Wireless communication method and communication device

Abstract

The present application provides a wireless communication method and a communication device. The method comprises: by means of a first link, a first device receives a first frame sent by a second device. The first frame is used for instructing the first device to execute a first operation on a second link, and the first operation is related to beamforming training. By means of the first frame, the first link may assist with the first operation related to beamforming training on the second link. It can be understood that in a beamforming training procedure on the second link, the load of the second link can be reduced by means of the assistance of the first link, and beam training time overhead and frame overhead are reduced.

Description

Wireless communication method and communication device Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of communication technology, and more specifically, to a wireless communication method and a communication device. Background Art

[0002] A beamforming training (BF training) process can occur between the initiator and responder. The beamforming training process allows devices to determine the optimal beams for transmission and reception through frame exchange. The beamforming training process can be composed of two sub-processes: sector-level sweep (SLS) and beam refinement (BRP). During the SLS phase, the initiator and responder each send sector sweep (SSW) frames on all their respective sectors to perform beamforming training.

[0003] Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present application provides a wireless communication method and a communication device. The following introduces various aspects involved in the present application.

[0005] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided, comprising: a first device receiving, through a first link, a first frame sent by a second device; wherein the first frame is used to instruct the first device to perform a first operation on the second link, the first operation being related to beamforming training.

[0006] In a second aspect, a wireless communication method is provided, comprising: a second device sending a first frame to a first device through a first link; wherein the first frame is used to instruct the first device to perform a first operation on the second link, and the first operation is related to beamforming training.

[0007] According to a third aspect, a communication device is provided, which is a first device and includes: a receiving unit for receiving a first frame sent by a second device through a first link; wherein the first frame is used to instruct the first device to perform a first operation on the second link, and the first operation is related to beamforming training.

[0008] In a fourth aspect, a communication device is provided, which is a second device, and includes: a sending unit, used to send a first frame to the first device through a first link; wherein the first frame is used to instruct the first device to perform a first operation on the second link, and the first operation is related to beamforming training.

[0009] In a fifth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising a processor and a memory, wherein the memory is used to store one or more computer programs, and the processor is used to call the computer program in the memory to enable the communication device to perform some or all of the steps in the above-mentioned various aspects of the method.

[0010] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication system, which includes the above-mentioned communication device. In another possible design, the system may also include other devices that interact with the communication device in the solution provided in the embodiment of the present application.

[0011] In a seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, which stores a computer program, and the computer program enables a communication device to execute part or all of the steps in the methods of the above aspects.

[0012] In an eighth aspect, embodiments of the present application provide a computer program product, wherein the computer program product includes a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, wherein the computer program is operable to cause a communication device to perform some or all of the steps of the methods described in each of the above aspects. In some implementations, the computer program product may be a software installation package.

[0013] In a ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a chip comprising a memory and a processor, wherein the processor can call and run a computer program from the memory to implement some or all of the steps described in the methods of the above aspects.

[0014] Through the first frame, the first link can assist the operations related to beamforming training on the second link. It can be understood that during the beamforming training process on the second link, the assistance of the first link can reduce the load of the second link. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a wireless communication system used in an embodiment of the present application.

[0016] FIG2 is an example diagram of an SLS process for beamforming training.

[0017] FIG3 is a schematic flowchart of a wireless communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0018] FIG4 is an example diagram of a beamforming training process provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0019] FIG5A is a schematic diagram showing the format of the frame body portion of the termination frame.

[0020] FIG5B is a schematic diagram of the format of the termination indication field

[0021] FIG6A is a schematic diagram of the format of a sector information field provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0022] FIG6B is a schematic diagram of the format of the information feedback field provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0023] FIG7A is a schematic diagram of a format of a second frame provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0024] FIG7B is a diagram showing an example of the format of a newly added field of an association request frame and / or an association response frame provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0025] FIG8 is a schematic diagram of the format of a beamforming information exchange frame provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0026] FIG9A is a diagram illustrating an example format of a beamforming feedback frame provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0027] FIG9B is a diagram showing an example of the format of a BRP request field provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0028] FIG10A is an example diagram of a scenario to which an embodiment of the present application is applicable.

[0029] FIG10B is an example diagram of another scenario to which the embodiments of the present application are applicable.

[0030] FIG11A is a schematic diagram of a beamforming training process in scenario one.

[0031] FIG11B is a schematic diagram of another beamforming training process in scenario one.

[0032] FIG12A is a schematic diagram of a beamforming training process in scenario four.

[0033] FIG12B is a schematic diagram of another beamforming training process in scenario four.

[0034] FIG13A is a schematic diagram of another beamforming training process in scenario one.

[0035] FIG13B is a schematic diagram of another beamforming training process in scenario one.

[0036] FIG14A is a schematic diagram of another beamforming training process in scenario four.

[0037] FIG14B is a schematic diagram of another beamforming training process in scenario four.

[0038] FIG15A is a schematic diagram of a negotiation process provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0039] FIG15B is a schematic diagram of another negotiation process provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0040] FIG15C is another schematic diagram of a negotiation process provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0041] FIG15D is another schematic diagram of a negotiation process provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0042] Figure 15E is another schematic diagram of the negotiation process provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0043] FIG16A is a schematic diagram of another beamforming training process in scenario one.

[0044] FIG16B is a schematic diagram of another beamforming training process in scenario one.

[0045] FIG17A is a schematic diagram of another beamforming training process in scenario four.

[0046] FIG17B is a schematic diagram of another beamforming training process in scenario four.

[0047] FIG18 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0048] Figure 19 is a schematic structural diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0049] Figure 20 is a schematic structural diagram of a device for communication provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] The technical solution in this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0051] Communication System

[0052] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application can be applied to various communication systems, such as wireless local area networks (WLAN), wireless fidelity (WiFi), high performance radio local area networks (HIPELAN), wide area networks (WAN), cellular networks, or other communication systems. For another example, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application can be applied to communication systems that adopt the 802.11 standard. For example, the 802.11 standard includes but is not limited to the 802.11ax standard, the 802.11be standard, and the next generation 802.11 standard.

[0053] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system applicable to embodiments of the present application. Referring to FIG1 , the communication devices in the communication system 100 may include access points (APs) 111 and 112, and stations (STAs) 121 and 122. STA 121 may access the network through AP 111, and STA 122 may access the network through AP 112.

[0054] In some implementations, a STA may establish an association with one or more APs, after which the associated STAs and APs may communicate. For example, as shown in FIG1 , AP 111 and STA 121 may communicate after establishing an association, and AP 112 and STA 122 may communicate after establishing an association.

[0055] In some implementations, the communication in the communication system 100 may be communication between an AP and a non-AP STA, communication between a non-AP STA and a non-AP STA, or communication between a STA and a peer STA, where a peer STA may refer to a device that communicates with the STA peer, for example, the peer STA may be an AP or a non-AP STA.

[0056] It should be understood that FIG1 exemplarily shows two AP STAs and two non-AP STAs, and the communication system 100 may also include a larger number of AP STAs, or the communication system 100 may include other numbers of non-AP STAs, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0057] In addition, the above communication system can be applied to scenarios of multi-device collaboration, such as multi-AP (multiple access points, multi-AP) collaboration, or multi-site collaboration.

[0058] In the embodiments of this application, the names of AP and / or STA are not limited. In some scenarios, AP can also be called AP STA, that is, in a sense, AP is also a type of STA. In other scenarios, STA can also be called non-AP STA.

[0059] In some scenarios, the aforementioned communication device may also be a "multi-link device (MLD)," i.e., a device that can communicate via multiple communication links, where the multiple communication links may include communication links in different frequency bands, such as millimeter wave bands and / or low-frequency bands. Generally, if the multi-link device is an AP, the AP may also be referred to as a "multi-link AP." If the multi-link device is a STA, the STA may also be referred to as a "multi-link STA."

[0060] In the embodiment of the present application, the AP can be a device in a wireless network. The AP can be a communication entity such as a communication server, a router, a switch, a bridge, or the AP can include various forms of macro base stations, micro base stations, relay stations, etc. Of course, the AP can also be a chip or circuit or processing system in these various forms of devices, thereby realizing the method and function of the embodiment of the present application. The AP can be applied to a variety of scenarios, such as sensor nodes in smart cities (such as smart water meters, smart electricity meters, smart air detection nodes), smart devices in smart homes (such as smart cameras, projectors, displays, TVs, speakers, refrigerators, washing machines, etc.), nodes in the Internet of Things, entertainment terminals (such as wearable devices such as AR and VR), smart devices in smart offices (such as printers, projectors, etc.), Internet of Vehicles devices in the Internet of Vehicles, and some infrastructure in daily life scenarios (such as vending machines, self-service navigation counters in supermarkets, self-service checkout devices, self-service ordering machines), etc.

[0061] In some implementations, the role of a STA in a communication system is not absolute; in some scenarios, a STA can function as an AP. For example, when a mobile phone is connected to a router, it can be a non-AP STA, while when it is acting as a hotspot for other phones, it functions as an AP.

[0062] In the embodiments of the present application, a STA in the embodiments of the present application may be a device with wireless transceiver capabilities, such as a device that supports the 802.11 series of protocols and can communicate with an AP or other STAs. For example, a STA is any user communication device that allows a user to communicate with an AP and, in turn, with a WLAN. Examples of STAs include user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), access terminal, subscriber unit, subscriber station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal, wireless communication device, user agent, or user device.

[0063] The STA in the embodiment of the present application may also be a device that provides voice / data connectivity to users, such as a handheld device or vehicle-mounted device with wireless connection function. Examples include: mobile phones, tablet computers, laptop computers, PDAs, mobile internet devices (MIDs), wearable devices, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving, wireless terminals in remote medical surgery, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes, cellular phones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), handheld devices with wireless communication capabilities, computing devices or other processing devices connected to wireless modems, in-vehicle devices, wearable devices, terminal devices in 5G networks or future-evolved public land mobile communication networks. The terminal equipment in the network (PLMN), etc., is not limited to this in the embodiments of the present application.

[0064] By way of example and not limitation, in the embodiments of this application, the STA may also be a wearable device. Wearable devices, also known as wearable smart devices, are a general term for wearable devices that utilize wearable technology to intelligently design and develop wearable devices for everyday wear, such as glasses, gloves, watches, clothing, and shoes. Examples include smart watches or smart glasses, as well as devices that focus on a specific application function and require integration with other devices such as smartphones, such as various smart bracelets and smart jewelry for vital sign monitoring.

[0065] In addition, in the embodiments of the present application, a STA can also be a terminal device in the Internet of Things (IoT) system. The IoT is an important component of the future development of information technology. Its main technical feature is to connect objects to the network through communication technology, thereby realizing an intelligent network that interconnects people and machines and things. In the embodiments of the present application, IoT technology can achieve massive connections, deep coverage, and terminal power saving through narrowband (NB) technology, for example.

[0066] Furthermore, in the embodiments of the present application, a STA may be a device in a connected vehicle system. The communication methods in a connected vehicle system are collectively referred to as V2X (where X represents everything). For example, V2X communication includes vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication, vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication, vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P) communication, and vehicle-to-network (V2N) communication.

[0067] In addition, in the embodiment of the present application, STA may also include sensors such as smart printers, train detectors, gas stations, etc., whose main functions include collecting data (part of the terminal equipment), receiving AP control information and downlink data, and sending electromagnetic waves to transmit data to the AP.

[0068] In addition, the AP in the embodiment of the present application may be a device for communicating with a STA. The AP may be a network device in a wireless local area network. The AP may be used to communicate with the STA through the wireless local area network.

[0069] From the perspective of the communication standards supported by the AP, in some implementations, the AP can be a device that supports the 802.11be standard. The AP can also be a device that supports various current and future 802.11 family WLAN standards, such as 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, and 802.11a.

[0070] From the perspective of STA-supported communication standards, in some implementations, non-AP STAs can support the 802.11be standard. Non-AP STAs can also support various current and future 802.11 family wireless local area network (WLAN) standards, including 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, and 802.11a.

[0071] In the embodiments of the present application, there is no limitation on the frequency bands supported by WLAN technology. In some implementations, the frequency bands supported by WLAN technology may include, but are not limited to, low frequency bands (e.g., 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz) and high frequency bands (e.g., 45 GHz, 60 GHz).

[0072] It should be understood that the specific forms of STA and AP in the embodiments of the present application are not particularly limited and are merely illustrative.

[0073] Beamforming training

[0074] A beamforming training process can occur between the initiator and responder. This process allows devices to determine the optimal beam (bset sector) for transmission and reception through frame exchange. For ease of understanding, the following description uses the beamforming training process specified in the 802.11ad standard as an example. It is understood that the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application can also be applied to other communication standards.

[0075] The beamforming training process consists of two stages: sector level sweep (SLS) and beam refinement (BRP). In the SLS stage, the initiator and responder send SSW frames in turn on all their sectors to perform beamforming training. In the SLS stage, the initiator and responder can also feedback relevant information of the SLS stage and negotiate the parameters of the BRP through SSW feedback frames and SSW confirmation (ACK) frames. In the BRP stage, the initiator and responder can refine the beam according to the parameters negotiated by SLS. It should be noted that the training of the receive beam can be implemented in the SLS stage or in the BRP stage.

[0076] The SLS phase consists of three sub-processes: the initiator sector sweep (ISS), the responder sector sweep (RSS), and feedback confirmation. The ISS and RSS are used to train the initiator and responder beams, respectively. The ISS can be considered the beginning of a beamforming training session. Furthermore, the order of the ISS, RSS, and feedback confirmation sub-processes is strictly enforced and cannot be changed.

[0077] The ISS phase performs either an initiator transmit sector sweep (TXSS) or an initiator receive sector sweep (RXSS). Initiator TXSS indicates beamforming training of the initiator's transmit beam, while initiator RXSS indicates beamforming training of the initiator's receive beam. When the initiator uses only one transmit antenna pattern on each of its DMG antennas, initiator RXSS can be performed in the ISS phase; otherwise, initiator TXSS is performed. Therefore, in the ISS phase, receive beamforming training is performed only when the initiator's transmit beam does not require training. Otherwise, only transmit beamforming training can be performed in the ISS phase. Receive beamforming training is implemented in the BRP phase, and the same rules apply to the RSS phase.

[0078] FIG2 shows an example diagram of an SLS process for beamforming training.

[0079] In Figure 2, both the ISS and RSS implement TXSS. As shown in Figure 2, in the ISS, the initiator sends SSW frames to the responder in a time-sharing manner across all transmit sectors. That is, each SSW frame in Figure 2 is sent in a different transmit sector, and the responder receives the SSW frames in a quasi-omnidirectional manner. Only after the initiator has scanned all of its transmit sectors does the process enter the RSS phase. At this point, the responder sends SSW frames in a time-sharing manner across all transmit sectors, and the initiator receives SSW frames in a quasi-omnidirectional manner. It should be noted that each SSW frame sent by the responder in the RSS phase contains the initiator's best transmit sector information, namely the best transmit sector ID. After the RSS phase ends, the initiator sends an SSW feedback frame using the best transmit beam to inform the responder of the best beam configuration, and also carries relevant parameters for the BRP phase. The relevant parameters for the BRP phase can include request information for each BRP sub-process. After receiving the SSW separation frame, the responder can reply to the initiator with an SSW ACK frame using the optimal transmit beam to determine the parameters for the BRP phase. If the initiator / responder performs RXSS during the ISS / RSS phase, the responder / initiator can send SSW frames in a quasi-omnidirectional manner. Accordingly, the initiator / responder receives SSW frames in all sectors in a time-sharing manner, thereby training the initiator / responder's receive beam.

[0080] Some communication standards (such as 802.11ay) extend the above-mentioned beamforming training process to support an initiator and multiple responders to perform beamforming training at the same time. Exemplarily, the extended beamforming training process can be implemented based on the short SSW PPDU. First, the initiator can send a short SSW PPDU to a group of responders (including one or more responders) in a time-sharing manner across all sectors. This group of responders can receive the short SSW PPDU in a quasi-omnidirectional manner. When and only when the initiator has scanned all sectors, the initiator sends BRP frames to this group of responders in a time-sharing manner to obtain feedback information through polling. When feedback is provided, the feedback information may include relevant information of all sectors. Among them, the relevant information of the sector may include: sector ID and / or corresponding signal-to-noise ratio (SNR).

[0081] Figure 3 is a schematic flow chart of a wireless communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application. The method shown in Figure 3 may include step S310. The method shown in Figure 3 may be performed by a first device and a second device.

[0082] Optionally, both the first device and the second device may be MLDs.

[0083] For example, the first device may be an initiator MLD, and the second device may be a responder MLD. In another example, the first device may be a responder MLD, and the second device may be an initiator MLD. The initiator MLD may be a beamforming training initiating device supporting multi-link operation, and the responder MLD may be a beamforming training responding device supporting multi-link operation.

[0084] For another example, the first device may include an AP device, and the second device may include a non-AP STA device. The second device may include an AP device, and the first device may include a non-AP STA device. The AP device may be an AP MLD, and the non-AP STA device may be a non-AP MLD. In step S310, the first device receives a first frame sent by the second device via a first link.

[0085] The first frame may be used to instruct the first device to perform a first operation on the second link. The first operation may be related to beamforming training.

[0086] Through the first frame, the first link can assist the first operation related to beamforming training on the second link. It can be understood that during the beamforming training process on the second link, the assistance of the first link can reduce the load of the second link.

[0087] For example, the first link may include a sub-7 GHz link or a sub-10 GHz link. A sub-7 GHz link or a sub-10 GHz link may be referred to as a low-frequency link. The second link may include a millimeter wave link. A millimeter wave link may also be referred to as a high-frequency link. For example, the millimeter wave link may include a 60 GHz link.

[0088] Millimeter wave-based communication can further improve the throughput and transmission reliability of the communication system. Based on the present application, millimeter waves can be integrated through multi-link operations. Taking the first link including the sub-7GHz link as an example, the first frame proposed in the present application can realize beamforming training of millimeter waves based on sub-7GHz. On the one hand, this can reduce the load of the millimeter wave link. On the other hand, through the first frame, the functions of the sub-7GHz link can be reused, thereby reducing the complexity of the millimeter wave link communication design. In addition, compared with the transmission of the first frame through the millimeter wave link, the first frame is transmitted through the sub-7GHz link, and the transmission reliability of the first frame is higher. In particular, when the control information is carried in the first frame, the first frame transmitted by the sub-7GHz link can achieve control information transmission reliability.

[0089] In addition, for millimeter waves, designing a flexible and efficient beamforming training process based on sub-7 GHz can reduce the overhead of beamforming training.

[0090] In some embodiments, the first operation may include one or more of the following: the first device stops sending SSW frames on the second link; and / or the first device starts a beamforming training process.

[0091] Taking the example of a first operation involving a first device initiating beamforming training, the first frame transmitted via the first link can initiate the beamforming training process on the second link. In other words, the first link can assist the second link in initiating the beamforming training process. Initiating the beamforming training process may include: the first device initiating the first sub-process, or any one or more sub-processes, of the beamforming training process. For example, initiating the beamforming training process may include: initiating ISS; initiating the transmission of SSW frames; or initiating the TXSS process.

[0092] For example, in response to the first device receiving the first frame, the first device may initiate the beamforming training process. For example, the first device may initiate the beamforming training process immediately after receiving the first frame. In another example, the first device may initiate the beamforming training process after a certain period of time after receiving the first frame.

[0093] Optionally, the first frame may be a newly defined frame for starting the beamforming training process. For example, the first frame may be a newly defined control frame.

[0094] Optionally, the first frame may reuse existing frames in related technologies. Exemplarily, the first frame may include frames involved in the association process and / or authentication process. For example, the first frame may include an association request frame and / or an association response frame. In this case, the association request frame and / or association response frame transmitted on the first link may be used to initiate beamforming training on the second link.

[0095] Figure 4 illustrates an example of a beamforming training process according to an embodiment of the present application. In Figure 4 , the first link comprises a sub-7 GHz link, the second link comprises a 60 GHz link, the first device is an initiator MLD, and the second device is a responder MLD. The first frame may include an association response frame. In response to the initiator MLD receiving the association response frame, the initiator MLD may begin sending an SSW to initiate the beamforming training process.

[0096] It should be noted that, for ease of understanding, Figure 4 only illustrates a portion of the beamforming training process. That is, the beamforming training process shown in Figure 4 may also include other steps, which are not limited in this application. Furthermore, the association authentication process shown in Figure 4 may also include other processes (e.g., sending frames other than association request frames / association response frames).

[0097] In some embodiments, the first frame may instruct the first device to stop (or terminate) executing one or more beamforming training sub-processes on the second link. The one or more beamforming training sub-processes may include a currently ongoing beamforming training sub-process. For example, the first frame may be used to instruct the first device to stop sending SSW frames on the second link. As described above, the beamforming training process in the related art requires the completion of scanning of all sectors. In the present application, the first frame transmitted via the first link may stop sector scanning after completing the scanning of some sectors, thereby reducing the duration and overhead of the beamforming training process.

[0098] The Interrupt Indication field in the first frame may be used to indicate whether the first device has stopped sending SSW frames on the second link. Alternatively, the Interrupt Indication field in the first frame may be used to indicate whether the first device has stopped the current beamforming training sub-process on the second link. The Interrupt Indication field may occupy 1 bit. For example, a value of 1 in the Interrupt Indication field may indicate stopping; a value of 0 in the Interrupt Indication field may indicate not stopping. For another example, a value of 0 in the Interrupt Indication field may indicate stopping; a value of 1 in the Interrupt Indication field may indicate not stopping.

[0099] In some embodiments, the first device may send one or more SSW frames on the second link. The one or more sector sweep frames may correspond to one or more sectors. The one or more sectors may include a first sector. When the first sector satisfies a first condition (also referred to as a judgment condition), the second device may send a first frame to the first device via the first link. The first frame may be used to instruct the first device to stop sending SSW frames on the second link. In other words, among the SSW frames that have been sent, if there is an SSW frame that satisfies the first condition, a stop SSW frame may be sent.

[0100] In the related art, during the SLS phase, the initiator must complete the scanning of all sectors before the responder scans all sectors. Since the initiator / responder cannot receive any feedback during the scanning process, even if a sector that meets the requirements is found during the scanning process, for example, the sector's SNR meets the highest-order modulation requirements, the current process still requires scanning the remaining sectors, which will incur additional time and frame overhead. However, the present application can stop scanning the remaining sectors if the first condition is met, thereby reducing time and frame overhead.

[0101] Optionally, the first frame may be a newly defined frame. For example, the first frame may be a newly defined termination frame. The termination frame may be used to instruct the first device to stop sending SSW frames on the second link. Exemplarily, when a sector satisfies the first condition, a termination frame may be sent to instruct the first device to stop sending SSW frames on the second link.

[0102] In some embodiments, the first frame may be used to instruct the first device to terminate the beamforming training process on the second link. For example, if all sectors do not meet the first condition, a terminate frame may be sent to instruct the first device to terminate the beamforming training process on the second link. For another example, if no transmission opportunity (TXOP) on the second link is obtained within a first time period after the second information and / or third information is negotiated, a terminate frame may be sent to instruct the first device to terminate the beamforming training process on the second link.

[0103] It should be noted that all sectors failing to meet the first condition may include: all sectors failing to meet the first condition in the ISS stage, and / or all sectors failing to meet the first condition in the RSS stage.

[0104] The termination frame may be an action frame. For example, the termination frame may be a DMG action frame. The body of the termination frame may be as shown in FIG5A .

[0105] As shown in FIG5A , the frame body of the termination frame may include one or more of the following fields: category, DMG action, and termination indication.

[0106] In the case where the termination frame is a DMG action frame, the type field is a constant value of 16, indicating a DMG action.

[0107] The DMG Action field is used to identify action frames with different DMG functions. Considering that related art has defined 23 DMG Action frames, ranging from 0 to 22, the DMG Action field of a Termination frame can be greater than or equal to 23. For example, a DMG Action field of 23 indicates that the frame is a Termination frame.

[0108] The format of the termination indication field may be as shown in Figure 5B. As shown in Figure 5B, the termination indication field may include one or more of the following fields: BF termination, stage termination.

[0109] The BF termination field can be used to indicate the termination of the entire beamforming training process. For example, a value of 0 in the BF termination field can indicate that the beamforming training process continues, and then the termination of the stage is determined based on the stage termination field; a value of 1 in the BF termination field can indicate that the entire beamforming training process is terminated, and the value of the stage termination field is no longer relevant. For another example, a value of 1 in the BF termination field can indicate that the beamforming training process continues, and then the termination of the stage is determined based on the stage termination field; a value of 0 in the BF termination field can indicate that the entire beamforming training process is terminated, and the value of the stage termination field is no longer relevant.

[0110] Phase End Field: This field takes effect only when BF terminates, indicating that the beamforming training process is continuing. For example, a value of 0 in the Phase End field indicates that the current phase is not terminated; a value of 1 in the Phase End field indicates that the current phase is terminated and the next phase is advanced. Another example is a value of 0 in the Phase End field indicates that the current phase is not terminated; a value of 1 in the Phase End field indicates that the current phase is terminated and the next phase is advanced.

[0111] In some embodiments, a first device may receive a second frame sent by a second device via a first link. The second frame may be used to indicate first information related to a first sector. The first sector may be a sector that meets a first condition. The number of sectors that meet the condition may be one or more. The first sector may be any one of the one or more sectors that meet the first condition. For example, the first sector may be the first sector or the last sector among the one or more sectors that meet the first condition.

[0112] The first information may be carried in an information feedback field in the second frame. The number of bytes occupied by the information feedback field is variable.

[0113] Some related technologies (such as 802.11ay) require feedback of information from all sectors. However, since the communication quality of many sectors is poor, even difficult to meet the minimum communication quality requirements, this part of the feedback information is invalid. Feedback of invalid information will bring unnecessary transmission overhead. However, this application only feeds back sectors that meet the first condition. Therefore, some sectors are filtered out, so there is no need to feed back information from the filtered sectors, thereby reducing the transmission of invalid information and thus reducing transmission overhead.

[0114] In addition, in related art, training frames (e.g., SSW frames) and feedback frames are not separated, resulting in the transmission of a large amount of redundant information and a single piece of feedback data. Specifically, when the responder performs sector scanning, all SSW frames sent carry the initiator's optimal transmit beam configuration, thereby transmitting a large amount of redundant information. However, the second frame and SSW frame of the present application can be set separately to avoid the transmission of redundant information. In addition, the separation setting allows more information to be transmitted in the second frame, thereby increasing the variety of feedback data.

[0115] In addition, the feedback information of the related art only includes the information of the best sector. However, this application can feedback the information of one or more sectors that meet the conditions. Based on one or more sectors that meet the conditions, flexible beamforming training can be provided for various millimeter wave communication scenarios.

[0116] In some embodiments, the sector that meets the first condition may be used as the final sector. The final sector may be the sector finally determined during the beamforming training process; or the final sector may be the sector used or confirmed during the feedback confirmation phase.

[0117] Related technologies require determining the best sector among all sectors to determine the final sector or send the best sector to the peer. In this application, any sector that meets the first condition becomes the final sector. Therefore, after scanning some sectors, if a sector meets the first condition, the sector scan can be stopped, thereby reducing the duration of the beamforming process.

[0118] In some embodiments, the first information may include information of one or more sectors that meet the first condition. That is, the second frame may be used to indicate information of the sectors that meet the first condition.

[0119] In some embodiments, the first information may include one or more of the following information: the first quantity, the identifier of the second link, information of the first sector, and measurement information, which are described below.

[0120] The first number may be used to indicate the number of sectors that meet the first condition. For example, the first number may be the number of sectors that meet the first condition at the time the second frame is sent, or at the time the sending of the second frame is triggered. The first number may be carried in the number field. The number field may occupy 9 bits.

[0121] The first device and / or the second device may support multiple links. The second link identifier can indicate which of the multiple links the first information corresponds to. That is, the first information indicates information about the sector on which the first condition is met. The second link identifier can be carried in the link identifier (link ID) field. The link identifier field can occupy 4 bits.

[0122] The measurement information may be used to indicate other basic measurement information. The measurement information may be carried in the measurement information field, for example. The measurement information field may occupy 8 bits.

[0123] The information of the first sector may be information of any sector among the one or more sectors that meet the first condition. The information of the first sector may include any information related to the first sector.

[0124] If the first information includes information about one or more sectors that meet the first condition, the second frame may include one or more sector information fields. The information about the one or more sectors that meet the first condition may correspond one-to-one to the one or more sector information fields. In other words, the information about the one or more sectors that meet the first condition may be carried in one or more sector information fields in the second frame.

[0125] The information of the first sector may include one or more of the following: an identifier of the first sector, a signal quality of an SSW frame corresponding to the first sector, an identifier of an antenna configuration corresponding to the first sector, and a sector type to which the first sector belongs.

[0126] The identifier of the first sector may be carried in a sector identifier (sector ID) field, which may occupy 6 bits.

[0127] The signal quality of the SSW frame corresponding to the first sector may include an SNR corresponding to the SSW frame, etc. The signal quality of the SSW frame corresponding to the first sector may be carried in an SNR field. The SNR field may occupy 8 bits.

[0128] The identifier of the antenna configuration corresponding to the first sector may be used to indicate the configuration of the antenna corresponding to the first sector. The identifier of the antenna configuration corresponding to the first sector may be carried in the DMG antenna field. The DMG antenna field may occupy 2 bits.

[0129] The sector type to which the first sector belongs may include an initiator sector and a responder sector. The sector type may be used to indicate which phase the first sector is in. For example, the first sector may be in the ISS phase or the RSS phase.

[0130] The sector type to which the first sector belongs may be carried in a stage indication field. In the case where the second frame indicates information about one or more sectors that meet the first condition, the stage indication field may be used to indicate the sector type to which all sectors that meet the first condition belong, or the stage of sectors indicated by the second frame.

[0131] Exemplarily, the phase indication field may occupy one bit. For example, a phase indication field value of 0 may indicate the ISS phase; a phase indication field value of 1 may indicate the RSS phase. For another example, a phase indication field value of 1 may indicate the ISS phase; a phase indication field value of 0 may indicate the RSS phase.

[0132] Information about the first sector can be carried in the sector information field. The sector information field can, for example, occupy 16 bits. Figure 6A is a schematic diagram of the format of a sector information field provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 6A, the sector information field can include one or more of the following fields: sector identifier, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and DMG antenna. The descriptions of these fields are as described above and are not repeated here.

[0133] As described above, the second frame may be used to feed back information of sectors that meet the first condition. Therefore, the second frame may also be referred to as a beamforming feedback (BF feedback) frame.

[0134] Based on the above description, the information feedback field carrying the first information may be as shown in FIG6B . The information feedback field may include one or more of the following fields: quantity, link identifier, measurement information, information about one or more sectors, phase indication, and reserved. The number of sector information fields included in the information feedback field may be equal to the number of sectors that meet the first condition. In the information feedback field shown in FIG6B , the N+2 sector information fields correspond one-to-one to the N+2 sectors that meet the first condition. N may be an integer greater than or equal to 0.

[0135] In some embodiments, the first frame and the second frame may be the same frame. That is, the first frame may also be used to indicate the first information, or the second frame may also be used to indicate the first operation. For example, the second frame may include a sector information field and an interrupt indication field. Continuing with FIG6B , the information feedback field in the second frame shown in FIG6B may include an interrupt indication field.

[0136] In some embodiments, the second frame may be a control frame. For example, the second frame may be as shown in FIG7A . As shown in FIG7A , the second frame may include one or more of the following fields: frame control, duration, receiver address (RA), transmitter address (TA), information feedback, and frame check sequence (FCS).

[0137] In some embodiments, a first device and a second device may exchange second information. The second information may be related to the first condition. That is, the first device may negotiate or indicate the first condition and / or information related to the first condition with the second device through the second information. For example, the first device may send the second information to the second device via the first link.

[0138] Optionally, the second information may be used to indicate one or more of the following: the type of the first condition; a parameter corresponding to the type of the first condition; and a first behavior of the first device when all sectors do not meet the first condition.

[0139] The type of the first condition may be related to one or more of the following: signal quality, the distance between the first device and the second device, whether the first device and the second device are moving relative to each other, the speed of the relative movement, etc. For example, the type of the first condition may indicate which one or more of the following is used to determine the first condition: signal quality, the distance between the first device and the second device (referred to as distance), whether the first device and the second device are moving relative to each other (referred to as moving), the speed of the relative movement, etc. The signal quality may include SNR.

[0140] In some embodiments, the type of the first condition can be used to indicate the rule of the first condition, that is, the judgment rule. Therefore, the type of the first condition can also be called the judgment rule.

[0141] In some embodiments, the type of the first condition may be carried in a rule field. The rule field may, for example, occupy 5 bits. For example, a rule field value of 0 may indicate that the first condition uses "signal quality" as the judgment rule; a rule field value of 1 may indicate that the first condition uses "distance threshold" as the judgment rule; a rule field value of 2 may indicate that the rule uses "whether to move" as the judgment rule; and a rule field value of 3 may indicate that the first condition uses "moving speed threshold" as the judgment rule. Other values ​​of the rule field may be retained, and other types of first conditions may also be expanded.

[0142] The parameter corresponding to the first condition may correspond to the type of the first condition.

[0143] For example, if the type of the first condition is related to signal quality, the parameter corresponding to the first condition may include a signal quality threshold. The signal quality threshold may include an SNR threshold. Correspondingly, the first condition may include: the measured signal quality is greater than or equal to the signal quality threshold.

[0144] For another example, if the type of the first condition is related to distance, the parameter corresponding to the first condition may include a distance threshold. Accordingly, the first condition may include: the distance between the first device and the second device is less than or equal to the distance threshold. Alternatively, the first condition may include: the distance between the first device and the second device is greater than or equal to the distance threshold.

[0145] For another example, if the type of the first condition is related to whether or not the device is moving, the parameter corresponding to the first condition may include an indication of whether or not the device is moving. Accordingly, the first condition may include: there is no relative movement between the first device and the second device. Alternatively, the first condition may include: there is relative movement between the first device and the second device.

[0146] For another example, when the first condition is related to movement speed, the parameter corresponding to the first condition may include a movement speed threshold. Correspondingly, the first condition may include: the relative movement speed between the first device and the second device is less than or equal to the movement speed threshold.

[0147] The parameter corresponding to the first condition can be carried in the threshold field. For example, when the rule field value is 0, the threshold field can be filled with the SNR threshold; when the rule field value is 1, the threshold field can be filled with the distance threshold; when the rule field value is 2, the threshold field can be filled with 0 or 1, 0 for mobile device feedback and 1 for stationary device feedback, or 1 for mobile device feedback and 0 for stationary device feedback; when the rule field value is 3, the threshold field can be filled with the speed threshold.

[0148] It is understandable that each time a first condition is set, it is necessary to specify the type of the corresponding first condition and the parameters corresponding to the first condition.

[0149] In the case that all sectors do not meet the first condition, the first action of the first device may include: ending the beamforming training process; or indicating information of a sector that can be used as the final sector.

[0150] Ending the beamforming training process may mean not continuing any subsequent beamforming training sub-processes. Therefore, this first behavior can be referred to as a complete termination mode behavior. If all sectors do not meet the first condition, continuing the beamforming training process may result in the final transmit or receive beam failing to meet communication requirements, making it unsuitable for establishing beamformed communication. Therefore, by prematurely ending the beamforming training process, meaningless communication interactions and communication resource usage can be avoided during subsequent beamforming training.

[0151] If all sectors do not meet the first condition, one or more sectors may be selected from all sectors as the final sectors. For example, the second information may indicate the best sector among all sectors, so that the best sector is selected as the final sector. If the second information indicates information about a sector that can be selected as the final sector, the beamforming training process may continue, for example, by entering the next sub-process. Therefore, this first behavior can be referred to as a phase termination mode behavior.

[0152] The second information can be used to indicate: if all sectors do not meet the first condition, whether the first device ends the beamforming training process; or if all sectors do not meet the first condition, whether the first device indicates information about the sector that can be used as the final sector. The above information can be indicated by the termination mode (termination model) field. The termination mode field can occupy 1 bit. For example, a value of 1 in the termination mode field can indicate a complete termination mode; a value of 0 in the termination mode field can indicate a stage termination mode. For another example, a value of 0 in the termination mode field can indicate a complete termination mode; a value of 1 in the termination mode field can indicate a stage termination mode.

[0153] In some embodiments, the second information may be carried in an association request frame and / or an association response frame. Figure 7B is an example diagram of the format of newly added fields of an association request frame and / or an association response frame provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 7B, the association request frame and / or the association response frame may include one or more of the following fields: termination mode, rule, and threshold. The description of the relevant fields is detailed above and will not be repeated here.

[0154] In some embodiments, the second information may be carried in a newly defined frame. The newly defined frame may be, for example, a beamforming information exchange (BF info exchange) frame. The beamforming information exchange frame may be, for example, a control frame.

[0155] Figure 8 illustrates the format of a beamforming information exchange frame provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 8 , the beamforming information exchange frame may include one or more of the following fields: frame control, duration, RA, TA, BF information (BF info), and FCS. The BF information field may include one or more of the following fields: termination mode, rule, and threshold.

[0156] In some embodiments, the first device may send third information to the second device via the first link. The third information may be used to indicate one or more of the following information: mode information, process information, and quantity information. Each of these is described below.

[0157] The mode information is used to indicate whether the first device can instruct the second device to stop sending sector scanning frames on the second link. According to whether the second device can be instructed to stop sending SSW frames on the second link, the beamforming training mode can be divided into interrupt scanning and full scanning. The ability to instruct the second device to stop sending SSW frames on the second link can be called an interrupt scanning beamforming training mode, and the inability to instruct the second device to stop sending SSW frames on the second link can be called a full scanning beamforming training mode. For example, the mode information sent by the initiator can indicate the training mode of the initiator in the ISS phase, and the mode information sent by the responder can indicate the training mode of the responder in the RSS phase. Based on different permutations and combinations, a total of four training methods can be formed.

[0158] Mode information can be carried in the BF Mode field. The BF Mode field can occupy, for example, 1 bit. For example, a BF Mode field value of 0 can indicate interrupt scanning mode; a BF Mode field value of 1 can indicate full scanning mode. For another example, a BF Mode field value of 1 can indicate interrupt scanning mode; a BF Mode field value of 0 can indicate full scanning mode.

[0159] The process information is used to indicate the process type to be executed by the sector scan frame. The process types may include TXSS and RXSS. It is understood that the process information may be used to indicate the process type performed by the ISS / RSS. The process information sent by the initiator may indicate the process type to be executed by the initiator during the ISS phase. The process information sent by the responder may indicate the process type to be executed by the responder during the RSS phase. Based on different permutations and combinations, a total of four scenarios can be formed for the SLS phase as shown in Table 1.

[0160] Table 1

[0161] The process information can be carried in the sector sweep field. The sector sweep field can occupy 1 bit, for example. For example, a sector sweep field of 0 can indicate the execution of TXSS; a sector sweep field of 1 can indicate the execution of RXSS. For another example, a sector sweep field of 1 can indicate the execution of TXSS; a sector sweep field of 0 can indicate the execution of RXSS.

[0162] When the sector is a receive sector, the quantity information indicates the number of receive sectors. This quantity information is required when performing RXSS. For example, when the initiator performs RXSS on the ISS, the initiator needs to send this quantity information. When the initiator performs TXSS on the ISS, the initiator does not need to indicate this quantity information.

[0163] The quantity information may be carried, for example, in a sector number field. The sector number field may occupy 9 bits. When the first device performs RXSS, the sector number field may be filled with the corresponding number of receive sectors (an integer); when the first device performs TXSS, the sector number field may be filled with 0, or the sector number field may not exist.

[0164] In some embodiments, the third information may be carried in an association request frame and / or an association response frame. In some embodiments, the third information may be carried in the BF information exchange frame described above.

[0165] Continuing with Figure 7B , the Association Request frame and / or the Association Response frame may include one or more of the following fields: BF Mode, Sector Scan, and Number of Sectors. Continuing with Figure 8 , the BF Information field in the BF Information Exchange frame may include one or more of the following fields: BF Mode, Sector Scan, and Number of Sectors. These fields are described above and are not further detailed here.

[0166] In some embodiments, the second information and the third information may be carried in the same frame. For example, both the second information and the third information may be carried in an association request frame and / or an association response frame. Continuing with reference to FIG7B , the association request frame and / or the association response frame may include one or more of the following fields: BF mode, sector scan, number of sectors, termination mode, rule, threshold, and reservation. For another example, both the second information and the third information may be carried in a BF information exchange frame. Continuing with reference to FIG8 , the BF information field in the BF information exchange frame may include one or more of the following fields: BF mode, sector scan, number of sectors, termination mode, rule, threshold, and reservation.

[0167] The present application also improves the BRP information exchange frame, wherein the BRP information exchange frame can be used to negotiate BRP parameters and processes.

[0168] Considering that the BF feedback frame proposed in this application can feed back partial information, compared with the related art, the BRP information exchange frame proposed in this application can include fewer fields to save communication resources.

[0169] Figure 9A is a diagram illustrating a format of a BRP information exchange frame provided by an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 9A , the BRP information exchange frame may include one or more of the following fields: frame control, duration, RA, TA, BRP request, and FCS.

[0170] Figure 9B is an example diagram of the format of the BRP request field provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 9B, the BRP request field may include one or more of the following fields: receiving end length indication (length-receiver, L-RX), TX-TRN-REQ, multiple sector identifier phase request (multiple sector identifier-request, MID-REQ), beam combining phase request (beam combining-request, BC-REQ), multiple sector identifier phase grant (multiple sector identifier-grant, MID-Grant), beam combining phase grant (beam combining-grant, BC-Grant field), channel feedback capability indication (channel-feedback-capability, Chan-FBCK-CAP) field, transmit sector identifier (TX sector ID), other associated identifier (other_AID), transmit antenna indication (TX antenna ID), and reserved.

[0171] In some embodiments, the validity period of the second information and / or the third information may be a first validity period. If the first validity period is exceeded, the second information and / or the third information becomes invalid. For example, if the SLS phase is entered within the first validity period after the second information and / or the third information is sent, the beamforming training process may be performed according to the instructions of the second information and / or the third information. If the second information and / or the third information is required to be renegotiated or exchanged after the first validity period, the SLS phase can be entered.

[0172] It can be understood that the first duration can ensure the timeliness of the second information and / or the third information.

[0173] It should be noted that the above description states that the second information can be determined through interaction between the first device and the second device. In some embodiments, the second information can be predefined. Alternatively, the second information can be specified by a communication protocol.

[0174] In some embodiments, the second information may be transmitted before the beamforming training process begins. For example, the second information may be transmitted before the ISS phase.

[0175] In some embodiments, the beamforming training process may include a negotiation process. After the negotiation process is completed, the ISS phase process may be executed. The negotiation process may include the transmission of the second information and / or.

[0176] In some embodiments, while the first device is sending the SSW frame via the second link, the first device may send a CTS-to-self frame via the first link. Sending the CTS-to-self frame may occupy the TXOP of the first link, so that information (e.g., the first frame) sent on the first link to assist the beamforming process of the second link can be sent as early as possible. The interval between two adjacent CTS-to-Self frames is a short interframe space (SIFS).

[0177] In some embodiments, before the first device transmits the first SSW frame on the second link, the first device may determine whether the second link is idle. This process of determining whether the second link is idle before transmitting the first SSW frame can be referred to as a lookback. For example, when entering the ISS phase for beamforming training, when the first SSW frame is transmitted on the second link, it is necessary to look back to see whether the second link is idle. For example, it can be determined whether the second link is idle within a second time period before the first SSW frame is transmitted. The second time period can be, for example, PIFS.

[0178] As shown in Figure 10A, the first SSW frame can be successfully transmitted only if the second link is idle before the first SSW frame is transmitted. As shown in Figure 10B, if the second link is busy before the first SSW frame is transmitted, the first SSW frame will not be transmitted until the millimeter wave band is idle.

[0179] In some embodiments, the first device and / or the second device may add the second link before beamforming training of the second link begins. Alternatively, the first device and / or the second device may add the second link after beamforming training of the second link begins.

[0180] In some embodiments, the first device may transmit a third frame to the second device via the first link. The third frame may be used to instruct the second device to perform a second operation on the second link. The second operation may be related to beamforming training. The second operation may be similar to the first operation. For example, the second operation may include one or more of the following: the second device stops transmitting SSW frames on the second link; and / or the second device initiates a beamforming training process.

[0181] It can be understood that, through the first frame and the third frame, the first device can receive instructions related to beamforming training, and can also send instructions related to beamforming training.

[0182] For ease of understanding, the present application is described in detail below through Examples 1 to 5.

[0183] In Embodiments 1 and 2, the first link may include a sub-7 GHz link, and the second link may include a millimeter wave link. The first device may be an initiator MLD, and the second device may be a responder MLD. Alternatively, the first device may be a responder MLD, and the second device may be an initiator MLD.

[0184] The millimeter wave beamforming training method provided in Example 1 and Example 2 includes three stages: a negotiation stage, an SLS stage, and a BRP stage. Among them, the SLS stage includes three sub-processes: ISS, RSS, and BRP request. In the negotiation stage, the initiator MLD and the responder MLD negotiate the beamforming training mode, judgment rules, judgment conditions, the process executed by ISS and RSS, the termination mode, and the number of receiving sectors of the initiator MLD and the responder MLD through the interactive BF information exchange frame. The process executed by ISS and RSS refers to whether TXSS or RXSS is executed in the ISS and RSS. The termination mode is divided into full termination and stage termination, which respectively means that when all sectors do not meet the first condition during the training process, the entire process is terminated and the best sector is selected as the final sector. It should be noted that as long as sub-7GHz obtains a transmission opportunity, the negotiation stage of beamforming training can be carried out. In the SLS stage, the ISS and RSS perform the transmit beamforming training or receive beamforming training of the initiator MLD and the responder MLD respectively. The ISS and RSS determine whether to perform TXSS or RXSS during the negotiation phase. The BRP request subprocess exchanges BRP phase parameters via BRP information exchange frames. The BRP phase is executed based on the parameters negotiated during the SLS phase, optionally including antenna weight vector (AWV) adjustment and receive beamforming training.

[0185] The beamforming training processes provided in Example 1 and Example 2 can both include two modes: "interrupted beamforming training" and "full scanning beamforming training". In both modes, if the initiator MLD / responder MLD uses multiple transmit antenna patterns on each of its antennas, the SLS stage implements the transmit beamforming training of the initiator / responder MLD, that is, TXSS is performed in the ISS / RSS, and the training of the receive beam is implemented in the BRP stage. If the initiator MLD / responder MLD uses only one transmit antenna pattern on each of its antennas, the SLS stage implements the receive beamforming training of the initiator / responder MLD, that is, RXSS is performed in the ISS / RSS.

[0186] The following describes Example 1 and Example 2 in detail.

[0187] Example 1

[0188] In Example 1, the establishment of the sub-7 GHz link and the millimeter wave link is based on the sub-7 GHz link. That is, before the beamforming training is performed, the two links are already in a multi-link working state.

[0189] In Example 1, the negotiation process for beamforming training can be performed during the association phase. That is, the initiator MLD and the responder MLD complete the negotiation of the beamforming training mode, judgment rules, judgment conditions, the ISS and RSS execution processes, the termination mode, and the number of receiving sectors of the initiator MLD and the responder MLD through the exchange of association request frames and association response frames. The ISS and RSS execution processes refer to whether TXSS or RXSS is executed in the ISS and RSS. The termination mode refers to whether to terminate the entire process or select the best sector as the final sector when all sectors fail to meet the judgment conditions during the training process.

[0190] After negotiation is complete, beamforming training can begin in the ISS phase. When transmitting the first SSW frame, the millimeter wave (MMW) system needs to check back to see if the MMW band is idle. During beamforming training, the first SSW frame can be successfully transmitted only if the MMW band is idle before the first SSW frame is transmitted. Otherwise, the first SSW frame will not be transmitted until the MMW band is idle. Assuming the MMW band is idle during the checkback, the following describes the processes for interrupted beamforming training in scenarios 1 and 4, as shown in Table 1, and for full scanning beamforming training in scenarios 1 and 4, as shown in Table 1.

[0191] In the interrupt beamforming training mode, when the initiator MLD / responder MLD sends an SSW frame on the millimeter wave link, the responder MLD / initiator MLD can provide timely feedback through the sub-7 GHz link.

[0192] Figures 11A and 11B illustrate the beamforming training process for the interrupted beamforming training mode in scenario 1. Figure 11A includes the negotiation phase and the ISS phase. Figure 11B includes the RSS phase and the BRP phase. In scenario 1, the training mode in the association request and association response frames exchanged during the negotiation phase is set to interrupted beamforming training mode, with the judgment rule and judgment condition set to "SNR threshold-based judgment" and "SNR threshold," respectively. Since TXSS is performed in both the ISS and RSS, the number of receive sectors in the association request and association response frames is set to 0, the processes executed in both the ISS and RSS are set to TXSS, and the termination mode is configured based on the application scenario.

[0193] In Figures 11A and 11B, after the negotiation is completed, the SLS phase is executed, which includes three sub-processes: ISS, RSS, and BRP request. The ISS phase and the RSS phase respectively implement the transmit beamforming training of the initiator MLD and the responder MLD. For example, the initiator MLD / responder MLD can send SSW frames on all transmit sectors in a time-sharing manner, and at the same time send CTS-to-Self frames on the sub-7 GHz band to occupy the transmission opportunity of the sub-7 GHz frequency band. Each time the responder MLD / initiator MLD receives an SSW frame, it will determine whether the current sector meets the conditions based on the first condition specified in the negotiation phase. If the first condition is met, the responder MLD / initiator MLD can terminate the current phase and notify the initiator MLD / responder MLD through a BF feedback frame. If not, no feedback will be given. It should be noted that if all sectors do not meet the judgment conditions, the entire beamforming training can be terminated through a termination frame, or the sector with the best quality can be selected as the final sector, and the BRP process can be finally executed.

[0194] It should be noted that for adjacent SSW frames, if antenna switching is not required, the interframe interval can be a short beamforming interframe space (SBIFS); if antenna switching is required, the interframe interval between adjacent SSW frames can be a long beamforming interframe space (LBIFS). The interval between two adjacent CTS-to-Self frames can be SIFS. In addition, the interval between the negotiation phase and the SLS phase can be divided into two cases. Case 1: If the two phases are implemented in the same TXOP, the two phases are separated by one SIFS. Case 2: If the two phases are not in the same TXOP, the interval between the two phases depends on the specific situation. Considering the timeliness of the negotiation parameters, the maximum waiting time (i.e., the first duration) needs to be defined according to the application scenario. If the interval between the negotiation phase and the SLS phase is within the maximum waiting time, the SLS phase can be entered directly without renegotiation. Otherwise, renegotiation is required. For ease of description, FIG11A only shows the case where the two phases are completed in the same TXOP. If the two phases are not completed in the same TXOP, the only difference is the time interval between the two phases. This expression is also used in the subsequent description.

[0195] Figures 12A and 12B illustrate the beamforming training process for the interrupted beamforming training mode in scenario 4. Figure 12A shows the negotiation and ISS phases. Figure 12B shows the RSS and BRP phases. Unlike scenario 1, in scenario 4, both the ISS and RSS in the SLS implement RXSS. Therefore, during the negotiation phase, the number of receive sectors in the association request and association response frames is set to an integer greater than 0, representing the number of receive sectors for the initiator MLD and responder MLD, respectively. The processes executed by the ISS and RSS are set to RXSS.

[0196] In Figures 12A and 12B, the SLS phase implements receive beamforming training and BRP requests for the initiator MLD and responder MLD. In the ISS / RSS sub-process, the responder MLD / initiator MLD sends SSW frames in a quasi-omnidirectional manner with an inter-frame interval of SBIFS / LBIFS. The initiator MLD / responder MLD receives SSW frames in a time-sharing manner on all receiving sectors. It should be noted that the number of SSW frames sent by the responder MLD / initiator MLD is equal to the number of receiving sectors of the initiator MLD / responder MLD, and the exchange of relevant information is completed in the negotiation phase. If a receiving sector of the initiator MLD / responder MLD meets the judgment conditions, a termination frame is sent to the responder MLD / initiator MLD on the sub-7 GHz frequency. The responder MLD / initiator MLD then stops sending SSW frames, the ISS / RSS phase ends, and the next phase begins after a SIFS interval. It should be noted that if the last receiving sector meets the conditions, the termination frame does not need to be sent. Similarly, when the initiator / responder MLD sends an SSW frame, it also sends a CTS-to-Self message on the sub-7 GHz band to occupy the transmission opportunity in the sub-7 GHz band. If the initiator / responder MLD completes scanning of all receiving sectors and none of them meet the judgment conditions specified in the negotiation phase, it can perform corresponding operations based on the termination mode.

[0197] In the case of the phase termination mode, the best receiving sector among all sectors is selected as the final receiving sector. There is no frame exchange at this time, and the decision is made directly by the initiator MLD / responder MLD, and then the next phase is entered.

[0198] In the case of the complete termination mode, the initiator MLD and the responder MLD are not suitable for beam establishment. Therefore, the initiator MLD / responder MLD sends a termination frame to terminate the entire beamforming training process.

[0199] In the full scanning beamforming training mode, when the initiator MLD / responder MLD sends an SSW frame, the responder MLD / initiator MLD does not immediately provide feedback. Instead, it provides feedback on the sector information that meets the conditions after completing the transmission of all SSW frames. The beamforming training process of the full scanning beamforming training mode in scenario one is shown in Figures 13A and 13B. Figure 13A shows the negotiation phase and the ISS phase, and Figure 13B shows the RSS phase and the BRP phase. The beamforming training process of the full scanning beamforming training mode in scenario four is shown in Figures 14A and 14B. Figure 14A shows the negotiation phase and the ISS phase, and Figure 14B shows the RSS phase and the BRP phase.

[0200] As shown in Figures 13A, 13B, 14A and 14B, in the full scanning beamforming training mode, the BF feedback occurs after all sectors are scanned. The rest of the process is the same as that of the interrupted beamforming training mode and will not be repeated here.

[0201] Example 2

[0202] In Example 2, multiple links are first established using a sub-7 GHz link, but a high-frequency link (i.e., a millimeter wave link) is not established. After the sub-7 GHz link is established, beamforming training can be performed on the millimeter wave link. After beamforming training is completed, the millimeter wave link is added through link reconfiguration. In Example 2, to ensure flexible beamforming training while minimizing transmission overhead, negotiation is performed only when beamforming training is required. Therefore, during the negotiation phase, the initiator MLD and the responder MLD exchange BF information frames to negotiate the beamforming training mode, termination mode, judgment rules, judgment conditions, ISS and RSS execution processes, and the number of receiving sectors of the initiator MLD and the responder MLD. After the negotiation is completed, the SLS phase is immediately entered, and beamforming training-related frames are sent on the millimeter wave band. Considering that the sub-7 GHz band link and the millimeter wave band link in Example 2 operate in asynchronous mode, the acquisition of transmission opportunities for the two links is extremely random, which makes it difficult to perform beamforming training according to the designed process. This embodiment can also solve this problem.

[0203] The negotiation process provided in Example 2 is shown in Figures 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D, and 15E. When beamforming training begins, the initiator MLD competes for transmission opportunities in the sub-7 GHz and millimeter wave bands. If the sub-7 GHz band secures a channel before the millimeter wave band, the initiator MLD and responder MLD complete the beamforming training negotiation by exchanging BF information frames. After the negotiation, the following scenarios 1 and 2 may occur. Scenarios 1 and 2 are described below.

[0204] In case 1, the millimeter wave band successfully competes for a transmission opportunity before sending an SSW frame. In this case, after a SIFS interval in the negotiation phase, the SLS phase is directly entered, performing sector scanning on the millimeter wave band. The process for this case is shown in Figure 15A.

[0205] Case 2: After the negotiation is completed, the millimeter wave frequency band still fails to compete for the transmission opportunity when the millimeter wave needs to send the SSW frame. In this case, the sub-7GHz will release the TXOP, and the millimeter wave link will continue to compete for the transmission opportunity. Taking into account the uncertainty of the competition for transmission opportunities and the timeliness of the beamforming training parameters, this application specifies the maximum waiting time. If the millimeter wave frequency band successfully competes for the transmission opportunity within the maximum waiting time, the negotiated parameters are used for beamforming training. This process is shown in Figure 15B. If the millimeter wave frequency band still fails to compete for the transmission opportunity within the maximum waiting time, the beamforming training process can be terminated, or the parameters can be renegotiated.

[0206] After entering the ISS phase, the millimeter wave TXOP is occupied by the initiator MLD / responder MLD for sector scanning, while the TXOP on the sub-7GHz link has been released. Therefore, during the sector scanning process, once a sector that meets the judgment conditions is obtained, the initiator MLD / responder MLD begins to compete for the TXOP on the sub-7GHz link. After competing for the TXOP of the sub-7GHz link, the sector information that meets the first condition is fed back. Taking into account the uncertainty of TXOP competition, it is possible that the TXOP of the sub-7GHz link has not been competed for after entering the RSS phase. According to the competition situation of the TXOP on the sub-7GHz, there are three cases: Case 3 to Case 5. They are explained below.

[0207] Case 3: Sub-7 GHz competes for TXOP in the ISS phase. In this case, sector information that meets the judgment conditions or the best sector information is fed back, and the ISS is terminated and the RSS is entered, as shown in Figure 15C.

[0208] Case 4: During the RSS phase, the TXOP is obtained before the RSS finds a sector that meets the judgment criteria. In this case, the sector that meets the first criteria or the best sector during the ISS phase is directly fed back, and its TXOP is maintained for RSS feedback. This process is shown in Figure 15D.

[0209] In case 5, during the RSS phase, the TXOP is won after the RSS obtains a sector that meets the judgment criteria. In this case, two BF feedback frames can be sent with a SIFS interval. These two BF feedback frames indicate sector information for the ISS phase and the RSS phase, respectively. Therefore, the BF feedback frame must indicate which phase the current BF feedback frame belongs to. This process is shown in Figure 15E.

[0210] The RSS stage is similar to the above process and will not be described in detail.

[0211] It should be noted that if the negotiation phase specifies that TXSS is to be performed on the ISS, only the initiator MLD needs to compete for transmission opportunities on the millimeter wave. This is because the ISS phase is where the initiator MLD sends the SSW frame. Conversely, if the negotiation phase specifies that RXSS is to be performed on the ISS, the responder MLD competes for millimeter wave transmission opportunities. Whether to completely terminate the beamforming training process or continue waiting and then renegotiate can be determined based on the communication scenario. If you choose to terminate the beamforming training, when the ISS performs RXSS, the initiator MLD can send a termination frame on sub-7GHz to inform the responder MLD, and then the responder MLD will no longer compete for millimeter wave transmission opportunities to reduce the probability of collision with other millimeter wave devices in the network. If TXSS is to be performed on the ISS, no frame interaction is required, and the initiator MLD can simply terminate the competition.

[0212] If the initiator MLD first competes for a transmission opportunity in the millimeter wave band, it must wait for the initiator MLD to successfully compete for a transmission opportunity in the sub-7 GHz band. Once the initiator MLD successfully competes for a transmission opportunity in the sub-7 GHz band, the initiator MLD and the responder MLD can exchange beamforming information frames to negotiate beamforming training, then enter the sector scanning and BRP phase. Similarly, once the specified time period has expired, the beamforming training can be terminated, and the initiator MLD will no longer compete for transmission opportunities in the sub-7 GHz band.

[0213] The following describes the beamforming training process under different termination modes through Example 3.

[0214] Example 3

[0215] In the beamforming training process proposed in the present application, it may happen that after scanning all sectors, no sector that meets the first condition is obtained. In this case, you can choose to terminate the entire beamforming training process (i.e., full termination mode), or select the best sector as the final sector and enter the next stage (i.e., stage termination mode). Example 3 provides examples for scenario one and scenario four. Figure 16A shows the beamforming training process in full termination mode under scenario one. Figure 16B shows the beamforming training process in stage termination mode under scenario one. Figure 17A shows the beamforming training process in full termination mode under scenario four. Figure 17B shows the beamforming training process in stage termination mode under scenario four.

[0216] In the first scenario, both the ISS and RSS perform TXSS, that is, they train the transmit beams of the initiator MLD and the responder MLD respectively.

[0217] As shown in FIG16A , if the complete termination mode is selected, when no sector information meeting the conditions is found at the end of the ISS / RSS, the responder MLD / initiator MLD sends a termination frame to terminate the entire beamforming training process, and subsequent processes are no longer executed.

[0218] As shown in FIG16B , if the selection phase is terminated, the responder MLD / initiator MLD selects the best transmit beam as the final beam feedback and proceeds to the next phase.

[0219] Scenario 4 is similar to Scenario 1, except that the sender and receiver of the frame are changed, so it will not be described in detail.

[0220] Embodiment 4 and embodiment 5 respectively illustrate specific implementations of the interrupted beamforming training mode and the full scanning beamforming training mode.

[0221] Example 4

[0222] During the sector scanning phase of interruptive beamforming training mode, after the initiator / responder MLD sends an SSW frame on each sector, the responder / initiator MLD determines whether the current sector meets the conditions based on the judgment rules and conditions specified in the negotiation phase and decides whether to terminate the current phase. The following describes the process of interruptive beamforming training mode in scenarios one and four.

[0223] 1. For scenario 1

[0224] During the SLS phase, the initiator MLD performs TXSS in the ISS and trains its transmit beam. The responder MLD performs TXSS in the RSS and trains its transmit beam. Therefore, in this scenario, transmit beamforming training and BRP requests are completed for both the initiator and responder MLDs during the SLS phase, while receive beamforming training is implemented during the BRP phase.

[0225] When beamforming training is required, the initiator MLD begins competing for transmission opportunities in the sub-7 GHz band. Once a sub-7 GHz transmission opportunity is obtained, the negotiation phase begins. The negotiation phase is implemented through the BF information exchange frame. The training mode is set to interrupted beamforming training mode. Both the ISS and RSS are configured to implement TXSS. The judgment rules and conditions are set as needed. For example, the judgment rule can be set to "SNR threshold judgment" and the judgment condition to "SNR threshold." Since TXSS is performed on both the ISS and RSS, the number of receive sectors for the initiator MLD / responder MLD is set to 0, and the termination mode is configured according to the application scenario.

[0226] In the ISS phase, the initiator MLD first sends SSW frames to the responder MLD in a time-sharing manner on the millimeter wave frequency band. At this time, the responder MLD receives the SSW frames in a quasi-omnidirectional manner. After receiving each SSW frame, the responder MLD determines whether the current sector meets the termination conditions based on the reception status of the SSW frame and the judgment rules and judgment conditions specified in the negotiation phase. Based on the judgment results, the following processes are executed respectively:

[0227] (1) The current sector meets the judgment condition: The responder MLD feeds back the sector's feedback information to the initiator MLD via a BF feedback frame on the sub-7 GHz frequency, and informs the initiator MLD to terminate the current phase. The ISS phase then ends and the RSS phase begins.

[0228] (2) The current sector does not meet the judgment criteria: The responder MLD does not take any action until a sector meets the judgment criteria, and then provides feedback. If all sectors do not meet the judgment criteria, it can select the best transmitting sector for feedback or send a termination frame to terminate the entire beamforming training process. The specific method to be used is determined by the termination mode specified in the negotiation phase.

[0229] During the RSS phase, the responder MLD sends SSW frames to the initiator MLD in a time-sharing manner over the millimeter wave frequency band. The initiator MLD receives SSW frames quasi-omnidirectionally. Similarly, each time the initiator MLD receives an SSW frame, it determines whether the current sector meets the conditions. If so, it feeds back the information to the responder MLD over the sub-7 GHz frequency band until the RSS phase ends. After the RSS phase ends, the initiator MLD and responder MLD execute the BRP process.

[0230] 2. For scenario 4

[0231] In this scenario, the initiator and responder MLD use unique transmit beams, so only the receive beam needs to be trained. During the SLS phase, the initiator MLD performs RXSS in the ISS and trains its receive beam. The responder MLD performs RXSS in the RSS and trains its receive beam.

[0232] After obtaining a sub-7GHz transmission opportunity, negotiation can begin. The negotiation phase is implemented through the BF information exchange frame. The training mode is set to the interrupted beamforming training mode. The ISS and RSS are both configured to implement RXSS. The judgment rules and judgment conditions are set as needed. For example, the judgment rule is set to "SNR threshold judgment" and the judgment condition is set to "SNR threshold". Since RXSS is implemented in both the ISS and RSS, the initiator MLD needs to carry the number of its own receiving sectors in the BF information exchange frame to notify the responder MLD. Similarly, the responder MLD also needs to carry the number of its own receiving sectors in the sent BF information exchange frame. The termination mode is configured according to the application scenario.

[0233] During the ISS phase, the responder MLD sends a series of SSW frames in a quasi-omnidirectional manner, and the initiator MLD receives the SSW frames in a time-sharing manner across all sectors. It should be noted that the maximum number of SSW frames sent by the responder MLD is the number of receiving sectors of the initiator MLD. When receiving SSW frames, the initiator MLD determines whether it has received a sector that meets the conditions based on the results of receiving the SSW frames and the judgment rules and judgment conditions specified in the negotiation phase. The following process is performed based on different judgment results:

[0234] (1) The current sector meets the judgment condition: The initiator MLD sends a termination frame to the responder MLD on the sub-7 GHz frequency to terminate the ISS. Upon receiving the termination frame, the responder MLD stops sending SSW frames, ends the ISS phase, and enters the RSS phase.

[0235] (2) The current sector does not meet the judgment condition: The initiator MLD continues to receive SSW frames in the remaining sectors until a sector meets the termination condition or all sectors of the initiator MLD have achieved SSW frame reception. If all sectors do not meet the conditions, the beamforming training process can be terminated or the sector with the best reception quality among all receiving sectors can be selected as the final receiving sector. The specific operation is determined by the termination mode.

[0236] During the RSS phase, the initiator MLD transmits SSW frames quasi-omnidirectionally. Similarly, the responder MLD receives SSW frames on each receiving sector. If a receiving sector meets the requirements, the responder MLD sends a termination frame on the sub-7 GHz band to terminate RSS. If none of the receiving sectors meet the requirements, the beamforming training can be terminated or the best receiving sector can be selected as the final receiving sector. After the RSS phase ends, the initiator MLD and responder MLD proceed to the BRP phase.

[0237] It should be noted that during the training of receiving sectors, if all sectors do not meet the judgment conditions specified in the negotiation phase, it can be considered that the initiator MLD and the responder MLD cannot establish a beam for normal communication. At this time, you can choose to completely terminate the beamforming training. This process is also achieved through the termination frame. In addition, you can also choose to use the sector with the best reception quality among all receiving sectors as the final receiving sector. The choice of these two situations depends on the application scenario, so it is necessary to indicate the reason for termination in the termination frame. In general, the termination frame has two functions. One is to terminate the entire beamforming training process and enter the next stage. This function is reflected in both scenarios one and four. The second function is to terminate the current stage and enter the next stage. This function is only reflected in scenario four.

[0238] Example 5

[0239] In full-scan beamforming training mode, after the initiator / responder MLD completes scanning all sectors, the corresponding responder / initiator MLD then provides feedback on the sectors that meet the requirements. The following describes the specific process for full-scan beamforming training in scenarios one and four.

[0240] 1. For scenario 1

[0241] In this scenario, during the SLS phase, the initiator MLD performs TXSS in the ISS and trains its transmit beam. The responder MLD performs TXSS in the RSS and trains its transmit beam. Therefore, in this scenario, transmit beamforming training and BRP requests are completed for both the initiator and responder MLDs during the SLS phase, while receive beamforming training is implemented during the BRP phase.

[0242] After obtaining a sub-7 GHz transmission opportunity, the negotiation phase begins. This phase is implemented through the BF information exchange frame. The training mode is set to full scanning beamforming training mode. Both the ISS and RSS are configured to implement TXSS. The judgment rules and conditions are set as needed. For example, the judgment rule can be set to "SNR threshold judgment" and the judgment condition to "SNR threshold." Since TXSS is implemented in both the ISS and RSS, the number of receiving sectors for the initiator MLD / responder MLD is set to 0, and the termination mode is configured according to the scenario.

[0243] During the ISS phase, the initiator MLD sends SSW frames across all sectors in a time-sharing manner. The responder MLD receives SSW frames in a quasi-omnidirectional manner. Once the initiator MLD completes the sector scan, the responder MLD sends a BF feedback frame in the sub-7 GHz band to provide information about all sectors that meet the criteria.

[0244] During the RSS phase, the initiator MLD and responder MLD swap roles. The responder MLD sends an SSW frame, and the initiator MLD receives it, repeating the ISS process. After the RSS ends, the initiator MLD and responder MLD execute the BRP phase.

[0245] 2. For scenario 4

[0246] In this scenario, the initiator and responder MLD use unique transmit beams, so only the receive beam needs to be trained. During the SLS phase, the initiator MLD performs RXSS in the ISS and trains its receive beam. The responder MLD performs RXSS in the RSS and trains its receive beam.

[0247] After obtaining a sub-7GHz transmission opportunity, the negotiation phase can begin. The negotiation phase is implemented through the BF information exchange frame. The training mode is set to the full scanning beamforming training mode. The ISS and RSS are both configured to implement RXSS. The judgment rules and judgment conditions are set as needed. For example, the judgment rule is set to "SNR threshold judgment" and the judgment condition is set to "SNR threshold." Since RXSS is implemented in both the ISS and RSS, the initiator MLD needs to carry the number of its own receiving sectors in the BF information exchange frame to notify the responder MLD. Similarly, the responder MLD also needs to carry the number of its own receiving sectors in the sent BF information exchange frame. The termination mode is configured according to the application scenario.

[0248] In the ISS phase, the responder MLD sends SSW frames quasi-omnidirectionally, the number of which is equal to the number of receiving sectors of the initiator MLD, and the initiator MLD receives SSW frames on each sector in a time-sharing manner. The ISS phase ends if and only if the initiator MLD receives SSW frames on all receiving sectors. The initiator MLD can optionally terminate the entire beamforming training process or use the best receiving sector as the final receiving sector and enter the RSS. In the RSS phase, the initiator MLD and the responder MLD exchange roles, and the initiator MLD sends SSW frames quasi-omnidirectionally, the number of which is equal to the number of receiving sectors of the responder MLD, and the responder MLD receives SSW frames on all sectors in a time-sharing manner. Then the initiator MLD can optionally terminate the entire beamforming training process or use the best receiving sector as the final receiving sector. After ending the RSS, the initiator MLD and the responder MLD execute the process of the BRP phase. Similarly, the above-mentioned termination of the beamforming training process is achieved through the termination frame.

[0249] The method embodiments of the present application are described in detail above, and the device embodiments of the present application are described in detail below. It should be understood that the description of the method embodiments corresponds to the description of the device embodiments, so for parts not described in detail, reference can be made to the above method embodiments.

[0250] FIG18 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device 1800 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The communication device 1800 may be a first device and may include a receiving unit 1810.

[0251] The receiving unit 1810 is configured to receive a first frame sent by a second device through a first link; wherein the first frame is used to instruct the first device to perform a first operation on the second link, and the first operation is related to beamforming training.

[0252] In an embodiment of the present application, the above-mentioned communication device 1800 can be used to execute some or all of the method steps executed by the first device in the above-mentioned method embodiment. For example, when the first device is an initiator, the communication device 1800 can be used to execute some or all of the method steps executed by the initiator in the scheme introduced in combination with the foregoing text. For another example, when the first device is a responder, the communication device 1800 can be used to execute some or all of the method steps executed by the responder in the scheme introduced in combination with the foregoing text. The communication device 1800 includes a unit or module for executing the aforementioned method steps. The method flow has been described in detail in the aforementioned embodiment. The modules in this embodiment have the same functions or perform the same steps, which will not be repeated here. However, as those skilled in the art should know, the text description corresponding to the aforementioned method embodiment can be introduced into this embodiment, corresponding to the module in the communication device 3200.

[0253] In an optional embodiment, the receiving unit 1810 may be a transceiver 2030. The communication device 1800 may further include a processor 2010 and a memory 2020, as specifically shown in FIG20 .

[0254] FIG19 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device 1900 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The communication device 1900 may be a second device and may include a sending unit 1910.

[0255] The sending unit 1910 is configured to send a first frame to a first device via a first link; wherein the first frame is used to instruct the first device to perform a first operation on a second link, where the first operation is related to beamforming training.

[0256] In an embodiment of the present application, the above-mentioned communication device 1900 can be used to execute some or all of the method steps executed by the first device in the above-mentioned method embodiment. For example, when the first device is an initiator, the communication device 1900 can be used to execute some or all of the method steps executed by the initiator in the scheme introduced in combination with the foregoing text. For another example, when the first device is a responder, the communication device 1900 can be used to execute some or all of the method steps executed by the responder in the scheme introduced in combination with the foregoing text. The communication device 1900 includes a unit or module for executing the aforementioned method steps. The method flow has been described in detail in the aforementioned embodiment. The modules in this embodiment have the same functions or perform the same steps, which will not be repeated here. However, as those skilled in the art should know, the text description corresponding to the aforementioned method embodiment can be introduced into this embodiment, corresponding to the module in the communication device 3200.

[0257] In an optional embodiment, the sending unit 1910 may be a transceiver 2030. The communication device 1900 may further include a processor 2010 and a memory 2020, as specifically shown in FIG20 .

[0258] Figure 20 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application. The dashed lines in Figure 20 indicate that the unit or module is optional. The device 2000 can be used to implement the method described in the above method embodiment. The device 2000 can be a chip or a communication device.

[0259] The device 2000 may include one or more processors 2010. The processor 2010 may support the device 2000 to implement the method described in the method embodiment above. The processor 2010 may be a general-purpose processor or a special-purpose processor. For example, the processor may be a central processing unit (CPU). Alternatively, the processor may be another general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or the processor may be any conventional processor, etc.

[0260] The apparatus 2000 may further include one or more memories 2020. The memories 2020 may store programs that can be executed by the processor 2010, causing the processor 2010 to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments. The memories 2020 may be independent of the processor 2010 or integrated into the processor 2010.

[0261] The apparatus 2000 may further include a transceiver 2030. The processor 2010 may communicate with other devices or chips via the transceiver 2030. For example, the processor 2010 may transmit and receive data with other devices or chips via the transceiver 2030.

[0262] The present invention also provides a computer-readable storage medium for storing a program. The computer-readable storage medium can be applied to the communication device provided in the present invention, and the program enables a computer to execute the method performed by the communication device in each embodiment of the present invention.

[0263] The present application also provides a computer program product. The computer program product includes a program. The computer program product can be applied to the communication device provided in the present application, and the program causes a computer to execute the method performed by the communication device in each embodiment of the present application.

[0264] The embodiments of the present application also provide a computer program. The computer program can be applied to the communication device provided in the embodiments of the present application, and the computer program enables a computer to execute the method executed by the communication device in each embodiment of the present application.

[0265] It should be understood that the terms "system" and "network" in this application can be used interchangeably. In addition, the terms used in this application are only used to explain the specific embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application. The terms "first", "second", "third", and "fourth" in the specification and claims of this application and the accompanying drawings are used to distinguish different objects rather than to describe a specific order. In addition, the terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions.

[0266] In the embodiments of the present application, a "field" may also be referred to as a "field," a "subfield," or a "subfield." A field may occupy one or more bytes (byte / octet), or a field may occupy one or more bits (bit).

[0267] In the embodiments of this application, the term "indication" may refer to a direct indication, an indirect indication, or an indication of an association. For example, "A indicates B" may refer to a direct indication of B, e.g., B can obtain information through A; it may refer to an indirect indication of B, e.g., A indicates C, e.g., B can obtain information through C; or it may refer to an association between A and B.

[0268] In the embodiment of the present application, "B corresponding to A" means that B is associated with A and B can be determined based on A. However, it should be understood that determining B based on A does not mean determining B based solely on A, but B can also be determined based on A and / or other information.

[0269] In the embodiments of the present application, the term "corresponding" may indicate a direct or indirect correspondence between the two, or an association relationship between the two, or a relationship between indication and indication, configuration and configuration, etc.

[0270] In the embodiments of the present application, "pre-defined" or "pre-configured" may be implemented by pre-storing corresponding codes, tables, or other methods that can be used to indicate relevant information in devices (e.g., including APs and STAs). The present application does not limit the specific implementation method. For example, pre-defined may refer to information defined in a protocol.

[0271] In the embodiments of this application, the term "and / or" is simply a description of the association relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone. In addition, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the related objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0272] In the embodiments of this application, the term "include" can refer to direct inclusion or indirect inclusion. Alternatively, the term "include" in the embodiments of this application can be replaced with "indicates" or "is used to determine." For example, "A includes B" can be replaced with "A indicates B" or "A is used to determine B."

[0273] In various embodiments of the present application, the size of the serial numbers of the above-mentioned processes does not mean the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of the present application.

[0274] In the embodiments of the present application, the “protocol” may refer to a standard protocol in the communication field, for example, it may include a WiFi protocol and related protocols used in future WiFi communication systems, and the present application does not limit this.

[0275] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely schematic. For example, the division of the units is merely a logical function division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods, such as multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Another point is that the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be through some interfaces, indirect coupling or communication connection of devices or units, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0276] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of these units may be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0277] In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present application may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit.

[0278] In the above embodiments, it can be implemented in whole or in part by software, hardware, firmware or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented in whole or in part in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the process or function described in the embodiment of the present application is generated in whole or in part. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can 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 can 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 can be any available medium that can be read by a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center that includes one or more available 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 digital versatile disc (DVD)), or a semiconductor medium (eg, a solid state disk (SSD)).

[0279] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present application, but the scope of protection of the present application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included in the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A wireless communication method, characterized in that: include: The first device receives a first frame sent by the second device through the first link; The first frame is used to instruct the first device to perform a first operation on the second link, where the first operation is related to beamforming training.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The first operation includes: The first device stops sending sector-scan frames on the second link; and / or, The first device initiates the beamforming training process.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that The one or more sector-scan frames sent by the first device on the second link correspond to one or more sectors, where the one or more sectors include a first sector. The first device receiving a first frame sent by the second device through the first link includes: In a case where the first sector satisfies a first condition, the first device receives the first frame through the first link.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that The method further comprises: receiving, by the first device through the first link, a second frame sent by the second device; The second frame is used to indicate first information related to the first sector.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that The first information includes information of one or more sectors, and the one or more sectors all meet the first condition.

6. The method according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that The first information includes one or more of the following information: A first number, used to indicate the number of sectors that meet the first condition; an identifier of the second link; Information of the first sector.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that The information of the first sector includes one or more of the following: an identifier of the first sector; a signal quality of a sector scan frame corresponding to the first sector; an identifier of the antenna configuration corresponding to the first sector; The sector type to which the first sector belongs, where the sector type includes an initiator sector and a responder sector.

8. The method according to any one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that The first frame and the second frame are the same frame.

9. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 8, characterized in that The method further comprises: The first device sends second information to the second device through the first link; The second information is related to the first condition.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that The second information is used to indicate one or more of the following: the type of the first condition; a parameter corresponding to the type of the first condition; When all sectors do not meet the first condition, the first device performs a first action.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that The type of the first condition is related to one or more of the following: signal quality, a distance between the first device and the second device, whether the first device and the second device move relative to each other, and a speed of the relative movement.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that The first behavior includes: ending the beamforming training process; or indicating information of a sector that can be used as a final sector.

13. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that The second information is carried in an association request frame and / or an association response frame.

14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that The method further comprises: The first device sends third information to the second device through the first link; The third information is used to indicate one or more of the following information: Mode information, used to indicate whether the first device can instruct the second device to stop sending sector scan frames on the second link; Process information, used to indicate a process type for executing the sector scan frame, where the process type includes TXSS and RXSS; Quantity information: when the sector is a receiving sector, the quantity information is used to indicate the quantity of the receiving sectors.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that The third information is carried in the association request frame and / or the association response frame.

16. The method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that The validity period of the third information is the first period. If the first period is exceeded, the third information becomes invalid.

17. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that The method further comprises: In the process of the first device sending the sector-scan frame through the second link, the first device sends a CTS-to-self frame through the first link.

18. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that The method further comprises: Before the first device sends a first sector-scan frame on the second link, the first device determines whether the second link is idle.

19. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein The first link includes a sub-7 GHz link or a sub-10 GHz link; the second link includes a millimeter wave link.

20. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that Both the first device and the second device are MLDs.

21. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that Also includes: After the beamforming training process of the second link is completed, the first device adds the second link.

22. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 21, characterized in that Also includes: The first device sends a third frame to the second device through the first link; The third frame is used to instruct the second device to perform a second operation on the second link, where the second operation is related to beamforming training.

23. A wireless communication method, characterized in that: include: The second device sends the first frame to the first device through the first link; The first frame is used to instruct the first device to perform a first operation on the second link, where the first operation is related to beamforming training.

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein The first operation includes: The first device stops sending sector-scan frames on the second link; and / or, The first device initiates the beamforming training process.

25. The method according to claim 24, characterized in that The one or more sector-scan frames sent by the first device on the second link correspond to one or more sectors, where the one or more sectors include a first sector, and the second device sending a first frame to the first device through the first link includes: In a case where the first sector meets a first condition, the second device sends the first frame through the first link.

26. The method according to claim 25, characterized in that The method further comprises: The second device sends a second frame to the first device through the first link; The second frame is used to indicate first information related to the first sector.

27. The method according to claim 26, characterized in that The first information includes information of one or more sectors, and the one or more sectors all meet the first condition.

28. The method according to claim 26 or 27, characterized in that The first information includes one or more of the following information: A first number, used to indicate the number of sectors that meet the first condition; an identifier of the second link; Information of the first sector.

29. The method according to claim 28, characterized in that The information of the first sector includes one or more of the following: an identifier of the first sector; a signal quality of a sector scan frame corresponding to the first sector; an identifier of the antenna configuration corresponding to the first sector; The sector type to which the first sector belongs, where the sector type includes an initiator sector and a responder sector.

30. The method according to any one of claims 26 to 29, characterized in that The first frame and the second frame are the same frame.

31. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 30, characterized in that The method further comprises: The second device receives second information sent by the first device through the first link; The second information is related to the first condition.

32. The method according to claim 30, wherein The second information is used to indicate one or more of the following: the type of the first condition; a parameter corresponding to the type of the first condition; When all sectors do not meet the first condition, the first device performs a first action.

33. The method according to claim 32, characterized in that The type of the first condition is related to one or more of the following: signal quality, a distance between the first device and the second device, whether the first device and the second device move relative to each other, and a speed of the relative movement.

34. The method according to claim 32 or 33, characterized in that The first behavior includes: ending the beamforming training process; or indicating information of a sector that can be used as a final sector.

35. The method according to any one of claims 31 to 34, characterized in that The second information is carried in an association request frame and / or an association response frame.

36. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 35, wherein The method further comprises: receiving, by the second device through the first link, third information sent by the first device; The third information is used to indicate one or more of the following information: Mode information, used to indicate whether the first device can instruct the second device to stop sending sector scan frames on the second link; Process information, used to indicate a process type for executing the sector scan frame, where the process type includes TXSS and RXSS; Quantity information: when the sector is a receiving sector, the quantity information is used to indicate the quantity of the receiving sectors.

37. The method according to claim 36, wherein The third information is carried in the association request frame and / or the association response frame.

38. The method according to claim 36 or 37, characterized in that The validity period of the third information is the first period. If the first period is exceeded, the third information becomes invalid.

39. The method according to any one of claims 36 to 38, wherein: The method further comprises: In the process of the second device receiving the sector-scan frame through the second link, the second device receives a CTS-to-self frame through the first link.

40. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 39, wherein: The method further comprises: In response to a need to transmit the first frame, the second device contends for a TXOP on the first link.

41. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 40, wherein: The first link includes a sub-7 GHz link or a sub-10 GHz link; the second link includes a millimeter wave link.

42. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 41, wherein: Both the first device and the second device are MLDs.

43. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 42, wherein: Also includes: After the beamforming training process of the second link is completed, the second device adds the second link.

44. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 41, wherein Also includes: The second device receives a third frame sent by the first device through the first link; The third frame is used to instruct the second device to perform a second operation on the second link, where the second operation is related to beamforming training.

45. A communication device, characterized in that The communication device is a first device, and the communication device includes: a receiving unit, configured to receive a first frame sent by a second device through a first link; The first frame is used to instruct the first device to perform a first operation on the second link, where the first operation is related to beamforming training.

46. The communication device according to claim 45, characterized in that The first operation includes: The first device stops sending sector-scan frames on the second link; and / or, The first device initiates the beamforming training process.

47. The communication device according to claim 46, characterized in that The one or more sector-scan frames sent by the first device on the second link correspond to one or more sectors, where the one or more sectors include a first sector. The first device receiving a first frame sent by the second device through the first link includes: In a case where the first sector satisfies a first condition, the first device receives the first frame through the first link.

48. The communication device according to claim 47, characterized in that The communication device is further configured to: receiving, through the first link, a second frame sent by the second device; The second frame is used to indicate first information related to the first sector.

49. The communication device according to claim 48, characterized in that The first information includes information of one or more sectors, and the one or more sectors all meet the first condition.

50. The communication device according to claim 48 or 49, characterized in that The first information includes one or more of the following information: A first number, used to indicate the number of sectors that meet the first condition; an identifier of the second link; Information of the first sector.

51. The communication device according to claim 50, characterized in that The information of the first sector includes one or more of the following: an identifier of the first sector; a signal quality of a sector scan frame corresponding to the first sector; an identifier of the antenna configuration corresponding to the first sector; The sector type to which the first sector belongs, where the sector type includes an initiator sector and a responder sector.

52. The communication device according to any one of claims 48 to 51, characterized in that The first frame and the second frame are the same frame.

53. The communication device according to any one of claims 47 to 52, characterized in that The communication device is further configured to: sending second information to the second device through the first link; The second information is related to the first condition.

54. The communication device according to claim 53, characterized in that The second information is used to indicate one or more of the following: the type of the first condition; a parameter corresponding to the type of the first condition; When all sectors do not meet the first condition, the first device performs a first action.

55. The communication device according to claim 54, characterized in that The type of the first condition is related to one or more of the following: signal quality, a distance between the first device and the second device, whether the first device and the second device move relative to each other, and a speed of the relative movement.

56. The communication device according to claim 54 or 55, characterized in that The first behavior includes: ending the beamforming training process; or indicating information of a sector that can be used as a final sector.

57. The communication device according to any one of claims 53 to 56, characterized in that The second information is carried in an association request frame and / or an association response frame.

58. The communication device according to any one of claims 45 to 57, characterized in that The communication device is further configured to: sending third information to the second device through the first link; The third information is used to indicate one or more of the following information: Mode information, used to indicate whether the first device can instruct the second device to stop sending sector scan frames on the second link; Process information, used to indicate a process type for executing the sector scan frame, where the process type includes TXSS and RXSS; Quantity information: when the sector is a receiving sector, the quantity information is used to indicate the quantity of the receiving sectors.

59. The communication device according to claim 58, characterized in that The third information is carried in the association request frame and / or the association response frame.

60. The communication device according to claim 58 or 59, characterized in that The validity period of the third information is the first period. If the first period is exceeded, the third information becomes invalid.

61. The communication device according to any one of claims 58 to 60, characterized in that The communication device is further configured to: In the process of the first device sending the sector-scan frame through the second link, a CTS-to-self frame is sent through the first link.

62. The communication device according to any one of claims 45 to 61, characterized in that The communication device is further configured to: Before the first device sends a first sector-scan frame on the second link, it determines whether the second link is idle.

63. The communication device according to any one of claims 45 to 62, characterized in that The first link includes a sub-7 GHz link or a sub-10 GHz link; the second link includes a millimeter wave link.

64. The communication device according to any one of claims 45 to 63, characterized in that Both the first device and the second device are MLDs.

65. The communication device according to any one of claims 45 to 64, characterized in that The communication device is further configured to: After the beamforming training process of the second link is completed, the second link is added.

66. The communication device according to any one of claims 45 to 65, characterized in that The communication device is further configured to: The first device sends a third frame to the second device through the first link; The third frame is used to instruct the second device to perform a second operation on the second link, where the second operation is related to beamforming training.

67. A communication device, characterized in that The communication device is a second device, and the communication device includes: a sending unit, configured to send a first frame to a first device through a first link; The first frame is used to instruct the first device to perform a first operation on the second link, where the first operation is related to beamforming training.

68. The communication device according to claim 67, characterized in that The first operation includes: The first device stops sending sector-scan frames on the second link; and / or, The first device initiates the beamforming training process.

69. The communication device according to claim 68, characterized in that The one or more sector-scan frames sent by the first device on the second link correspond to one or more sectors, where the one or more sectors include a first sector, and the second device sending a first frame to the first device through the first link includes: In a case where the first sector meets a first condition, the second device sends the first frame through the first link.

70. The communication device according to claim 69, characterized in that The communication device is further configured to: sending a second frame to the first device through the first link; The second frame is used to indicate first information related to the first sector.

71. The communication device according to claim 70, wherein: The first information includes information of one or more sectors, and the one or more sectors all meet the first condition.

72. The communication device according to claim 70 or 71, characterized in that The first information includes one or more of the following information: A first number, used to indicate the number of sectors that meet the first condition; an identifier of the second link; Information of the first sector.

73. The communication device according to claim 72, characterized in that The information of the first sector includes one or more of the following: an identifier of the first sector; a signal quality of a sector scan frame corresponding to the first sector; an identifier of the antenna configuration corresponding to the first sector; The sector type to which the first sector belongs, where the sector type includes an initiator sector and a responder sector.

74. The communication device according to any one of claims 70 to 73, characterized in that The first frame and the second frame are the same frame.

75. The communication device according to any one of claims 69 to 74, characterized in that The communication device is further configured to: receiving, through the first link, second information sent by the first device; The second information is related to the first condition.

76. The communication device according to claim 75, characterized in that The second information is used to indicate one or more of the following: the type of the first condition; a parameter corresponding to the type of the first condition; When all sectors do not meet the first condition, the first device performs a first action.

77. The communication device according to claim 76, characterized in that The type of the first condition is related to one or more of the following: signal quality, a distance between the first device and the second device, whether the first device and the second device move relative to each other, and a speed of the relative movement.

78. The communication device according to claim 76 or 77, characterized in that The first behavior includes: ending the beamforming training process; or indicating information of a sector that can be used as a final sector.

79. The communication device according to any one of claims 75 to 78, characterized in that The second information is carried in an association request frame and / or an association response frame.

80. The communication device according to any one of claims 67 to 79, characterized in that The communication device is further configured to: receiving, through the first link, third information sent by the first device; The third information is used to indicate one or more of the following information: Mode information, used to indicate whether the first device can instruct the second device to stop sending sector scan frames on the second link; Process information, used to indicate a process type for executing the sector scan frame, where the process type includes TXSS and RXSS; Quantity information: when the sector is a receiving sector, the quantity information is used to indicate the quantity of the receiving sectors.

81. The communication device according to claim 80, wherein: The third information is carried in the association request frame and / or the association response frame.

82. The communication device according to claim 80 or 81, characterized in that The validity period of the third information is the first period. If the first period is exceeded, the third information becomes invalid.

83. The communication device according to any one of claims 80 to 82, characterized in that The communication device is further configured to: In the process of the second device receiving the sector-scan frame through the second link, the second device receives a CTS-to-self frame through the first link.

84. The communication device according to any one of claims 67 to 83, characterized in that The communication device is further configured to: In response to a need to transmit the first frame, the second device contends for a TXOP on the first link.

85. The communication device according to any one of claims 67 to 84, characterized in that The first link includes a sub-7 GHz link or a sub-10 GHz link; the second link includes a millimeter wave link.

86. The communication device according to any one of claims 67 to 85, characterized in that Both the first device and the second device are MLDs.

87. The communication device according to any one of claims 67 to 86, characterized in that The communication device is further configured to: After the beamforming training process of the second link is completed, the second link is added.

88. The communication device according to any one of claims 67 to 87, characterized in that The communication device is further configured to: receiving, through the first link, a third frame sent by the first device; The third frame is used to instruct the second device to perform a second operation on the second link, where the second operation is related to beamforming training.

89. A communication device, characterized in that The communication device comprises a memory and a processor, wherein the memory is used to store a program, and the processor is used to call the program in the memory so as to enable the communication device to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 44.

90. A device, characterized in that The device comprises a processor configured to call a program from a memory so as to cause the device to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 44.

91. A chip, characterized in that The device comprises a processor configured to call a program from a memory so that a device equipped with the chip executes the method according to any one of claims 1 to 44.

92. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that A program is stored thereon, the program causing a computer to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 44.

93. A computer program product, characterized in that The method comprises a program for causing a computer to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 44.

94. A computer program, characterized in that The computer program causes a computer to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 44.

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