embodiment of the present application is applicable to CSR scenarios.

[0268] Optionally, the signal measurement method provided in an embodiment of the present application further includes: if the difference between the first measurement result and the second measurement result is less than or equal to a first threshold within a preset duration, the first station transmits the first measurement result to the first access point. Accordingly, the first access point receives the first measurement result from the first station. In this solution, if there is no preset duration, if the difference between the first measurement result and the second measurement result is always less than or equal to the first threshold, the first access point will not be able to receive the first measurement result, and thus the first access point will not be able to determine whether the first station is performing measurements and reporting measurement results. Therefore, the preset duration can be used by the first access point to confirm that the first station's measurements and reporting measurement results are ongoing and uninterrupted.

[0269] In the embodiment of the present application, the unit of the preset duration can be a beacon frame interval, or can be milliseconds, a TU, or 100TU, which is not limited in the embodiment of the present application. The beacon frame interval can be the beacon frame interval of the BSS where the first access point is located or the beacon frame interval of the BSS where the second access point is located. The TU can be 1024 microseconds.

[0270] Optionally, the preset duration is carried in the first message. In this solution, since the preset duration is carried in the first message sent by the first access point, the setting of the preset duration is more flexible, that is, the value of the preset duration is easier to modify.

[0271] For example, the preset duration can be carried in the optional sub-element field shown in Figure 7. The optional sub-element field shown in Figure 7 can include sub-elements, and the structure of the sub-element can be shown in Figure 11. In Figure 11, the sub-element can include a sub-element ID field, a length field, and a maximum unreported duration field. Specifically, the preset duration can be carried in the maximum unreported duration field shown in Figure 11.

[0272] In addition, the value of the preset duration may also be specified in the protocol, and the embodiments of the present application do not impose any limitations on this.

[0273] Optionally, the signal measurement method provided in an embodiment of the present application further includes: the first access point sending a second message to the first station, the second message being used to request the first station to query whether there are any first measurement results to be fed back. Accordingly, the first station receives the second message from the first access point. The first station sends a third message to the first access point, the third message being used to indicate the existence of any first measurement results to be fed back. Accordingly, the first access point receives the third message from the first station. In this solution, since the first measurement report can be carried in a beacon frame report, the second message can be used to trigger the first station to provide feedback on whether there are any beacon frame reports to be fed back.

[0274] Exemplarily, the third message may include indication information for indicating that there is a first measurement result to be fed back. Alternatively, the indication information may be used to indicate that there is no first measurement result to be fed back. In this case, the indication information may be included in a fifth message sent by the first station to the first access point.

[0275] Optionally, the signal measurement method provided in an embodiment of the present application further includes: when the first station receives a fourth message from the first access point, the first station updates the first station's status to indicate that a first measurement result to be fed back exists. In this solution, the first station's status may default to indicating that no first measurement result to be fed back exists. The fourth message may trigger a state switch of the first station, i.e., the fourth message may trigger the first station to update its status from indicating that no first measurement result to be fed back exists to indicating that a first measurement result to be fed back exists.

[0276] The above technical solution is described using a single second access point as an example. In actual implementation, the first message may include the identifiers of one or more second access points, thereby enabling the first message to simultaneously trigger the first station to perform measurements on multiple second access points. The above technical solution can be implemented for each second access point. When the first message includes the identifiers of multiple second access points, the transmission of multiple request messages corresponding one-to-one to the multiple second access points can be avoided, thereby achieving the technical effect of reducing signaling overhead.

[0277] Exemplarily, the identifier of the second access point may be a BSSID corresponding to the second access point. When the first message includes identifiers of multiple second access points, the identifiers of the multiple second access points may be carried in the optional sub-element field shown in FIG7 . The optional sub-element field shown in FIG7 may include a sub-element, the name of the sub-element may be, for example, a BSSID list sub-element (BSSID list subelement), and the structure of the sub-element may be as shown in FIG12 . In FIG12 , the sub-element may include a sub-element ID field, a length field, and a BSSID list field. Specifically, the identifiers of the multiple second access points may be carried in the BSSID list field shown in FIG12 .

[0278] FIG13 shows a flow chart of another signal measurement method provided by an embodiment of the present application. The embodiment shown in FIG13 differs from the embodiment shown in FIG6 in that the conditions for triggering the first station to report the first measurement result are different. It should be noted that the same message name may represent messages with different functions in different embodiments, and this embodiment of the present application does not impose any limitation on this. The embodiment shown in FIG13 specifically includes the following steps:

[0279] Step S1301: A first access point sends a first message to a first station. Correspondingly, the first station receives the first message from the first access point.

[0280] The first message is used to request the first station to send a first measurement result to the first access point when receiving the second message from the first access point. The first measurement result is a result related to the second access point measured by the first station at a first time.

[0281] 4 , the first access point in the embodiment shown in FIG13 may be the first AP in FIG4 , the second access point in the embodiment shown in FIG13 may be the second AP in FIG4 , and the first station in the embodiment shown in FIG13 may be the first STA in FIG4 .

[0282] Optionally, a time interval between two adjacent measurements of the first site is less than or equal to a preset time interval.

[0283] Optionally, the preset time interval is carried in the first message.

[0284] For the description of the preset time interval in the embodiment shown in FIG. 13 , reference may be made to the description of the preset time interval in the above step S601 , which will not be repeated here.

[0285] In a possible implementation, the first measurement result is the strength of a signal from the second access point measured by the first station.

[0286] Optionally, the signal strength is the RCPI or RSNI of the signal.

[0287] In another possible implementation, the first measurement result is used to indicate relative strengths of signals from the first access point and the second access point to the first station.

[0288] Exemplarily, the relative strengths of the signals from the first access point and the second access point to the first station are the difference between the strength of the signal from the first access point and the strength of the signal from the second access point measured by the first station.

[0289] Optionally, the first measurement result is carried in a measurement response message.

[0290] Optionally, the first measurement result is carried in an optional sub-element field of the measurement response message.

[0291] For the description of the first measurement result in the embodiment shown in FIG. 13 , reference may be made to the description of the first measurement result in step S601 , which will not be repeated here.

[0292] Optionally, the first message includes indication information, where the indication information is used to instruct the first station to send the first measurement result to the first access point when receiving the second message from the first access point.

[0293] In an embodiment of the present application, the indication information may be used to indicate a mode in which the first station reports the first measurement result. The first value of the indication information may be used to indicate a first mode, such as a request mode; the second value of the indication information may be used to indicate a second mode, such as a non-request mode. In the first mode, the first station sends the first measurement result to the first access point upon receiving the second message from the first access point. In other words, the first station does not send the first measurement result to the first access point if it does not receive the second message from the first access point. In the second mode, the first station may actively send the first measurement result to the first access point. Exemplarily, the first station may competitively send the first measurement result to the first access point based on an enhanced distributed channel access (EDCA) mechanism.

[0294] The second message in the embodiment of the present application may be, for example, a request frame or a trigger frame.

[0295] Optionally, the first message is a measurement request message.

[0296] In one possible implementation, the indication information may be carried in the measurement request mode field of the first message shown in Figure 7. Exemplarily, Figure 14 is a structural diagram of the measurement request mode field. The measurement request mode field may include a parallel field, an enable field, a request field, a report field, a mandatory time (duration mandatory) field, a solicited field, and a reserved field. Among them, the parallel field, the enable field, the request field, the report field, the mandatory time field and the reserved field are existing fields in the request frame in the current 802.11 standard. The solicited field is a newly added field in the embodiment of the present application. Specifically, the indication information may be carried in the solicited field shown in Figure 14.

[0297] In another possible implementation, the indication information may be carried in the measurement mode field of the first message shown in FIG7 . Currently, the measurement mode field takes values ​​of 0, 1, and 2, occupying two bits. The measurement mode field is 8 bits long, so the remaining six high-order bits are currently padded with 0s. The indication information may be carried in any of the six high-order bits of the measurement mode field. Since the six high-order bits of the measurement mode field are located in bits (B) 50 to B55 in the measurement request field, the indication information may be carried in any of bits B50 to B55 of the measurement request field.

[0298] Step S1302: The first access point sends a second message to the first station. Correspondingly, the first station receives the second message from the first access point.

[0299] Step S1303: In response to the second message, the first station sends a first measurement result to the first access point. Correspondingly, the first access point receives the first measurement result from the first station.

[0300] In the signal measurement method provided in the embodiments of the present application, a first access point may send a second message to a first station if it desires to initiate coordinated transmission with a second access point. The first access point may then determine whether to initiate coordinated transmission with the second access point based on the first measurement result fed back by the first station. In other words, the signal measurement method provided in the embodiments of the present application is applicable to CSR scenarios.

[0301] Optionally, the signal measurement method provided in an embodiment of the present application further includes: the first access point sending a third message to the first station, the third message being used to request the first station to query whether there are any first measurement results to be fed back. Accordingly, the first station receives the third message from the first access point. The first station sends a fourth message to the first access point, the fourth message being used to indicate that there are any first measurement results to be fed back to the first station. Accordingly, the first access point receives the fourth message from the first station. In this solution, since the first measurement report can be carried in a beacon frame report, the third message can be used to trigger the first station to provide feedback on whether there are any beacon frame reports to be fed back.

[0302] Exemplarily, the fourth message may include indication information for indicating that there is a first measurement result to be fed back. Alternatively, the indication information may be used to indicate that there is no first measurement result to be fed back. In this case, the indication information may be included in a fifth message sent by the first station to the first access point.

[0303] Optionally, the signal measurement method provided in an embodiment of the present application further includes: when the difference between the first measurement result and the second measurement result is greater than a first threshold, the first station updates the state of the first station to a state in which a first measurement result to be fed back exists; wherein the second measurement result is a result related to the second access point measured by the first station at a second time, and the second time is earlier than the first time. In this solution, the state of the first station can default to a state in which no first measurement result to be fed back exists. The condition that the difference between the first measurement result and the second measurement result is greater than the first threshold can trigger a state switch of the first station, that is, this condition can trigger the first station to update its state from a state in which no first measurement result to be fed back exists to a state in which a first measurement result to be fed back exists.

[0304] Optionally, the second measurement result is a measurement result sent by the first station to the first access point for the last time before the first time.

[0305] Optionally, the first threshold is carried in the first message.

[0306] For the description of the second measurement result and the condition that the difference between the first measurement result and the second measurement result is greater than the first threshold in the embodiment shown in FIG. 13 , reference may be made to the corresponding description in step S601 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0307] If steps S1302 and S1303 are not performed within the preset time period, that is, if the first station does not receive the second message from the first access point within the preset time period, the first station sends the first measurement result to the first access point. Correspondingly, the first access point receives the measurement result from the first station.

[0308] Optionally, the preset duration is carried in the first message.

[0309] For the description of the preset duration in the embodiment shown in FIG. 13 , reference may be made to the description of the preset duration in the above step S601 , which will not be repeated here.

[0310] The above technical solution is described using a single second access point as an example. In actual implementation, the first message may include the identifiers of one or more second access points, thereby enabling the first message to simultaneously trigger the first station to perform measurements on multiple second access points. The technical solution described in FIG. 13 may be executed for each second access point. The description of the first message including the identifiers of multiple second access points can be found in the corresponding description of step S601 above and will not be repeated here.

[0311] FIG15 shows a flow chart of another signal measurement method provided by an embodiment of the present application. The embodiment shown in FIG15 differs from the embodiments shown in FIG6 and FIG13 in that the embodiment shown in FIG15 places a limit on the measurement interval. It should be noted that the same message name may represent messages with different functions in different embodiments, and the embodiment of the present application does not impose any restrictions on this. The embodiment shown in FIG15 specifically includes the following steps:

[0312] Step S1501: A first access point sends a first message to a first station. The first message is used to request the first station to send a first measurement result to the first access point. The first measurement result is a result of a measurement related to a second access point by the first station at a first time, where the time interval between two adjacent measurements is less than or equal to a preset time interval. In response, the first station receives the first message from the first access point.

[0313] In an embodiment of the present application, the first message is used to request the first station to send a first measurement result to the first access point, including: the first message is used to request the first station to perform measurement and send the first measurement result obtained by measurement to the first access point.

[0314] Optionally, the preset time interval is carried in the first message.

[0315] For the description of the preset time interval in the embodiment shown in FIG. 15 , reference may be made to the description of the preset time interval in the above step S601 , which will not be repeated here.

[0316] Optionally, the first measurement result is used to indicate relative strengths of signals from the first access point and the second access point to the first station.

[0317] Optionally, the relative strengths of the signals from the first access point and the second access point to the first station are a difference between the strength of the signal from the first access point and the strength of the signal from the second access point measured by the first station.

[0318] Optionally, the first measurement result is carried in a measurement response message.

[0319] Optionally, the first measurement result is carried in an optional sub-element field of the measurement response message.

[0320] Optionally, the first measurement result is the strength of a signal from the second access point measured by the first station.

[0321] Optionally, the signal strength is the RCPI or RSNI of the signal.

[0322] For the description of the first measurement result in the embodiment shown in FIG. 15 , reference may be made to the description of the first measurement result in step S601 , which will not be repeated here.

[0323] Step S1502: The first station sends a first measurement result to the first access point. Correspondingly, the first access point receives the first measurement result from the first station.

[0324] Optionally, the first message includes identifiers of one or more second access points. For the description of the first message including identifiers of multiple second access points, refer to the corresponding description in the above step S601, which will not be repeated here.

[0325] In embodiments of the present application, the embodiments shown in Figures 6, 13, and 15 can be combined with each other. For example, when the embodiments shown in Figures 6 and 13 are combined, since the condition for triggering the first station to report the first measurement result in the embodiment shown in Figure 6 is that the difference between the first measurement result and the second measurement result is greater than the first threshold, and the condition for triggering the first station to report the first measurement result in the embodiment shown in Figure 13 is that the first station receives the second message, the condition for triggering the first station to report the first measurement result in the scheme in which the embodiments shown in Figures 6 and 13 are combined can be: the difference between the first measurement result and the second measurement result is greater than the first threshold, and the first station receives the second message in the embodiment shown in Figure 13. The condition for triggering the first station to switch state in the scheme in which the embodiments shown in Figures 6 and 13 are combined can be: the first station receives the fourth message in the embodiment shown in Figure 6 from the first access point, or the difference between the first measurement result and the second measurement result is greater than the first threshold.

[0326] It can be understood that in each of the above embodiments, the methods and / or steps implemented by the first site can also be implemented by components (such as chips or circuits) that can be used for the first site or a device including the first site; the methods and / or steps implemented by the first access point can also be implemented by components (such as chips or circuits) that can be used for the first access point or a device including the first access point.

[0327] It is understandable that, in order to implement the above functions, the first site or the first access point includes hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function. Those skilled in the art should easily realize that, in combination with the units and algorithm steps of the various examples 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 a hardware or computer software-driven hardware manner 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.

[0328] In the embodiments of the present application, the first station or the first access point may be divided into functional modules according to the above-mentioned method embodiments. For example, each functional module may be divided according to each function, or two or more functions may be integrated into a single processing module. The above-mentioned integrated modules may be implemented in the form of hardware or software functional modules. It should be noted that the division of modules in the embodiments of the present application is illustrative and is merely a logical functional division. In actual implementation, other division methods may be used.

[0329] For example, the first station in the embodiment of the present application can be implemented in the form of a communication device 160 shown in Figure 16. The communication device 160 may include a transceiver module 1601 and a measurement module 1602. Optionally, the communication device 160 may also include a status update module 1603. The communication device 160 is used to implement the functions of the first station in the method embodiments shown in Figures 6 to 15 above.

[0330] Exemplarily, when the communication device 160 is used to implement the function of the first station in the method embodiment shown in FIG6 : the transceiver module 1601 is configured to receive a first message from the first access point, where the first message is used to request the transceiver module 1601 to send the first measurement result to the first access point if a difference between the first measurement result and the second measurement result is greater than a first threshold, where the first measurement result is a result related to the second access point measured by the measurement module 1602 at a first time, and the second measurement result is a result related to the second access point measured by the measurement module 1602 at a second time, where the second time is earlier than the first time; and the transceiver module 1601 is further configured to send the first measurement result to the first access point if the difference between the first measurement result and the second measurement result is greater than the first threshold.

[0331] Exemplarily, when the communication device 160 is used to implement the function of the first station in the method embodiment shown in FIG. 13 : the transceiver module 1601 is configured to receive a first message from the first access point, where the first message is used to request the transceiver module 1601 to send a first measurement result to the first access point when a second message from the first access point is received, where the first measurement result is a result related to the second access point measured by the measurement module 1602 at a first time; and the transceiver module 1601 is further configured to send the first measurement result to the first access point in response to the second message received from the first access point.

[0332] Exemplarily, when the communication device 160 is used to implement the function of the first station in the method embodiment shown in FIG. 15 : the transceiver module 1601 is configured to receive a first message from the first access point; wherein the first message is used to request the transceiver module 1601 to send a first measurement result to the first access point, where the first measurement result is a result related to the second access point measured by the measurement module 1602 at a first time, and the time interval between two adjacent measurements is less than or equal to a preset time interval; and the transceiver module 1601 is further configured to send the first measurement result to the first access point.

[0333] For a more detailed description of the above-mentioned transceiver module 1601, measurement module 1602 and status update module 1603, please refer to the relevant description of the method embodiments shown in Figures 6 to 15.

[0334] For another example, the first access point in the embodiment of the present application can be implemented in the form of a communication device 170 shown in Figure 17. The communication device 170 may include a sending module 1701 and a receiving module 1702. The communication device 170 is used to implement the functions of the first access point in the method embodiments shown in Figures 6 to 15 above.

[0335] Exemplarily, when the communication device 170 is used to implement the function of the first access point in the method embodiment shown in Figure 6: the sending module 1701 is used to send a first message to the first site, where the first message is used to request the first site to send the first measurement result to the communication device 170 when the difference between the first measurement result and the second measurement result is greater than the first threshold; the receiving module 1702 is used to receive the first measurement result from the first site when the difference between the first measurement result and the second measurement result is greater than the first threshold.

[0336] Exemplarily, when the communication device 170 is used to implement the function of the first access point in the method embodiment shown in Figure 13: the sending module 1701 is used to send a first message to the first site, where the first message is used to request the first site to send a first measurement result to the communication device 170 when receiving a second message from the communication device 170; the sending module 1701 is also used to send the second message to the first site; and the receiving module 1702 is used to receive the first measurement result from the first site.

[0337] Exemplarily, when the communication device 170 is used to implement the function of the first access point in the method embodiment shown in Figure 15: the sending module 1701 is used to send a first message to the first site; wherein the first message is used to request the first site to send a first measurement result to the communication device 170; the receiving module 1702 is used to receive the first measurement result from the first site.

[0338] For a more detailed description of the sending module 1701 and the receiving module 1702 , please refer to the relevant descriptions in the method embodiments shown in FIG. 6 to FIG. 15 .

[0339] In this embodiment, the communication device 160 or the communication device 170 is presented in the form of various functional modules divided in an integrated manner. The "module" here can refer to a specific ASIC, circuit, processor and memory that executes one or more software or firmware programs, integrated logic circuit, and / or other devices that can provide the above functions.

[0340] In a simple embodiment, those skilled in the art may appreciate that the communication device 160 may be in the form of the WLAN device 500 shown in FIG. 5 .

[0341] For example, the processor 501 and / or the processor 507 in the WLAN device 500 shown in FIG5 can invoke computer-executable instructions stored in the memory 504 to cause the WLAN device 500 to execute the signal measurement method in the above-described method embodiment. Specifically, some functions / implementation processes of the measurement module 1602 and the status update module 1603 in FIG16 can be implemented by the processor 501 and / or the processor 507 in the WLAN device 500 shown in FIG5 invoking computer-executable instructions stored in the memory 504; and some functions / implementation processes of the transceiver module 1601 in FIG16 can be implemented via the transceiver 502 in FIG5.

[0342] In a simple embodiment, those skilled in the art may appreciate that the communication device 170 may be in the form of the WLAN device 500 shown in FIG. 5 .

[0343] For example, the processor 501 and / or the processor 507 in the WLAN device 500 shown in FIG5 can cause the WLAN device 500 to execute the signal measurement method in the above-described method embodiment by calling the computer-executable instructions stored in the memory 504. Specifically, some functions / implementation processes of the transmitting module 1701 and the receiving module 1702 in FIG17 can be implemented via the transceiver 502 in FIG5.

[0344] Since the communication device 160 and the communication device 170 provided in this embodiment can execute the above-mentioned signal measurement method, the technical effects that can be obtained can refer to the above-mentioned method embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0345] It should be noted that one or more of the above modules or units can be implemented by software, hardware, or a combination of the two. When any of the above modules or units is implemented by software, the software exists in the form of computer program instructions and is stored in a memory, and a processor can be used to execute the program instructions and implement the above method flow. The processor can be built into an SoC (system on chip) or an ASIC, or it can be an independent semiconductor chip. In addition to the core used to execute software instructions to perform calculations or processing within the processor, it can further include necessary hardware accelerators, such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a PLD (programmable logic device), or a logic circuit that implements dedicated logic operations.

[0346] When the above modules or units are implemented in hardware, the hardware can be any one or any combination of a CPU, a microprocessor, a digital signal processing (DSP) chip, a microcontroller unit (MCU), an artificial intelligence processor, an ASIC, a SoC, an FPGA, a PLD, a dedicated digital circuit, a hardware accelerator or a non-integrated discrete device, which can run the necessary software or not rely on the software to execute the above method flow.

[0347] Optionally, an embodiment of the present application further provides a chip system, comprising: at least one processor and an interface, wherein the at least one processor is coupled to a memory via the interface, and when the at least one processor executes a computer program or instruction in the memory, the method in any of the above method embodiments is executed. In one possible implementation, the communication device also includes a memory. Optionally, the chip system can be composed of a chip, or can include a chip and other discrete devices, which is not specifically limited in the embodiment of the present application.

[0348] In the above embodiments, all or part of the embodiments may be implemented by software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using a software program, all or part of the embodiments may be implemented 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, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of the present application are generated. 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 a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that includes one or more media integrated therein. The available medium may be a magnetic medium (eg, a floppy disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape), an optical medium (eg, a DVD), or a semiconductor medium (eg, a solid state disk (SSD)).

[0349] Although the present application is described herein in conjunction with various embodiments, in the process of implementing the claimed application, those skilled in the art can understand and implement other changes to the disclosed embodiments by reviewing the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other components or steps, and "a" or "an" does not exclude multiple situations. A single processor or other unit can implement several functions listed in the claims. Certain measures are recorded in different dependent claims, but this does not mean that these measures cannot be combined to produce good results.

[0350] Although the present application has been described with reference to specific features and embodiments thereof, it is apparent that various modifications and combinations may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present application. Accordingly, this specification and the drawings are merely illustrative of the present application as defined by the appended claims and are deemed to cover any and all modifications, variations, combinations or equivalents within the scope of the present application. Obviously, those skilled in the art may make various modifications and variations to the present application without departing from the spirit and scope of the present application. Thus, the present application is intended to include such modifications and variations as fall within the scope of the claims of the present application and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A signal measurement method, applied to a first site, characterized in that Comprising: Receiving a first message from a first access point, the first message being used to request the first station to send the first measurement result to the first access point when the difference between a first measurement result and a second measurement result is greater than a first threshold, the first measurement result being a result related to a second access point measured by the first station at a first time, the second measurement result being a result related to the second access point measured by the first station at a second time, and the second time being earlier than the first time; When the difference between the first measurement result and the second measurement result is greater than the first threshold, sending the first measurement result to the first access point.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein The time interval between two adjacent measurements of the first station is less than or equal to a preset time interval.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein The preset time interval is carried in the first message.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The method further comprises: When the difference between the first measurement result and the second measurement result is less than or equal to the first threshold within a preset duration, sending the first measurement result to the first access point.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that The preset duration is carried in the first message.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The first measurement result and / or the second measurement result is used to represent the relative strength of the signals from the first access point and the second access point to the first station.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein The relative strength of the signals from the first access point and the second access point to the first station is the difference between the intensity of the signal from the first access point measured by the first station and the intensity of the signal from the second access point.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that The first measurement result is carried in a measurement response message.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein The first measurement result is carried in an optional sub-element field of the measurement response message.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The first measurement result and / or the second measurement result is the intensity of the signal from the second access point measured by the first station.

11. The method according to claim 7 or 10, characterized in that, The intensity of the signal is the received channel power indication (RCPI) or the received signal-to-noise ratio indication (RSNI) of the signal.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1-11, characterized in that, The first message includes the identifiers of one or more second access points.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1-12, characterized in that, The method further comprises: Receiving a second message from the first access point, the second message being used to request to query whether there is a first measurement result to be fed back at the first station; Sending a third message to the first access point, the third message being used to indicate that there is a first measurement result to be fed back at the first station.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein The method further comprises: When the first station receives a fourth message from the first access point, updating the state of the first station to that there is a first measurement result to be fed back.

15. The method according to any one of claims 1-14, characterized in that, The second measurement result is the measurement result that the first station last sent to the first access point before the first time.

16. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that The first threshold is carried in the first message.

17. A signal measurement method, applied to a first site, characterized in that, Comprising: Receiving a first message from a first access point, the first message being used to request the first station to send a first measurement result to the first access point when the first station receives a second message from the first access point, the first measurement result being a result related to a second access point measured by the first station at a first time; In response to the received second message from the first access point, send the first measurement result to the first access point.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein The time interval between two adjacent measurements of the first station is less than or equal to a preset time interval.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, The preset time interval is carried in the first message.

20. The method according to any one of claims 17-19, characterized in that, The first measurement result is used to represent the relative strength of the signals from the first access point and the second access point to the first station.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein, The relative strength of the signals from the first access point and the second access point to the first station is the difference between the strength of the signal from the first access point measured by the first station and the strength of the signal from the second access point.

22. The method according to any one of claims 17-19, characterized in that, The first measurement result is the strength of the signal from the second access point measured by the first station.

23. The method according to any one of claims 17-22, characterized in that, The first message includes the identifiers of one or more second access points.

24. The method according to any one of claims 17 - 23, characterized in that, The first message includes indication information for indicating that the first station sends the first measurement result to the first access point when receiving the second message from the first access point.

25. The method according to claim 24, wherein The first message is a measurement request message, and the indication information is carried in the measurement request mode field or the measurement mode field of the first message.

26. The method according to any one of claims 17-25, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receiving a third message from the first access point, where the third message is used to request to query whether there is a pending first measurement result at the first station; Sending a fourth message to the first access point, where the fourth message is used to indicate that there is a pending first measurement result at the first station.

27. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes: a module or unit for implementing the method according to any one of claims 1-16; or, a module or unit for implementing the method according to any one of claims 17-26.

28. A communication device, characterized in that, Including: A memory and a processor coupled to the memory, where the memory is used to store a program, and the processor is used to execute the program stored in the memory; when the communication device runs, the processor runs the program, so that the communication device executes the method according to any one of claims 1-16 above; or, so that the communication device executes the method according to any one of claims 17-26 above.

29. A communication system, characterized in that, The communication system includes a first access point, a second access point, and a first station; wherein, the first station is used to execute the method according to any one of claims 1-16; or, the first station is used to execute the method according to any one of claims 17-26.

30. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, A computer program is stored thereon, and when the computer program is executed by a computer, the computer is caused to execute the method according to any one of claims 1-16; or, when the computer program is executed by a computer, the computer is caused to execute the method according to any one of claims 17-26.

Images