Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

A communication method and apparatus. The communication method comprises: sending or receiving first information. For example, the first information may be used for indicating a first dimension. The first dimension may be used for suppressing interference that a first signal causes to a second station. The first signal may be a signal sent by a first access point to a first station. For example, the first station is an associated station of the first access point, and the second station is an associated station of a second access point. The communication method further comprises: on the basis of the first dimension, sending the first signal to the first station. In the present application, a current access point or another access point indicates an interference suppression dimension to be consumed by the current access point, such that the access point communicates with a station in the same basic service set on the basis of the interference suppression dimension, thereby suppressing interference that the access point causes to the station in the overlapping basic service set.

Description

Communication methods and devices Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communications, and more particularly to communication methods and apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Wireless local area networks (WLANs) have undergone several generations of evolution, including 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11be, and 802.11bn. Among these, 802.11n can be considered a high throughput (HT) WLAN standard, 802.11ac a very high throughput (VHT) WLAN standard, 802.11ax a high efficient (HE) WLAN standard, 802.11be an extremely high throughput (EHT) WLAN standard, and 802.11bn an ultra-high reliability (UHR) WLAN standard. Furthermore, 802.11ax can also be referred to as Wireless Fidelity (WiFi or Wi-Fi 6), and 802.11be as Wi-Fi 7. 802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g can be collectively referred to as non-HT.

[0003] Coordinated beamforming (CoBF) is currently one of the research directions of 802.11bn. Access points (APs) can combine CoBF with precoding techniques to avoid interference with neighboring stations (STAs) while ensuring communication within their own cell.

[0004] CoBF (Cohort Block Function) has been proposed in two forms: full suppression CoBF and partial suppression CoBF. For example, full suppression CoBF means that the AP can suppress all interference from neighboring STAs. Partial suppression CoBF means that the AP can suppress a portion of the interference from neighboring STAs. However, there is currently no consensus on how to configure CoBF.

[0005] Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application provides a communication method and apparatus that uses its own access point or other access points to indicate the interference suppression dimension that the access point needs to consume, so that the access point can communicate with stations in the same basic service set based on the interference suppression dimension, thereby suppressing the interference of the access point to stations in overlapping basic service sets.

[0007] The technical solution adopted in this application is as follows:

[0008] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided, applied to a first access point or a component of the first access point (e.g., a processor, circuit, chip, or chip system), and may also be a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first access point. The method may include: sending or receiving first information. For example, the first information may be used to indicate a first dimension. The first dimension may be used to suppress interference caused by a first signal to a second station. The first signal may be a signal sent from the first access point to the first station. For example, the first station is an associated station of the first access point, and the second station is an associated station of the second access point. The first signal is sent to the first station according to the first dimension.

[0009] This application indicates the interference suppression dimension that the access point needs to consume through its own access point or other access points, so that the access point can communicate with sites in the same basic service set based on the interference suppression dimension, thereby suppressing the interference of the access point to sites in overlapping basic service sets.

[0010] In one possible design, the method may further include: determining a target dimension based on a first dimension. For example, in response to sending first information, the target dimension is less than or equal to the first dimension. Alternatively, in response to receiving first information, the target dimension is greater than or equal to the first dimension. Sending a first signal to a first station based on the first dimension may include: sending a first signal to the first station based on the target dimension.

[0011] In this application, the access point itself or other access points can indicate the maximum or minimum value of the first dimension, so that the access point can select a more reasonable first dimension according to the actual situation and improve communication efficiency.

[0012] In one possible design, the method may further include: sending or receiving second information. This second information may be used to indicate a second dimension. This second dimension may be used to suppress interference caused by a second signal to the first site. The second signal is a signal sent from the second access point to the second site.

[0013] The access point in this application can also be configured to receive interference suppression dimensions that other access points need to consume, so that this access point can determine a more reasonable first dimension.

[0014] In one possible design, the method may further include: receiving third information in response to sending first information. The third information may be used to instruct the second access point to accept, reject, or modify the first dimension. Alternatively, in response to receiving the first information, sending fourth information. The fourth information may be used to instruct the first access point to accept, reject, or modify the first dimension.

[0015] The access point receiving the first information can inform the access point that sent the first information whether it accepts the first dimension. Through this negotiation process, a more reasonable first dimension can be configured for the first access point, improving communication efficiency.

[0016] In one possible design, the method may further include: receiving fifth information in response to sending second information. The fifth information may be used to instruct the second access point to accept, reject, or modify the second dimension. Alternatively, in response to receiving the second information, sending a sixth information. The sixth information may be used to instruct the first access point to accept, reject, or modify the second dimension.

[0017] The access point receiving the second information can inform the access point that sent the second information whether it accepts the second dimension. Through this negotiation process, a more reasonable first dimension can be configured for the first access point, improving communication efficiency.

[0018] In one possible design, the method may further include: sending a seventh message. This seventh message can be used to indicate whether the first access point supports one-sided suppression. For example, supporting one-sided suppression may include either the first dimension or the second dimension being 0. And / or, receiving an eighth message. This eighth message can be used to indicate whether the second access point supports one-sided suppression.

[0019] The access point in this application can also indicate to other access points whether its own node allows a unilateral suppression scheme, so that different access points can adopt a more reasonable way to suppress interference.

[0020] In one possible design, the method may further include: sending a ninth message if the seventh message indicates that the first access point supports one-sided suppression. This ninth message can be used to indicate whether the first access point performs interference suppression. And / or, receiving a tenth message if the eighth message indicates that the second access point supports one-sided suppression. This tenth message can be used to indicate whether the second access point performs interference suppression.

[0021] This application, in addition to instructing an access point to allow unilateral suppression, can also instruct the access point whether to perform interference suppression. This allows for more flexible configuration of interference suppression for each access point.

[0022] In one possible design, the first access point performs interference suppression, and the second dimension has a value of 0; and / or, the second access point performs interference suppression, and the first dimension has a value of 0.

[0023] This application provides a specific method for instructing an access point to perform interference suppression, thereby more accurately indicating whether the access point is performing interference suppression.

[0024] In one possible design, when the ninth information is used to instruct the first access point to perform interference suppression, the ninth information can also be used to instruct the second access point to perform a first suppression different from unilateral suppression. Alternatively, when the ninth information is used to instruct the first access point not to perform interference suppression, the ninth information can also be used to instruct the first access point to perform a first suppression.

[0025] In addition to instructing itself whether to perform interference suppression, the first access point in this application can also instruct access points that do not perform interference suppression to perform other suppression methods in order to ensure the stability and accuracy of communication during the communication process.

[0026] In one possible design, when the tenth information is used to instruct the second access point to perform interference suppression, the tenth information can also be used to instruct the first access point to perform a first suppression different from unilateral suppression. Alternatively, when the tenth information is used to instruct the second access point not to perform interference suppression, the tenth information can also be used to instruct the second access point to perform the first suppression.

[0027] In addition to instructing itself whether to perform interference suppression, the second access point of this application can also instruct access points that do not perform interference suppression to perform other suppression methods in order to ensure communication stability and accuracy during the communication process.

[0028] In one possible design, the method may further include: determining a third dimension. This third dimension can be used to suppress interference caused by the second access point to the first site. Sending an eleventh message. This eleventh message can be used to indicate the third dimension.

[0029] The first access point in this application can dynamically adjust the original second dimension to a third dimension and synchronize it with the second access point. This allows the second access point to better suppress interference with the first site and improve the communication quality of the first access point.

[0030] In one possible design, if the third dimension is greater than the second dimension, a twelfth piece of information is received. This twelfth piece of information can be used to instruct the second access point to accept, reject, or modify the third dimension. Alternatively, the twelfth piece of information can be used to indicate a new third dimension.

[0031] The second access point in this application can negotiate a more reasonable third dimension with the first access point so that the second access point can better suppress interference to the first site and improve the communication quality of the first access point.

[0032] In one possible design, the method may further include receiving thirteenth information. This thirteenth information can be used to indicate a fourth dimension. This fourth dimension can be used to suppress interference caused by the second access point to the first site.

[0033] The second access point in this application can dynamically adjust the original second dimension to a fourth dimension and synchronize it with the first access point. This allows the second access point to better suppress interference with the first site and improve the communication quality of the first access point.

[0034] In one possible design, if the fourth dimension is less than the second dimension, a fourteenth message is sent. This fourteenth message can be used to instruct the first access point to accept, reject, or modify the fourth dimension. Alternatively, if the fourth dimension is less than the second dimension, a new fourth dimension is determined. A fourteenth message is then sent to indicate the new fourth dimension.

[0035] In this application embodiment, the first access point can negotiate a more reasonable fourth dimension with the second access point so that the second access point can better suppress interference to the first site and improve the communication quality of the first access point.

[0036] In one possible design, the method may further include sending a fifteenth message. For example, the fifteenth message may be used to indicate at least one of the following capabilities: the first access point supports serial channel measurement; the first access point supports joint channel measurement; the first access point supports combined feedback; the first access point supports separated feedback; or, the first access point supports a probe dimension greater than a first threshold.

[0037] The access point in this application can also synchronize some of its own capabilities with other access points in order to adopt more reasonable channel detection and feedback methods and improve communication performance.

[0038] In one possible design, the method may further include: sending a first frame. This first frame may be used to indicate serial channel measurements or joint channel measurements, and the first frame may also be used to indicate combined feedback and / or separated feedback.

[0039] The access point in this application can be flexibly configured with channel measurement and feedback methods according to actual conditions.

[0040] In one possible design, the first frame can also be used to indicate the flow configuration corresponding to the second access point in the case of combined feedback; and / or, the first frame can also be used to indicate the flow configuration corresponding to the first access point; and / or, the first frame can also be used to indicate the total number of long training fields (LTF); and / or, the first frame can also be used to indicate whether only the channel probe results corresponding to the basic service set (BSS) where the first access point is located are fed back.

[0041] In this embodiment of the application, the access point can also indicate various configuration parameters to other access points to improve communication performance.

[0042] In one possible design, the first frame is a null data packet announcement (NDPA) frame.

[0043] This application embodiment can indicate information related to channel measurement and feedback through NDPA frames. While indicating that subsequent channel measurements are needed, it also configures the corresponding measurement and feedback methods, thereby improving communication efficiency.

[0044] Secondly, a communication device is provided. This communication device is used to implement the various communication methods involved in the first aspect above. The communication device includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the aforementioned communication methods. These modules, units, or means can be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the aforementioned functions.

[0045] Thirdly, a communication device is provided. The communication device includes a processor and a memory; the memory stores computer instructions, which, when executed by the processor, cause the communication device to perform the communication method of the first aspect described above.

[0046] Fourthly, a communication device is provided. The communication device includes: a processor and a communication interface; the communication interface is used to receive and / or transmit signals, and the processor is configured to enable the communication method of the first aspect described above to be executed.

[0047] Fifthly, a communication device is provided. This device may be a first access point, or a communication module within a first access point implementing the functions corresponding to the first access point, or a chip responsible for communication functions within a first access point implementing the functions corresponding to the first access point, such as a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip), or a system-on-chip (SoC) or system-in-package (SIP) chip containing a modem module. It may also be a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first access point. The communication device may include: a processor for executing a computer program (or computer-executable instructions) stored in a memory, and / or causing the device to perform the methods described in the first aspect and various possible implementations of the first aspect via logic circuitry.

[0048] In one possible implementation, the communication device may also include a memory.

[0049] In one possible implementation, the processor and memory are integrated together.

[0050] In another possible implementation, the aforementioned memory is located outside the communication device.

[0051] In one possible implementation, the communication device further includes a communication interface for communicating with other devices, such as transmitting or receiving data and / or signals. Exemplarily, the communication interface may be a transceiver, circuit, bus, module, or other type of communication interface.

[0052] Sixthly, a chip or chip system is provided, comprising interface circuitry and one or more processors. The one or more processors are coupled to a memory. The memory stores part or all of a computer program or instructions necessary for implementing the functions described in the first aspect. The one or more processors are executable to carry out the computer program or instructions, which, when executed, cause the communication device to implement the methods in any possible design or implementation of the first aspect. The interface circuitry is used to implement communication functions within the communication device and / or communication functions between the communication device and other devices or components.

[0053] A seventh aspect provides a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions; when the computer instructions are executed on a computer, the computer causes the computer to perform a communication method as designed in any of the foregoing aspects.

[0054] Eighthly, a computer program product is provided. The computer program product includes a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform a communication method as designed in any of the foregoing aspects. Attached Figure Description

[0055] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication scenario provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0056] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a cooperative beamforming scenario provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0057] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an interference suppression dimension provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0058] Figure 4a is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0059] Figure 4b is a schematic diagram of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0060] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a channel measurement process provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0061] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of another channel measurement process provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0062] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of another channel measurement process provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0063] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0064] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0065] The network architecture and business scenarios described in the embodiments of this application are for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0066] The network architecture and business scenarios described in the embodiments of this application are for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0067] The terms "first" and "second," etc., used in the specification and drawings of the embodiments of this application are used to distinguish different objects or to distinguish different processing of the same object. The terms "first" and "second," etc., can distinguish identical or similar items with substantially the same function and effect. For example, "first device" and "second device" are merely to distinguish different devices and do not limit their order. Those skilled in the art will understand that the terms "first" and "second," etc., do not limit the quantity or execution order, and that "first" and "second," etc., do not necessarily imply that they are different.

[0068] "At least one" means one or more, while "more" means two or more.

[0069] In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise stated, " / " indicates that the objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B can represent A or B. In the embodiments of this application, "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between the related objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can represent three cases: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. A and B can be singular or plural.

[0070] In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of a single item or a plurality of items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0071] Furthermore, to facilitate a clear description of the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the terms "first" and "second" are used in the embodiments of this application to distinguish identical or similar items with substantially the same function and effect. Those skilled in the art will understand that the terms "first" and "second" do not limit the quantity or execution order, and the terms "first" and "second" are not necessarily different.

[0072] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design that is described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design. Specifically, the use of terms such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner to facilitate understanding.

[0073] It is understood that the term "embodiment" used throughout the specification means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic related to an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the embodiments of this application. Therefore, the various embodiments throughout the specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, these specific features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. It is understood that in the various embodiments of the embodiments of this application, the sequence number of each process does not imply 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 this application.

[0074] It is understood that in the embodiments of this application, "...when" and "if" both refer to the corresponding processing that will be carried out under certain objective circumstances, and are not limited to a time, nor do they require a judgment action during implementation, nor do they imply any other limitations.

[0075] It is understood that some optional features in the embodiments of this application can be implemented independently in certain scenarios without relying on other features, such as the current solution on which they are based, to solve the corresponding technical problems and achieve the corresponding effects. Alternatively, they can be combined with other features as needed in certain scenarios. Correspondingly, the apparatus given in the embodiments of this application can also implement these features or functions, which will not be elaborated here.

[0076] In the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified, the same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other. In the various embodiments of this application, and in the various implementation methods / methods / implementations within each embodiment, unless otherwise specified or logically conflicting, the terminology and / or descriptions between different embodiments and between the various implementation methods / methods / implementations within each embodiment are consistent and can be mutually referenced. The technical features in different embodiments and the various implementation methods / methods / implementations within each embodiment can be combined to form new embodiments, implementation methods, methods, or implementation approaches based on their inherent logical relationships. The following descriptions of the embodiments of this application do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of the embodiments of this application.

[0077] In the embodiments of this application, the term "wireless communication" can also be abbreviated as "communication", and the term "communication" can also be described as "data transmission", "information transmission" or "transmission".

[0078] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication scenario provided by an embodiment of this application, illustrating a possible network structure. The network structure shown in Figure 1 includes one or more access point (AP) type stations (STAs) and one or more non-access point type stations (non-AP STAs). AP type STAs can be considered network devices, and non-AP STAs can be terminals. AP type STAs can also be simply referred to as APs. Non-AP STAs can also be simply referred to as STAs. For ease of description, in each embodiment of this application, AP type STAs are referred to as APs, and non-AP STAs are referred to as STAs.

[0079] Figure 1 only shows one number of APs and STAs. In other examples, there may be more APs and more or fewer STAs. This application embodiment is not limited here.

[0080] In some embodiments, an AP can be an access point for terminals to access wired or wireless networks, such as when deployed in home environments, inside buildings, or within campuses. The coverage radius in some scenarios can reach tens to hundreds of meters. In some scenarios, it can also be deployed outdoors. An access point can be considered a bridge connecting wired and wireless networks; its main function is to connect various wireless network clients together and then connect the wireless network to the Ethernet. For example, an AP can be a terminal or network device with a wireless fidelity (WiFi or Wi-Fi) chip. The terminal can be, for example, a mobile phone, and the network device can be, for example, a router. An AP can be a device that supports the 802.11bn standard. Access points can also be devices that support various wireless local area networks (WLAN) standards of the 802.11 family, such as 802.11be, 802.11ax, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, and 802.11a. It is understood that the AP in the embodiments of this application can be a high efficient (HE) AP, a very high throughput (VHT) AP, or an extrameally high throughput (EHT) AP, or it can also be an AP that is compatible with a future generation of Wi-Fi standards.

[0081] A Station on the Wi-Fi STA (Station) can be a wireless communication chip, wireless sensor, or wireless communication terminal, and can also be referred to as a user or user equipment. For example, a Station on the STA can be a mobile phone supporting Wi-Fi communication, a tablet computer supporting Wi-Fi communication, a set-top box supporting Wi-Fi communication, a smart TV supporting Wi-Fi communication, a smart wearable device supporting Wi-Fi communication, an in-vehicle communication device supporting Wi-Fi communication, and a computer supporting Wi-Fi communication, etc. Optionally, the station can support the 802.11bn standard. The station can also support various WLAN standards of the 802.11 family, such as 802.11be, 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, and 802.11a. It is understood that the Station on the STA in this embodiment can be an HE Station, a VHT Station, or an EHT Station, and can also be a Station applicable to a future generation of Wi-Fi standards.

[0082] STA can also refer to terminal equipment, user equipment (UE), mobile station, mobile terminal, etc. Terminal equipment can be widely used in various scenarios, such as device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grids, smart furniture, smart offices, smart wearables, smart transportation, smart cities, etc. Terminal equipment can be mobile phones, tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, wearable devices, vehicles, drones, helicopters, airplanes, ships, robots, robotic arms, smart home devices, etc. This application does not limit the specific technology or device form used in the STA.

[0083] In some examples, STA and AP can be devices used in vehicle networking, IoT nodes and sensors in the Internet of Things (IoT), smart cameras, smart remote controls, smart water meters, smart electricity meters in smart homes, and sensors in smart cities.

[0084] It is understood that the embodiments of this application can be applied to networks deploying IEEE 802.11, or to other networks employing any standard or protocol. Examples include Bluetooth, high-performance radio local area networks (HIPERLAN), wide area networks (WAN), WLAN, personal area networks (PAN), networks using the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) standard, or other known or future networks. HIPERLAN can be considered a wireless standard similar to IEEE 802.11. Therefore, regardless of the coverage area and wireless access protocol used, the embodiments of this application can be applied to any suitable wireless network.

[0085] In some embodiments, communication between the AP and STA, and between STAs, can be conducted using licensed spectrum, unlicensed spectrum, or both simultaneously. Communication can be conducted using spectrum below 6 GHz, spectrum above 6 GHz, or both simultaneously. This application does not limit the spectrum resources used for wireless communication.

[0086] In some embodiments, the roles of AP and STA can be interchanged. For example, in a relay scenario, a terminal that turns on a hotspot can connect another terminal to the network. In this case, the terminal that turns on the hotspot acts as an AP.

[0087] In Wi-Fi scenarios, regarding bandwidth configuration, 802.11ax supports one or more of the following: 20MHz, 40MHz, 80MHz, 160MHz, and 80MHz+80MHz. The difference between 160MHz and 80MHz+80MHz is that the first 160MHz is a continuous frequency band, while 80MHz+80MHz can be understood as two separate 80MHz bands. 802.11be supports 320MHz. The 802.11bn standard also supports a maximum bandwidth of at least 320MHz.

[0088] Referring to Figure 2, AP 1 is associated with STA 1, and AP 2 is associated with STA 2. The association of AP 1 and STA 1 means that AP 1 and STA 1 belong to a basic service set (BSS), and STA 1 accesses the network through AP 1. A single BSS can include one AP and at least one STA. Each STA in the same BSS accesses the network through an AP within that BSS, and not through other APs. Correspondingly, AP 2 and STA 2 belong to the same BSS. It is understood that AP 1 and AP 2 belong to different BSSs.

[0089] The communication channel between AP1 and STA1 can be denoted as H. 11 The communication channel between AP2 and STA2 can be denoted as H. 22 The communication channel between AP1 and STA2 can be denoted as H. 21 The communication channel between AP2 and STA1 can be denoted as H. 12 AP1 can consider CoBF during precoding to obtain appropriate precoding parameters. Correspondingly, AP2 performs similar operations as AP1 to suppress interference from the signal transmitted by AP2 to STA1.

[0090] Based on the degree of interference suppression, CoBF can be divided into complete suppression (or full suppression CoBF) and partial suppression (or partial suppression CoBF). Taking AP 1 in Figure 2 as an example, complete suppression CoBF means that AP 1 can suppress all interference from AP 1 to STA 1; partial suppression CoBF means that AP 1 can suppress part of the interference from AP 1 to STA 1. The suppression process of AP 2 is similar to that of AP 1, and will not be described again in the embodiments of this application.

[0091] For any Access Point (AP), this can be achieved by sacrificing available dimensions for precoding. The AP sacrifices a portion of the available dimensions at the transmitter; these dimensions are used to suppress interference. This portion used for interference suppression can be called the interference suppression dimension. Therefore, the interference suppression dimension involved in the embodiments of this application is the portion of the available precoding dimensions sacrificed for interference suppression.

[0092] For example, the aforementioned available dimension can also be referred to as degrees of freedom, transmitter dimension, etc., and this application embodiment does not limit this. The interference suppression dimension can also be referred to as suppression dimension, interference dimension, etc., and this application embodiment does not limit this. For example, the number of antennas of the AP can be simply understood as being the same as the value of the available dimension. Of course, the available dimension can also be less than the number of antennas, and this application embodiment does not limit this. For example, if the AP has 4 antennas, the corresponding available dimension of the AP can be 4, or the available dimension of the AP can also be less than 4. The AP can suppress the interference generated by the AP on the STA of the overlapped basic service set (OBSS) by sacrificing some available dimensions. Here, OBSS can be understood as other BSSs that have a partially overlapping area with the BSS where the AP is located.

[0093] The interference suppression dimension will now be explained in more detail with reference to Figure 3.

[0094] Assume AP 1 and AP 2 have 4 transmit antennas (Tx), and STA 1 and STA 2 have 2 receive antennas (rx). Assume AP 1 wants to suppress all interference to STA 2, which can be achieved by adding precoding to make H... 21 P1 = 0. Here, P1 can be considered as matrix H. 21 The null space. The null space can be considered as the space formed by the solution vectors of a homogeneous linear system of equations. P1 can also be denoted as N(H 21 Assuming that H... 21 If the rank of a matrix is ​​r and its dimension is m×n, then the dimension of matrix P1 can be nr. In some examples, m represents the number of rows and n represents the number of columns. Using H... 21 For example, the number of rows in this matrix can be the number of Rx values ​​in STA 2, and the number of columns can be the number of Tx values ​​in AP 1. When m is less than or equal to n, the rank of the matrix is ​​the same as the number of rows. The rank of the matrix involved in the embodiments of this application can be full rank.

[0095] Assumption Matrix If r = 2, then the matrix H 21 The null space can include [0 0 1 0] T [0 0 0 1] T The resulting space has a dimension of 2. This dimension can be understood as the dimension of the fundamental solution set of the matrix. Of course, this matrix H... 21 The null space can also be understood as a 4×2 matrix.

[0096] Using the two fundamental solutions of the null space described above, AP 1 can be constructed to suppress STA 2-point precoding. One possible implementation is that AP 1 directly uses the two fundamental solutions of the null space as precoding. Correspondingly, H... 11 P1≠0. The reason is that H 11 and H 21 It is almost impossible for them to be completely identical. The AP can perform equivalent channel H as described above. 11 P1 performs multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) techniques, such as singular value decomposition (SVD), to obtain the precoding that the AP needs. For example, the AP can precode H. 11 P1 performs SVD to obtain V1. V1 is a right singular matrix with a dimension of 2×2. The AP can use the precoder P1V1 for signal resource mapping. P1V1 has a dimension of 4×2.

[0097] It can be seen that if the AP does not perform interference suppression, then channel H 11 The dimension is 2×4, and the equivalent channel H obtained after performing full suppression is... 11 The dimension of P1 becomes 2×2. This is equivalent to reducing the dimension used by the AP to perform precoding; the reduced dimension represents the sacrificed interference suppression dimension mentioned earlier. Although the above process will affect the communication performance of the AP to STAs within the BSS, it has a good interference suppression effect on STAs within the OBSS.

[0098] The above example illustrates full CoBF inhibition; the following example explains partial CoBF inhibition.

[0099] For partial suppression of CoBF, it can be understood as solving... Instead of the original N(H) 21 ).in, It can have many variations, such as, Take N(H) 21 The first line of the ) is denoted as H. 21 (1,:). In this case, it can be assumed that AP 1 can suppress the interference received on the first antenna of STA 2, but cannot suppress the interference received on the second antenna of STA 2. (Still using...) For example, since we take a partial solution, the rank is 1, so the dimension of the null space is 4-1, which equals 3. That is, in this case, the dimension of P1 is 4×3, and the equivalent channel H... 11 P1 has a dimension of 2×3.

[0100] It can be seen that if AP 1 does not perform any interference suppression, then channel H11 The dimension is 2×4. Under full suppression, the equivalent channel H... 11 The dimension of P1 is 2×2, and with partial suppression, the equivalent channel H 11 The dimension of P1 is 2×3. This means that the AP can reduce the transmitter dimension of the equivalent channel matrix by adding precoding, and this reduction in dimension is exactly equal to the dimension required to suppress interference. Accordingly, A1 in Figure 3 can be considered the interference suppression dimension required for AP 1 to suppress interference from STA 2; A2 in Figure 3 can be considered the interference suppression dimension required for AP 2 to suppress interference from STA 1. B1 in Figure 3 can be considered the precoding dimension required for AP 1 to communicate with STA 1 in its BSS, or the number of streams used for communication between AP 1 and STA 1 in its BSS; B2 can be considered the precoding dimension required for AP 2 to communicate with STA 2 in its BSS, or the number of streams used for communication between AP 2 and STA 2 in its BSS.

[0101] It is understandable that, based on differences in algorithms and descriptions, the available dimensions and interference suppression dimensions can have other forms and definitions, and the full suppression CoBF and partial suppression CoBF can also have other definitions and manifestations. For example, the partial suppression CoBF in the example above, which uses the suppression of the signal at a certain antenna as a method, can also adopt the method of suppressing part of the right singular vector of SVD (such as finding the null space of the right singular vector). This application does not impose any limitations on this embodiment.

[0102] In some embodiments, if the number of Tx in the AP is the same as the number of Rx in the STA, and full suppression CoBF is required, then the dimension of the null space is 0, which means there is no non-zero solution and that full suppression CoBF cannot be achieved.

[0103] The above example illustrates that if the AP uses full suppression, the communication performance of STAs within the same BSS will be affected, but interference to STAs within the OBSS will be reduced. However, there is currently no consensus on how to achieve full or partial suppression of CoBF.

[0104] Therefore, embodiments of this application provide a communication method in which the access point indicates the interference suppression dimension that it needs to consume through its own access point or other access points, so that the access point can communicate with sites in the same basic service set based on the interference suppression dimension, thereby suppressing the interference of the access point to sites in overlapping basic service sets.

[0105] Figures 4a and 4b are schematic diagrams of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0106] As shown in Figures 4a and 4b, this communication process can be applied to, but is not limited to, the communication scenarios shown in Figures 1 to 3. For example, the method shown in Figure 4a may include the following steps:

[0107] S101, the first AP sends first information to the second AP. Correspondingly, the second AP receives the first information from the first AP.

[0108] S103, the first AP sends a first signal to the first STA according to the first dimension. Accordingly, the first STA receives the first signal from the first AP.

[0109] For example, the method shown in Figure 4b may include the following steps:

[0110] S102, the second AP sends the first information to the first AP. Correspondingly, the first AP receives the first information from the second AP.

[0111] S103, the first AP sends a first signal to the first STA according to the first dimension. Accordingly, the first STA receives the first signal from the first AP.

[0112] The methods shown in Figures 4a and 4b will now be described in more detail.

[0113] For example, the first information can be used to indicate a first dimension. This first dimension is used to suppress interference caused by the first signal to the second site. The first signal can be a signal sent by the first AP to the first STA. For example, the first STA is an associated STA of the first AP. Here, an associated STA of the first AP means that the first STA is associated with the first AP, such as the first AP and the first STA belonging to the same BSS. The first STA accesses the network through and only through the first AP.

[0114] For example, the first dimension can be the interference suppression dimension mentioned in the previous embodiments, or also called the degree of freedom, suppression dimension, interference dimension, etc. That is, the first dimension is the dimension that the first AP needs to consume to suppress interference to other STAs. Other STAs can be, for example, the second STA. This second STA is an associated STA of the second AP, meaning the second STA is associated with the second AP, such as if the second AP and the second STA belong to the same BSS. This second STA accesses the network through and only through this second AP. It is understood that in this application, the same BSS includes one AP and one or more STAs. Therefore, there can be one or more first STAs. Similarly, there can be one or more second STAs.

[0115] For example, the first dimension could refer to the dimensions that the first AP can use for precoding, or it could indicate the number of streams used by the first AP for communication. In this case, the dimension used for interference suppression can be obtained by subtracting the first dimension from the total dimensions available to the AP. In some examples, the total number of dimensions available to the AP can be equal to the number of antennas of the AP. In this case, the first information can be considered to indirectly indicate the interference suppression dimension.

[0116] The total available dimensions of an AP can be understood as the precoding capability enabled by its multiple transmit antennas. More antennas mean a greater total available dimension, and thus stronger precoding and interference suppression capabilities. In some examples, assuming the AP has four transmit antennas, it can support up to four streams of transmission, such as four-stream MIMO if the STA also has four receive antennas. Even if the STA has two receive antennas, an AP with four transmit antennas can only support two streams. However, even two-stream transmission offers better communication performance than two-stream transmission achieved by an AP with only two transmit antennas.

[0117] Referring to Figure 3, the first dimension can be an interference suppression dimension, such as A1 or A2; the first dimension can also be the transmitter dimension used by the first AP for its BSS communication, or the number of streams used by the first AP for communication, i.e., B1 or B2. The sum of A1 and B1 is less than or equal to the number of transmit antennas of AP 1, and the sum of A2 and B2 is less than or equal to the number of transmit antennas of AP 2.

[0118] In some embodiments, for CoBF scenarios, the AP can suppress interference to STAs within the OBSS by consuming a portion of the dimension. Accordingly, the dimension to be consumed can be the aforementioned interference suppression dimension. Therefore, the more interference suppression dimension consumed, the better the suppression effect can be achieved. Typically, the AP consuming the dimension corresponding to the number of antennas possessed by the STA can often achieve full suppression of interference to that STA. However, as mentioned in the previous example, if the AP's Tx and the STA's Rx are the same, the AP cannot achieve full suppression of the STA.

[0119] For example, in the scenario shown in Figure 4a, the first AP can determine the interference suppression dimensions it can use, or the number of streams used for communication. In this case, the second AP can know the interference suppression situation of the first AP on the second STA.

[0120] For example, in the scenario shown in Figure 4b, the second AP can determine the interference suppression dimension that the first AP needs to use, or the second AP can determine the number of streams used by the first AP for communication. In this case, the first AP can know the first dimension configured by the second AP for the first AP.

[0121] It is understandable that, referring to Figure 2 or Figure 3, if the first AP can be AP 1, then the second AP can be AP 2; or if the first AP can be AP 2, then the second AP can be AP 1.

[0122] Regarding S103,

[0123] In some examples, the first AP can send a first signal to the first STA based on the first dimension indicated by the first information in S101 or S102. For example, referring to the foregoing embodiments, the first AP determines the precoding to be used by the first AP based on the first dimension. The first AP processes the first signal and performs resource mapping based on the precoding before sending it to the first STA. It is understood that the first AP considers the first dimension, such as the dimension that the precoding can use or the interference suppression dimension, when determining the precoding. In this case, the first signal processed based on the precoding will not interfere with the second STA, i.e., full CoBF suppression; or, the first signal processed based on the precoding can reduce the interference to the second STA, i.e., partial CoBF suppression.

[0124] It is understood that the process of determining the precoding by the first AP can refer to the description in the foregoing embodiments, and the process of sending the first signal based on the precoding can refer to the relevant technologies. The embodiments of this application will not be described again.

[0125] In this application embodiment, the access point indicates the interference suppression dimension that it needs to consume through its own access point or other access points, so that the access point can communicate with sites in the same basic service set based on the interference suppression dimension, thereby suppressing the interference of the access point to sites in overlapping basic service sets.

[0126] In some embodiments, for the scenario corresponding to S101, for example, the first AP determines the interference suppression dimension that it can use. The first dimension can be the maximum interference suppression dimension that the first AP can provide. In this case, the first AP can determine a target dimension, which can be less than or equal to the first dimension. This is because the first dimension indicates the maximum interference suppression dimension that the first AP can provide. Therefore, the interference suppression dimension actually consumed by the first AP during interference suppression should not exceed the maximum value of the first dimension indicated by the first information. Based on the determined target dimension, the first AP determines the precoding used for communication and sends a first signal based on the precoding.

[0127] For example, the first AP determines the number of streams it uses for communication. The first dimension could be the minimum number of streams the first AP needs to use. In this case, the first AP can determine a target dimension, which can be greater than or equal to the first dimension. This is because the first dimension indicates the minimum number of streams used by the first AP for communication. Therefore, the actual number of streams used by the first AP during communication should not be less than the minimum value of the first dimension indicated by the first information. Based on this determined target dimension, the first AP determines the precoding used for communication and sends a first signal based on this precoding.

[0128] In other embodiments, for the scenario corresponding to S102, for example, the second AP determines the interference suppression dimension that the first AP can use. Then the first dimension can be the minimum interference suppression dimension that the first AP should provide. In this case, the first AP can determine a target dimension, which can be greater than or equal to the first dimension. This is because the first dimension indicates the minimum interference suppression dimension that the first AP should provide. Therefore, the interference suppression dimension actually consumed by the first AP during interference suppression should not be less than the minimum value of the first dimension indicated by the first information. Based on the determined target dimension, the first AP determines the precoding used for communication and sends a first signal based on the precoding.

[0129] For example, the second AP determines the number of streams used by the first AP for communication. The first dimension could be the maximum number of streams the first AP can use. In this case, the first AP can determine a target dimension, which can be less than or equal to the first dimension. This is because the first dimension indicates the maximum number of streams used by the first AP for communication. Therefore, the actual number of streams used by the first AP during communication should not exceed the maximum value of the first dimension indicated by the first information. Based on this determined target dimension, the first AP determines the precoding used for communication and sends a first signal based on this precoding.

[0130] In this embodiment, the AP itself or other APs can indicate the maximum or minimum value of the first dimension, so that the AP can select a more reasonable first dimension according to the actual situation and improve communication efficiency.

[0131] In the communication method provided in this application embodiment, the first AP and the second AP can negotiate with each other the first dimension they each use, such as the interference suppression dimension that each AP needs to consume, or the number of streams used for communication by each AP. There can be one or more second APs, that is, the first AP can negotiate with one or more other APs, which is not limited in this application embodiment.

[0132] In some examples, if S101 is executed, the first AP can also receive a third message. This third message can be used to instruct the second AP to accept, reject, or modify the first dimension. That is, if the second AP receives the first message, it can determine whether to accept the first dimension indicated by the first message, or it can propose a modification suggestion for the first dimension. In other examples, if S102 is executed, the first AP can also send a fourth message. This fourth message can be used to instruct the first AP to accept, reject, or modify the first dimension. That is, if the first AP receives the first message, it can determine whether to accept the first dimension configured by the second AP for the first AP, or it can propose a modification suggestion for the first dimension.

[0133] In some examples, for a proposed modification to the first dimension, one implementation could be to directly indicate a new first dimension via third or fourth information. Alternatively, the third or fourth information could indicate a range for the first dimension, or indicate its maximum or minimum value. This allows the first AP receiving the third information or the second AP receiving the fourth information to determine a more reasonable first dimension that satisfies the range of the first dimension, or satisfies a value less than or equal to the maximum value of the first dimension, or satisfies a value greater than or equal to the minimum value of the first dimension.

[0134] In this embodiment of the application, the AP receiving the first information can inform the AP that sent the first information whether it accepts the first dimension. Through this negotiation process, a more reasonable first dimension can be configured for the first AP, improving communication efficiency.

[0135] In some embodiments, during the negotiation process between the first AP and the second AP, the second AP may also send second information to the first AP. Accordingly, the first AP receives the second information from the second AP. Alternatively, the first AP may also send second information to the second AP. Accordingly, the second AP receives the second information from the first AP. For example, the second information may be used to indicate a second dimension. The second dimension may be used to suppress interference caused by a second signal to the first STA. The second signal may be a signal sent by the second AP to the second STA. The second dimension is similar to the first dimension, except that the roles of AP and STA are interchanged, which will not be elaborated further in this embodiment.

[0136] Knowing the second dimension, the first access point (AP) can determine the first dimension it uses. For example, if the first dimension indicated by the first information is a maximum or minimum value, it can determine a more reasonable value for the first dimension based on the second dimension.

[0137] In this application embodiment, the access point can also be configured or receive interference suppression dimensions that other access points need to consume, so that the access point can determine a more reasonable first dimension.

[0138] In some examples, when the first AP sends the second information, it can also receive a fifth message. This fifth message can be used to instruct the second AP to accept, reject, or modify the second dimension. That is, upon receiving the second message, the second AP can determine whether to accept the second dimension indicated by the second message, or it can suggest modifications to the second dimension. In other examples, when the first AP receives the second message, it can also send a sixth message. This sixth message can be used to instruct the first AP to accept, reject, or modify the second dimension. That is, upon receiving the second message, the first AP can determine whether to accept the first dimension configured by the second AP for itself (i.e., the second AP), or it can suggest modifications to the second dimension.

[0139] In some examples, the proposed modifications to the second dimension are similar to those to the first dimension, except that the first dimension is replaced by the second dimension. This will not be elaborated further in the embodiments of this application.

[0140] In this embodiment of the application, the AP receiving the second information can inform the AP that sent the second information whether it accepts the second dimension. Through this negotiation process, a more reasonable first dimension can be configured for the first AP, improving communication efficiency.

[0141] In the communication method provided in this application embodiment, the first AP and the second AP can also inform the other end whether their own node supports unilateral suppression. Unilateral suppression means that one of the first AP and the second AP performs full or partial CoBF suppression, while the other AP does not perform suppression. For example, consider a scenario where an AP is communicating with STAs within its BSS. When an AP belonging to a certain BSS needs to send a signal, considering that the new AP cannot affect the normal communication of the original AP, and that the original AP has no reason to sacrifice its own communication performance to ensure no interference with STAs within the BSS to which the new AP belongs, the original AP can choose not to perform interference suppression, while the new AP performs interference suppression to ensure that the communication of the original AP is not affected.

[0142] For example, the first AP can send a seventh message to the second AP. Correspondingly, the second AP can receive the seventh message from the first AP. This seventh message can be used to indicate whether the first AP supports one-sided suppression. For example, supporting one-sided suppression could include having a first dimension value of 0, or a second dimension value of 0.

[0143] For example, the second AP can send a seventh message to the first AP. Correspondingly, the first AP can receive an eighth message from the second AP. This eighth message can be used to indicate whether the second AP supports unilateral suppression.

[0144] It is understood that the unilateral suppression mentioned in the above example means that one AP performs full suppression CoBF or partial suppression CoBF as described in the previous embodiments, while the other AP does not perform CoBF suppression.

[0145] In this application embodiment, the access point can also indicate to other access points whether its own node allows a unilateral suppression scheme, so that different access points can adopt a more reasonable way to suppress interference.

[0146] Taking the first AP as an example, in some cases where the first AP supports unilateral suppression, the first AP can also inform the second AP whether its own node performs interference suppression. For example, the first AP can send a ninth message to the second AP. This ninth message can be used to indicate whether the first AP performs interference suppression. In some cases, the ninth message and the seventh message can be carried on the same signaling, which is not limited in this embodiment. Here, the first AP performing interference suppression means that the first AP provides interference suppression, and the second AP does not need to provide interference suppression. The first AP providing interference suppression can be performing full suppression CoBF or partial suppression CoBF.

[0147] Taking the second AP as an example, in some cases where the second AP supports unilateral suppression, the second AP can also inform the first AP whether its own node performs interference suppression. For example, the second AP can send a tenth message to the first AP. This tenth message can be used to indicate whether the second AP performs interference suppression. In some cases, the tenth message and the eighth message can be carried on the same signaling, which is not limited in this embodiment. Here, the second AP performing interference suppression means that the second AP provides interference suppression, and the first AP does not need to provide interference suppression. The second AP providing interference suppression can be performing full suppression CoBF or partial suppression CoBF.

[0148] In this embodiment of the application, in addition to indicating that a certain AP is allowed to perform unilateral suppression, it can also indicate whether the AP performs interference suppression. This allows for more flexible configuration of each AP to perform interference suppression.

[0149] In some examples, when the ninth information indicates whether the first AP performs interference suppression, one implementation can use 1 bit to indicate whether the first AP performs interference suppression or not. For example, 0 indicates that the first AP does not perform interference suppression, and 1 indicates that the first AP performs interference suppression. Alternatively, 0 indicates that the first AP performs interference suppression, and 1 indicates that the first AP does not perform interference suppression. In various embodiments of this application, the first AP performing interference suppression can be considered as the first AP providing interference suppression while the second AP does not. It can also be considered as the first AP not providing interference suppression while the second AP provides interference suppression.

[0150] Another possible implementation is to indirectly represent this through the first and second dimensions. For example, when the first AP performs interference suppression and the second dimension is the interference suppression dimension, the value of the second dimension can be 0. This means that the interference suppression dimension that the second AP can consume is 0, i.e., the second AP does not provide interference suppression, but rather the first AP provides it unilaterally. As another example, when the first AP performs interference suppression and the second dimension is the number of streams used by the second AP for communication, the value of the second dimension can be the number of antennas of the second AP, i.e., the second dimension is the total number of dimensions that the second AP can use. This also means that the interference suppression dimension that the second AP can consume is 0.

[0151] For example, when the second AP performs interference suppression, and the first dimension is the interference suppression dimension, the value of the first dimension can be 0. This means that the interference suppression dimension that the first AP can consume is 0, i.e., the first AP does not provide interference suppression, but the second AP provides interference suppression unilaterally. As another example, when the second AP performs interference suppression, and the first dimension is the number of streams used by the first AP for communication, the value of the first dimension can be the number of antennas of the first AP, i.e., the first dimension is the total number of dimensions that the first AP can use. This also means that the interference suppression dimension that the first AP can consume is 0.

[0152] This application provides various methods for instructing access points to perform interference suppression, thereby improving the system's versatility.

[0153] In some embodiments, when the first AP performs interference suppression, the ninth information sent by the first AP can also be used to instruct the second AP to perform other suppression methods different from the unilateral suppression. This other suppression method can be referred to as first suppression, such as cooperative space reuse or reducing transmit power. For example, when the first AP does not perform interference suppression, the ninth information sent by the first AP can also be used to indicate other suppression methods that the first AP can perform, such as first suppression.

[0154] In this embodiment of the application, the first access point can instruct access points that do not perform interference suppression to perform other suppression methods when indicating whether it performs interference suppression, so as to ensure the stability and accuracy of communication during the communication process.

[0155] In some embodiments, when the second AP performs interference suppression, the tenth information sent by the second AP can also be used to instruct the first AP to perform other suppression methods different from the unilateral suppression, such as first suppression. For example, when the second AP does not perform interference suppression, the tenth information sent by the second AP can also be used to indicate other suppression methods that the second AP can perform, such as first suppression.

[0156] In this embodiment of the application, the second access point, when indicating whether it performs interference suppression, can also instruct access points that do not perform interference suppression to perform other suppression methods, so as to ensure the stability and accuracy of communication during the communication process.

[0157] In the communication method provided in this application embodiment, considering that the communication environment may change during the communication process between the first AP and the second AP, this application can also dynamically adjust the first dimension and the second dimension to better adapt to dynamically changing communication scenarios and provide better interference suppression effects. In some examples, taking the first AP as an example, the first AP can dynamically adjust the value of the second dimension according to the actual communication situation. For example, if the signal interference received by the first STA is large, the first STA can inform the first AP, and the first AP can determine to increase the value of the second dimension to reduce the signal interference generated by the second AP to the first STA. Alternatively, if the signal interference received by the first STA is small, the first STA can inform the first AP, and the first AP can determine to decrease the value of the second dimension, thereby reducing the interference suppression dimension consumed by the second AP and improving the communication quality of the second AP while ensuring the communication quality of the first AP.

[0158] For example, the first AP can determine a third dimension. This third dimension can be used to suppress interference caused by the second AP access point to the first STA. It can be understood that the third dimension is the second dimension reconfigured by the first AP. The first AP can send an eleventh message to the second AP. This eleventh message can indicate the aforementioned third dimension. In other words, the first AP can inform the second AP of the newly determined third dimension.

[0159] In this embodiment, the first AP can dynamically adjust the original second dimension to a third dimension and synchronize it with the second AP. This allows the second AP to better suppress interference with the first STA and improve the communication quality of the first AP.

[0160] In some examples, the second AP can provide feedback to the first AP regarding whether it accepts a newly determined third dimension. Taking the second and third dimensions as interference suppression dimensions, if the third dimension is smaller than the second dimension, this means the second AP needs to consume less interference suppression data, which is more advantageous because it can use more streams for transmission during communication with the second STA. In this scenario, the second AP can default to accepting the third dimension. Similarly, taking the second and third dimensions as the number of streams required for communication by the second AP, if the third dimension is larger than the second dimension, this means the second AP needs to consume less interference suppression data, and it can use more streams for transmission during communication with the second STA. This is also more advantageous for the second AP, and it can default to accepting the third dimension.

[0161] Taking the second and third dimensions as interference suppression dimensions as an example, if the third dimension is larger than the second dimension, this means the second AP needs to consume more interference suppression dimensions. This is more advantageous for the first AP, but disadvantageous for the second AP itself because the number of streams used by the second AP during communication with the second STA will decrease. Therefore, the second AP can determine whether to accept the third dimension. The second AP can send a twelfth message to the first AP. This twelfth message can be used to instruct the second AP to accept, reject, modify, or suggest the third dimension. For example, if the second AP accepts the third dimension, the twelfth message can instruct the second AP to accept the third dimension. Or, if the second AP does not accept the third dimension, the twelfth message can instruct the second AP to reject the third dimension. In some cases, even if the second AP does not accept the third dimension, it can still provide modification or suggestions to the first AP. For example, the second AP can directly determine a new third dimension and inform the first AP through the twelfth message. Alternatively, the second AP can provide a suggestion for the third dimension, such as suggesting that the first AP adjust the third dimension to a certain value and informing the first AP through the twelfth message.

[0162] In this application embodiment, the second AP can negotiate a more reasonable third dimension with the first AP so that the second AP can better suppress interference to the first STA and improve the communication quality of the first AP.

[0163] In some embodiments, the second AP can dynamically adjust the value of the second dimension based on the actual communication situation. For example, if the second STA receives a large amount of signal interference, the second STA can inform the second AP, which will then determine to decrease the value of the second dimension to improve the communication quality between the second AP and the second STA. Alternatively, if the second STA receives a small amount of signal interference, the second STA can inform the second AP, which will then determine to increase the value of the second dimension to reduce the interference caused by the second AP to the first STA while ensuring the communication quality of the second AP.

[0164] For example, the second AP can determine a fourth dimension. This fourth dimension can be used to suppress interference caused by the second AP access point to the first STA. It can be understood that the fourth dimension is the second dimension reconfigured by the second AP. The second AP can send a thirteenth message to the first AP. This thirteenth message can indicate the aforementioned fourth dimension. In other words, the second AP can inform the first AP of the newly determined fourth dimension.

[0165] In this embodiment, the second AP can dynamically adjust the original second dimension to a fourth dimension and synchronize it with the first AP. This allows the second AP to better suppress interference with the first STA and improve the communication quality of the first AP.

[0166] In some examples, the first AP can provide feedback to the second AP regarding whether it will accept the newly determined fourth dimension. Taking the second and fourth dimensions as interference suppression dimensions, if the fourth dimension is greater than the second, this means the second AP needs to consume more interference suppression dimensions. This is more advantageous for the first AP because the second AP can provide better interference suppression, improving the signal quality received by the first STA. In this scenario, the first AP can default to accepting the fourth dimension. Similarly, taking the second and fourth dimensions as the number of streams required for communication by the second AP, if the fourth dimension is less than the second, this means the second AP needs to consume more interference suppression dimensions, reducing the number of streams used in communication with the second STA. This is more advantageous for the first AP, which can default to accepting the third dimension.

[0167] Taking the second and third dimensions as interference suppression dimensions as an example, if the fourth dimension is smaller than the second dimension, this means reducing the interference suppression dimension consumed by the second AP. This is more advantageous for the second AP, but disadvantageous for the first AP itself. Because the second AP consumes less interference suppression dimension, the first STA will experience more interference. Therefore, the first AP can determine whether to accept the fourth dimension. The first AP can send a fourteenth message to the second AP. This fourteenth message can be used to instruct the first AP to accept, reject, modify, or suggest the fourth dimension. For example, if the second AP accepts the fourth dimension, the fourteenth message can instruct the first AP to accept it. Or, if the first AP does not accept the fourth dimension, the fourteenth message can instruct the first AP to reject it. In some cases, even if the first AP does not accept the fourth dimension, the first AP can still provide modifications or suggestions to the second AP. For example, the first AP can directly determine a new fourth dimension and inform the second AP through the fourteenth message. Alternatively, the first AP can provide a suggestion for the fourth dimension, such as suggesting that the second AP adjust the fourth dimension to a certain value, and inform the second AP through the fourteenth message.

[0168] In this application embodiment, the first AP can negotiate a more reasonable fourth dimension with the second AP so that the second AP can better suppress interference to the first AP and improve the communication quality of the first AP.

[0169] It is understood that the examples above only describe two BSSs, and one AP and one STA in each BSS. In other examples, multiple APs in more BSSs can negotiate in the above manner. Furthermore, the first and second dimensions (including the third and fourth dimensions in the update process) involved in the above negotiation process are not limited to a single STA. For example, BSS1 includes AP 11, STA 22, and STA 33, and BSS2 includes AP 44, STA 55, and STA 66. Assuming AP 11 is the first AP and AP 22 is the second AP, the negotiated first dimension (or third dimension) can be for a specific STA. For example, the first dimension (or third dimension) required for suppression can be negotiated separately for STA 55 and STA 66. Alternatively, the negotiated first dimension (or third dimension) can be for multiple STAs. For example, a unified first dimension (or third dimension) can be negotiated for STA 55 and STA 66, where the sum of the dimension used to suppress STA 55 and the dimension used to suppress STA 66 equals the unified first dimension (or third dimension). Of course, the above description only uses two STAs as an example, and more STAs may be included. This application does not limit the scope of the embodiments.

[0170] It is clear that, in the first (or third) dimension of the above-mentioned overall negotiation, the AP may know the individual STAs included in the OBSS; or the AP may not know the individual STAs included in the OBSS, that is, the AP directly assigns the first (or third) dimension of the overall system for suppressing interference with the multiple STAs, without knowing which specific STAs are being suppressed.

[0171] Decoupled from the aforementioned determination of dimensions for multiple STAs individually or as a whole, multiple APs can directly negotiate. For example, AP 111, AP 222, and AP 333, belonging to three different BSSs, can negotiate with each other. This application does not limit the scope of the embodiments described herein.

[0172] During the negotiation between the first and second APs to execute the CoBF (CoBF) for the first and second dimensions (including the third and fourth dimensions in subsequent update processes), the APs need to know the relevant channel information. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, taking AP 1 as an example, if AP 1 wants to suppress interference to STA 2, then AP 1 needs to know the relevant information about the channel between AP 1 and STA 2 so that AP 1 can configure precoding. Correspondingly, AP 1 also needs to know the relevant information about the channel between itself and STA 1. In some examples, referring to the channel measurement method shown in Figure 5, AP 1 can send a null data packet announcement (NDPA) to STA 1. This NDPA frame declares that a null data packet (NDP) frame for channel sensing will be sent subsequently. For example, after the short inter-frame space (SIFS), AP 1 can send the NDP for channel sensing to STA 1. After one SIFS, AP 1 can send a beamforming report poll (BFRP) frame to STA 1 to complete the collection of channel measurement results. After another SIFS, STA 1 can inform AP 1 of the channel measurement results via a beamforming report (BFR). In the embodiments of this application, the channel measurement results can also be referred to as channel sounding results.

[0173] In the CoBF scenario, taking AP1 as an example, AP1 can obtain H through the process shown in Figure 5. 11The channel measurement results are shown in Figure 6. AP 1 can use AP 2 to notify STA 2 that it is about to send an NDP and request channel measurement results. This is because a STA only receives an NDPA sent by its associated AP. Therefore, AP 2 can send an NDPA to STA 2. After a SIFS, AP 1 can send an NDP to STA 2. The STA does not distinguish which device sent the NDP. Therefore, the NDP can still be sent by AP 1. After the SIFS, AP 2 sends a BFRP to STA 2, and after the SIFS, AP 2 receives a BFR from STA 2. It can be understood that the STA usually feeds back the channel measurement results to its associated AP. The AP then decides whether to send the channel measurement results to other APs. In this embodiment, AP 2 can send H... 21 The channel measurement results are then forwarded to AP1.

[0174] Similarly, for AP 2, H is obtained using the methods shown in Figures 5 and 6 above. 22 Channel measurement results, H 12 The channel measurement results are shown. The difference lies in replacing AP 1 and AP 2, and STA 1 and STA 2 in Figures 5 and 6.

[0175] It is understandable that the above methods can obtain H in different orders. 11 Channel measurement results, H 12 Channel measurement results, H 21 Channel measurement results, H 22 The channel measurement results are used. Of course, the specific order can be adjusted according to the actual situation, and this application does not limit this. This method can be called serial channel measurement (or serial channel probing).

[0176] Referring to Figure 7, this illustrates a joint channel measurement (or joint channel sounding). Using AP 1 as an example, similar to Figure 5, the difference is that the NDP is a joint NDP. This joint NDP can be considered as an NDP jointly transmitted by AP 1 and AP 2. It's important to understand that this joint NDP does not mean that AP 1 and AP 2 transmit the NDP together, but rather it is a specific type of NDP. This NDP is associated with AP 1 and AP 2, meaning that this joint NDP is used by AP 1 and AP 2 for channel sounding. This joint NDP can be transmitted by either AP 1 or AP 2.

[0177] In the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application, channel measurement for CoBF can also employ hybrid channel measurement (or hybrid channel probing). This includes both serial channel measurement and joint channel measurement. For example, H can be obtained through joint measurement as shown in Figure 7. 11 Channel measurement results, H 12 The channel measurement results are shown in Figure 5. 22 The channel measurement results, and the H obtained through Figure 6 21 The channel measurement results. For example, H can be obtained through joint measurement as shown in Figure 7. 22 Channel measurement results, H 21 The channel measurement results are shown in Figure 5. 11 The channel measurement results, and the H obtained through Figure 6 12 The channel measurement results.

[0178] The above method allows for support of different channel measurement schemes, so the AP or STA can choose a more suitable channel measurement method according to the actual situation. Correspondingly, the STA can also have combined feedback and separated feedback. That is, combined feedback can perform SVD based on the joint channel measurement results of AP1 and AP2, and then feed back the right singular matrix. Separated feedback can perform SVD based on the channel measurement results of AP1 and AP2 respectively, and then the STA feeds back the right singular matrix after SVD for each of its respective channels. Of course, the above is only one feedback example; other precoding feedback methods can also be used, such as zero-forcing beamforming precoding. This application does not limit the specific implementation of these methods.

[0179] The main difference between combined feedback and split feedback lies in whether the operation is based solely on the channel of a single AP. For example, joint channel measurement yields a unified channel matrix. If the STA operates on the channels of multiple APs jointly, this can be categorized as combined feedback. Conversely, if joint channel measurement yields a unified channel matrix, but the STA operates on the channel of a single AP, the unified channel matrix can be split and operated on separately, which can still be understood as split feedback. Of course, feedback from serial channel probing can be considered split feedback.

[0180] In some examples, the first AP can also send a fifteenth message to the second AP. This fifteenth message can instruct the first AP to support serial channel measurements. For example, the fifteenth message can instruct the first AP to support joint channel measurements. For another example, the fifteenth message can instruct the first AP to support combined feedback. For yet another example, the fifteenth message can instruct the first AP to support separated feedback. For yet another example, the fifteenth message can instruct the first AP to support a probe dimension greater than a first threshold. Here, the probe dimension can be considered as the number of long training fields (LTF). In some examples, the first threshold can be any non-negative integer, such as 4.

[0181] In other examples, the fifteenth information may also indicate: the first AP supports serial channel measurement, the first AP supports combined feedback; or, the first AP supports joint channel measurement, the first AP supports separated feedback, the first AP supports a probe dimension greater than a first threshold; or, the first AP supports serial channel measurement, the first AP supports joint channel measurement, the first AP supports separated feedback, the first AP supports a probe dimension greater than a first threshold; or, the first AP supports serial channel measurement, the first AP supports joint probe transmission, the first AP supports combined feedback, the first AP supports separated feedback, the first AP supports a probe dimension greater than a first threshold.

[0182] Of course, the above only illustrates some of the possible indications of the fifteenth information, which may also indicate any two, three, or four of the aforementioned capabilities. This application's embodiments will not list them all.

[0183] It is understood that the second AP can be similar to the first AP in order to inform the first AP of the capabilities of the second AP. Further details will not be elaborated upon in the embodiments of this application.

[0184] In some examples, as shown in Table 1, different capabilities can be indicated by different bits.

[0185] Table 1

[0186] For example, the 1 bit corresponding to "Support serial channel measurement" can be used to indicate whether the AP sending the fifteenth message supports serial channel measurement. The 1 bit corresponding to "Support joint channel measurement" can be used to indicate whether the AP sending the fifteenth message supports joint channel measurement. The 1 bit corresponding to "Support combined feedback" can be used to indicate whether the AP sending the fifteenth message supports the aforementioned combined feedback. The 1 bit corresponding to "Support probe dimension greater than the first threshold" can be used to indicate whether the BSS to which the AP sending the fifteenth message belongs supports probe dimension greater than the first threshold.

[0187] For example, the "Supported detection dimensions greater than the first threshold" field mentioned above can be related to channel detection capabilities, such as the number of received LTFs. To prevent channel detection (such as joint channel measurement) from setting the LTF too high, causing the BSS site to support that channel measurement dimension, this field can be used to inform the AP in the OBSS.

[0188] Some or all of the information shown in Table 1 above may exist in frames with capability indications, such as beacon frames. Of course, it may also exist in other frames, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0189] In this application embodiment, the access point can also synchronize some of its own capabilities with other access points in order to adopt more reasonable channel detection and feedback methods and improve communication performance.

[0190] In some embodiments, the first AP may send a first frame to the second STA. This first frame may be used to indicate serial channel measurement or joint channel measurement, and may also be used to indicate combined feedback and / or separated feedback. For example, if the first frame indicates joint channel measurement, then the second AP can obtain H through the joint channel measurement. 22 Channel measurement results, H 21 The channel measurement results. For example, if the first frame is used to indicate merging feedback, then the above-described merging feedback method can be used to feed back the right singular matrix. It should be understood that the above is merely an exemplary description; the first frame can indicate the channel measurement method and feedback method according to the actual situation, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0191] In some examples, as shown in Table 2, the first frame may include the following fields.

[0192] Table 2

[0193] For example, in a 2-bit configuration, 00 indicates combined feedback, 01 indicates separated feedback, 10 indicates both types of feedback are needed, and 11 can be reserved. The case of 10 corresponds to the need for both combined and separated feedback. One possible scenario is the existence of AP 12 and AP 34. AP 12 may need to report its channel measurements within its local BSS to AP 34 in the OBSS. AP 12 and AP 34 may support different feedback methods. For example, one AP supports combined feedback, while the other supports separated feedback. Therefore, the STA in the BSS where AP 12 resides needs to report both combined and separated feedback for different APs to operate on (e.g., for transmission or CoBF).

[0194] It is understood that the above-described scheme of AP and STA sending the first frame can be applied to communication, negotiation, and feedback between APs. This application does not limit the scope of the embodiments.

[0195] The access point in this application embodiment can be flexibly configured with channel measurement methods and feedback methods according to actual conditions.

[0196] In some cases, the first frame can be a data frame, a management frame, or a control frame. If the first frame is a control frame, it can be an NDPA frame.

[0197] This application embodiment can indicate information related to channel measurement and feedback through NDPA frames. While indicating that subsequent channel measurements are needed, it also configures the corresponding measurement and feedback methods, thereby improving communication efficiency.

[0198] In some examples, the first frame can also be used to indicate the flow configuration corresponding to the second AP in the case of the merged feedback. For example, the flow configuration may include parameters such as the start position of the flow and the number of flows.

[0199] For example, the first frame can also be used to indicate the flow configuration corresponding to the first AP.

[0200] For example, the first frame can also be used to indicate the total number of LTFs.

[0201] For example, the first frame can also be used to indicate whether only the channel probe results corresponding to the BSS where the first AP is located are fed back.

[0202] For example, the first frame can also be used to indicate N. c The N c It can represent the number of pre-encoded columns or the number of streams.

[0203] Referring to Tables 3 and 6, the fields that the first frame may also include are shown.

[0204] Table 3

[0205] Where X1, X2, and X3 are any positive integers.

[0206] In some examples, the "flow configuration of the peer AP under joint feedback" mentioned above can be understood as the flow configuration of the OBSS AP. For instance, it refers to the starting position and number of flows when the OBSS AP participates in joint channel measurements. For example, if the index of the starting flow of the OBSS AP is 0, it can be considered a serial channel measurement.

[0207] Furthermore, for example, if the starting flow index of the OBSS AP is 0 and the number of flows of the OBSS AP is 0, it can be considered that the AP of this BSS is performing serial channel measurements. Similarly, if the number of flows of the OBSS AP is 0 and the starting flow index of the OBSS AP is greater than 0, it can also be considered that the AP of this BSS is performing serial channel measurements. For example, if the starting flow index of the OBSS AP is 0 and the number of flows of the OBSS AP is greater than 0, it can be considered that the AP of the OBSS is performing serial channel measurements. And again, if the number of flows of the OBSS AP is greater than 0 and the starting flow index of the OBSS AP is greater than 0, it can be considered that joint channel measurements are being performed.

[0208] In some examples, the fields shown in Table 3 above can be configured in the common portion of the frame or in the special site information field. The special site information field can be used to carry additional common portion information.

[0209] In some embodiments, several methods for informing the peer AP of flow configurations are provided below. Refer to Tables 4 and 5.

[0210] Table 4

[0211] Table 5

[0212] It is understood that Tables 4 and 5 above only show one possible configuration. For example, some rows in Table 5 can also be used to indicate serial channel measurements. For instance, if subfield 1 in Table 5 takes values ​​of 5, 6, and 7, these can all be reserved bits. In one case, reserved bits 6 and 7 can be configured as shown in Table 5 to indicate serial channel measurements, specifically indicating whether the NDP can be sent from this BSS or from the OBSS. Of course, in this case, subfield 1 can be considered a comprehensive indication, rather than a simple index indicating the starting flow.

[0213] For example, when subfield 1 in Table 5 above has a value of 7, the value indicated by subfield 2 can be considered as the number of flows in this BSS AP. It is clear that in Table 5 above, for certain values ​​of subfield 1, subfield 2 can correspond to the number of flows in this BSS; while when subfield 1 has other values, the value of subfield 2 corresponds to the number of flows in the OBSS. It is important to understand that the above is merely an illustrative description, and the embodiments in this application are not intended to limit the scope of the application.

[0214] It is understood that the embodiments of this application do not limit the specific values ​​corresponding to each meaning in Table 5, nor do they limit the number of bits required for each field. In some cases, subfield 1 and subfield 2 in Table 4 can also be represented by a single field. The embodiments of this application do not impose any limitations. Similarly, the specific values ​​and meanings involved in the embodiments of this application can be arbitrarily combined according to the actual situation. Each possible field can also be represented by an appropriate number of bits according to the actual situation. Some fields can also be equivalently replaced by a whole field, and the embodiments of this application do not impose any limitations.

[0215] Table 6

[0216] Where Y1 is any positive integer.

[0217] In some examples, N c This can be considered a dimension of feedback, such as rows or columns of a matrix. For example, in the case of feedback for the transmission of the AP in this BSS, N c This can correspond to the number of columns in the precoding matrix. For example, in the case of feedback for the AP of OBSS, N... c This could correspond to the number of rows in the channel or the vector dimension of a partial matrix (such as a right singular matrix) after SVD decomposition. For example, in the case of feedback for joint channel measurements, if the feedback is combined feedback, then N... c It can be one value (or two values, depending on the final definition of the algorithm or standard); if the feedback is separated feedback, then N c It can have two values. For example, in the case of serial channel probing, N... c Each time corresponds to a single value.

[0218] Therefore, there may be a feedback of N. c Or multiple N c In the case that N can exist in NDPA or BFRP c 1 and N c 2. Wherein, N c 1 and N c The meaning of 2 can be different. For example, N c 1 can always represent the matrix feedback dimension of this BSS, N c 2 can always represent the matrix feedback dimension of OBSS. N c 1 and N c 2 can also be identified by other symbols, such as X, Y, etc., without restriction. Additionally, N... c 1 and N c 2 may not describe the same dimension.

[0219] In some examples, the fields shown in Table 6 above can be configured in the site information field corresponding to the site in the frame.

[0220] In some examples, the various information shown in Tables 1 through 6 above can also be indicated in BFRP or BFR.

[0221] In this embodiment of the application, the access point can also indicate various configuration parameters to other access points to improve communication performance.

[0222] The above-mentioned solution will now be described in conjunction with more specific embodiments.

[0223] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, AP 1 and AP 2 can synchronize the first and second dimensions required by their respective and / or each other's nodes during the CoBF establishment or negotiation phase.

[0224] Scenario 1: An AP determines the first and second dimensions required by itself and the peer AP.

[0225] For example, AP 1 can inform AP 2 of the interference suppression dimensions it needs to provide (at least). AP 1 can also inform AP 2 of the interference suppression dimensions it (i.e., AP 1) can provide (at most). Accordingly, AP 2 can accept, reject, modify, or suggest the aforementioned parameters.

[0226] For example, the first and second information can indicate the interference suppression dimension as shown in Tables 7 and 8. In this case, the first and second information can be carried by the same signaling.

[0227] Table 7

[0228] Where K1 and K2 are any positive integers.

[0229] Table 8

[0230] Accordingly, the interference suppression dimension can also be replaced with the number of streams that this AP can use.

[0231] Scenario 2: Each AP determines its required first or second dimension:

[0232] For example, AP 1 can inform AP 2 of the required interference suppression dimensions (at least). AP 2 can inform AP 1 of the required interference suppression dimensions (at least). Both parties can accept, reject, modify, or suggest the above parameters.

[0233] For example, the first and second information can indicate the interference suppression dimension as shown in Table 9. In this case, the first and second information are carried by different signaling methods.

[0234] Table 9

[0235] Scenario 3: Each AP determines the first or second dimension required by the other AP:

[0236] For example, AP 1 can inform AP 2 of the interference suppression dimensions that AP 1 can (at most) provide to AP 2. AP 2 can inform AP 1 of the interference suppression dimensions that AP 2 can (at most) provide to AP 1. Both parties can accept, reject, modify, or suggest the above parameters.

[0237] For example, the first and second information can indicate the interference suppression dimension as shown in Table 10. In this case, the first and second information are carried by different signaling methods.

[0238] Table 10

[0239] In some examples, the dimensions in Tables 7 to 10 above can be carried in various frames, such as request frames, response frames, control frames, etc. Of course, the interference suppression dimensions in Tables 7 to 10 above can also be replaced with the BSS transmission dimensions. For example, the interference suppression dimension provided by this AP can be replaced with the BSS transmission dimension; the interference suppression dimension provided by the other AP can be replaced with the OBSS transmission dimension. Accordingly, the BSS transmission dimension + interference suppression dimension should satisfy the condition that the number of transmitting antennas equals the number of transmitting antennas. This application does not limit the scope of the embodiments. It is understood that the "transmission dimension" mentioned here can be the number of antennas transmitted by the AP as mentioned in the previous examples, or it can also be the number of communication streams; this application does not limit the scope of the embodiments.

[0240] It is clear that although the dimensions mentioned in Tables 7 to 10 above are presented separately, in some examples, they can also be presented in any possible way, such as index numbers, tables, bitmaps, etc. For example, Table 7 can be presented in tabular form, with each value corresponding to a possible combination. This application does not limit the scope of the embodiments described herein.

[0241] In some embodiments, the interference suppression dimension can also be interpreted from a feedback perspective. In this paper, B1 and B2 are the dimensions or number of transport streams used by the transmitter for transmission in this BSS, and A1 and A2 are the interference suppression dimensions. B1 and B2 can be associated with the feedback dimensions of the BSS channel measurement results, and A1 and A2 can be associated with the feedback dimensions of the OBSS channel measurement results. For OBSS feedback, STA 1 can provide feedback to AP 2 directly or indirectly (e.g., through AP 1). The matrix dimension of its feedback can be the interference suppression dimension (A2) belonging to the user × the number of transmit antennas of AP 2, or it can be the number of transmit antennas of AP 2 × (the number of transmit antennas of AP 2 - the interference suppression dimension (A2) belonging to the user), etc. It can be seen that the feedback dimension can be related to A2. For combined feedback in joint channel measurement, the effects of A and B can be considered together. For example, STA 1 will consider B1 and A2.

[0242] It should be noted that there are two possible forms of feedback: one is that the AP can directly receive feedback from the OBSS STA (e.g., BFR is unencrypted), and the other is that the AP can provide feedback through the OBSS AP. The scenarios involved in the above tests do not restrict either of these two situations.

[0243] It should also be noted that although the above embodiments use a single user (i.e., one STA) as an example, there may be multiple users (such as multiple STAs) in a single BSS. These one or more STAs can directly or indirectly inform AP2 of their feedback dimensions, or they can report larger feedback information to the AP of this BSS, which will then inform them according to the dimensions. For example, if the STA reports dimension 4 to this BSS, this BSS may determine that dimension as 2 and inform the OBSS AP.

[0244] If an AP negotiates a total interference suppression dimension with an OBSS AP, the AP can decide on its own whether each user is allocated part or all of the interference suppression dimension, or not at all. It can also negotiate with the STA. This application embodiment does not impose any restrictions here.

[0245] In summary, the feedback dimension from STA 1 to AP 1 or AP 2 can be based on B1 and / or A2 assigned to itself. The sum of B1 of multiple STAs corresponds to the total number of flows or the total dimension used for communication in AP 1, and the sum of A2 of multiple STAs corresponds to the total interference suppression dimension of AP 2.

[0246] This addresses the scenario where one party participating in CoBF (Co-Band of Functions) is allowed to refrain from implementing interference suppression strategies, while the other party does. This scenario has numerous use cases. For example, if an AP has already preempted a channel, and another AP wants to participate in the transmission, it can choose to have the original AP refrain from interference suppression, while the newly joining AP does. Another example is if an AP has a limited number of antennas and no additional interference suppression capabilities, while another AP can provide more interference suppression capabilities; therefore, it can choose a scheme where the former AP refrains from interference suppression, while the latter AP implements it.

[0247] The following section will design a one-sided CoBF from the perspectives of capability support and process and signaling interaction.

[0248] Device (e.g., AP) capability indications: For example, it could indicate whether it supports unilateral CoBF. Or, if its own AP supports unilateral CoBF and is acting as the interference suppression provider, it could indicate whether the peer AP needs to employ other interference suppression methods, such as cooperative space reuse or reduced transmit power. Or, if its own AP supports unilateral CoBF but is acting as the non-interference suppression provider, it could indicate whether it can provide other interference suppression methods. Or, it could indicate the interference suppression methods its own AP can provide.

[0249] From a process perspective, method A:

[0250] AP 1 can request a unilateral CoBF from AP 2, specifying whether AP 1 or AP 2 is the party providing interference suppression or not. AP 2 can respond to AP 1 with a response indicating whether it accepts, rejects, modifies, or suggests the unilateral CoBF.

[0251] From a process perspective, method B:

[0252] An AP can directly set the "interference suppression dimensions that this AP can provide to the other AP" to 0, thereby indicating that it does not support CoBF. In other words, an AP can directly indicate that it can participate in unilateral CoBF and can act as a party that does not provide interference suppression by indicating that it supports or only supports providing 0 interference suppression dimensions.

[0253] Similarly, an AP can set "the interference suppression dimension that this AP needs from the other AP" to 0 to indicate that it allows the other AP to be the party that does not provide interference suppression in a unilateral CoBF.

[0254] Considering that services and users within the AP may change, the above-mentioned interference suppression dimensions can be dynamically adjusted.

[0255] AP 1 and AP 2 may update the above interference suppression dimensions. Regarding the interference suppression dimension of AP 2, there are four possibilities:

[0256] Scenario 1: AP 1 wants to reduce the interference suppression dimension of AP 2. In this case, negotiation is not required; simply inform AP 1 or make the necessary changes.

[0257] Scenario 2: AP 1 wants to increase the interference suppression dimension of AP 2. This requires negotiation with AP 2.

[0258] Scenario 3: AP 2 wants to reduce its interference suppression dimension. This requires negotiation with AP 1.

[0259] Scenario 4: AP2 wants to increase its interference suppression dimension. In this case, negotiation is not required; simply inform AP2 directly.

[0260] The updated interference suppression dimension can be specified through a field, such as Y = 2 bits.

[0261] In scenario one, notification or modification can be made in frames such as NDPA and NDP, or other frames can be searched for to notify or modify X.

[0262] In scenario two, AP 1 can include the aforementioned fields in the frame sent to AP 2 to make the request.

[0263] In scenario three, AP 2 can include the aforementioned fields in the frame sent to AP 1 to make the request.

[0264] In scenario four, AP 2 can be informed directly in NDPA or NDP, or the interference suppression dimension of AP 2 can be changed.

[0265] The embodiments described above only illustrate the negotiation and interaction process between the first AP and the second AP. In other examples, more APs may be present to achieve negotiation and interaction between multiple APs; this embodiment does not limit this approach.

[0266] In various embodiments of this application, the first AP among multiple APs can also be referred to as the sharing AP, and the second AP can also be referred to as the shared AP. For example, the first AP can also be referred to as this BSS AP, the master AP, the sharing AP, etc. As another example, the second AP can also be referred to as the OBSS AP, the slave AP, the shared AP, etc. The embodiments of this application do not impose limitations.

[0267] In the embodiments of this application, "at most" can be replaced with "at least," and "at least" can also be replaced with "at most." Of course, "at most" and "at least" can also be replaced with "equal to," and this application embodiment does not impose any limitations. The position of each field in the frame in the above signaling examples can be any possible position. Alternatively, they may not be in the same frame; this application embodiment does not impose any limitations on this.

[0268] It should be noted that the above embodiments can be combined to implement the combined solution. Optionally, some operations in the process of each method embodiment can be arbitrarily combined, and / or the order of some operations can be arbitrarily changed. Furthermore, the execution order between the steps of each process is merely exemplary and does not constitute a limitation on the execution order between steps; other execution orders are also possible. It is not intended to indicate that the execution order is the only possible order in which these operations can be performed. Those skilled in the art will conceive of various ways to reorder the operations described herein. In addition, it should be pointed out that the process details involved in a certain embodiment of this document are also applicable to other embodiments in a similar manner, or different embodiments can be combined.

[0269] It is understood that, in order to achieve the functions in the above embodiments, the base station and terminal include hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to perform each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, based on the units and method steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed in this application, the embodiments of this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed by hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application scenario and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0270] Figures 8 and 9 are schematic diagrams illustrating the possible structures of communication devices provided in embodiments of this application. These communication devices can be used to implement the functions of the AP in the above method embodiments, and thus can also achieve the beneficial effects of the above method embodiments. In the embodiments of this application, the communication device can be an AP, or a module applied to the AP, such as a chip.

[0271] As shown in Figure 8, the communication device 800 includes a processing unit 810 and a transceiver unit 820. The communication device 800 is used to implement the functions of the first AP in the method embodiments shown in Figures 4a and 4b above.

[0272] When the communication device 800 is used to implement the function of the first AP in the method embodiments shown in Figures 4a and 4b: the transceiver unit 820 is used to send or transmit first information. The processing unit 810 is used to control the transceiver unit 820 to send a first signal to the first station in the first dimension.

[0273] For a more detailed description of the processing unit 810 and the transceiver unit 820 described above, please refer to the relevant description of the method embodiments shown in Figures 4a and 4b.

[0274] As shown in Figure 9, the communication device 900 includes a processor 910 and an interface circuit 920. The processor 910 and the interface circuit 920 are coupled together. It is understood that the interface circuit 920 can be a transceiver or an input / output interface. Optionally, the communication device 900 may also include a memory 930 for storing instructions executed by the processor 910, input data required for executing instructions by the processor 910, or data generated after the processor 910 executes instructions. Sometimes, the interface circuit 920 can also be understood as part of the processor 910, in which case the communication device 900 includes the processor 910.

[0275] When the communication device 900 is used to implement the methods shown in FIG4a and FIG4b, the processor 910 is used to implement the functions of the processing unit 810, and the interface circuit 920 is used to implement the functions of the transceiver unit 820.

[0276] When the aforementioned communication device is a chip applied to an AP, the AP chip implements the functions of the AP in the above method embodiments. The AP chip receives information from other APs or STAs, which can be understood as the information being first received by other modules (such as RF modules or antennas) in the AP, and then sent to the AP chip by these modules. The AP chip sends information to other APs or STAs, which can be understood as the information being first sent to other modules (such as RF modules or antennas) in the AP, and then sent to the other APs or STAs by these modules.

[0277] The communication device shown in Figure 8 or Figure 9 is only an example, and in actual applications, the communication device may have more or fewer components than shown in Figure 8 or Figure 9, may combine two or more components, or may have different component configurations.

[0278] In this application, entity A sends information to entity B, either directly or indirectly through other entities. Similarly, entity B receives information from entity A, either directly or indirectly through other entities. Entities A and B can be RAN nodes or terminals, or modules within RAN nodes or terminals. Information transmission and reception can be between RAN nodes and terminals, such as between a base station and a terminal; between two RAN nodes, such as between a CU and a DU; or between different modules within a single device, such as between a terminal chip and other modules of the terminal, or between a base station chip and other modules of the base station.

[0279] It is understood that the processor in the embodiments of this application can be a central processing unit (CPU), or one or more of other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), microprocessor units (MPUs), microcontroller units (MCUs), graphics processing units (GPUs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), artificial intelligence processors (AI processors), or neural processing units (NPUs); or, the processor mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components (or parts), or any combination thereof. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, etc.

[0280] The method steps in the embodiments of this application can be implemented in hardware or in software instructions executable by a processor. The software instructions can consist of corresponding software modules, which can be stored in memory, such as volatile memory and / or non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memory can be flash memory, read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), or electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM). The volatile memory can be a cache or random access memory (RAM). For example, RAM can be used as an external cache. By way of example and not limitation, RAM includes a variety of forms, such as static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous linked dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM). The memory can also be in registers, hard disks, portable hard disks, compact disc (CD) ROMs, or any other form of storage medium well known in the art.

[0281] It should be noted that when the processor is a general-purpose processor, DSP, ASIC, FPGA, or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic device, or discrete hardware component, the memory (storage module) can be integrated into the processor. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to the processor, enabling the processor to read information from and write information to the storage medium. The storage medium can also be a component of the processor. The processor and storage medium can reside in an ASIC. Alternatively, the ASIC can reside in a base station or terminal. The processor and storage medium can also exist as discrete components in a base station or terminal.

[0282] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved entirely or partially through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented entirely or partially in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are performed entirely or partially. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, a network device, a user equipment, or other programmable device. The computer program or instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transferred from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer program or instructions can be transferred from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired or wireless means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium, such as a floppy disk, hard disk, or magnetic tape; it can also be an optical medium, such as a digital video optical disc; or it can be a semiconductor medium, such as a solid-state drive. The computer-readable storage medium may be a volatile or non-volatile storage medium, or may include both types of storage media.

[0283] In the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features of different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationship.

[0284] In this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. In the textual description of this application, the character " / " generally indicates an "or" relationship between the preceding and following related objects; in the formulas of this application, the character " / " indicates a "division" relationship between the preceding and following related objects. "Including at least one of A, B, and C" can mean: including A; including B; including C; including A and B; including A and C; including B and C; including A, B, and C.

[0285] It is understood that the various numerical designations used in the embodiments of this application are merely for descriptive convenience and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. The order of the process numbers described above does not imply the order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic.

[0286] The network architecture and business scenarios described in the embodiments of this application are for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0287] The terms "first" and "second," etc., used in the specification and drawings of the embodiments of this application are used to distinguish different objects or to distinguish different processing of the same object. The terms "first" and "second," etc., can distinguish identical or similar items with substantially the same function and effect. For example, "first device" and "second device" are merely to distinguish different devices and do not limit their order. Those skilled in the art will understand that the terms "first" and "second," etc., do not limit the quantity or execution order, and that "first" and "second," etc., do not necessarily imply that they are different.

[0288] Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, used in the description of the embodiments of this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or device that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the steps or units listed, but may optionally include other steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products, or devices.

[0289] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design that is described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design. Specifically, the use of terms such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner to facilitate understanding.

[0290] It is understood that the term "embodiment" used throughout the specification means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic related to an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the embodiments of this application. Therefore, the various embodiments throughout the specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, these specific features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. It is understood that in the various embodiments of the embodiments of this application, the sequence number of each process does not imply 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 this application.

[0291] It is understood that in the embodiments of this application, "...when" and "if" both refer to the corresponding processing that will be carried out under certain objective circumstances, and are not limited to a time, nor do they require a judgment action during implementation, nor do they imply any other limitations.

[0292] It is understood that some optional features in the embodiments of this application can be implemented independently in certain scenarios without relying on other features, such as the current solution on which they are based, to solve the corresponding technical problems and achieve the corresponding effects. Alternatively, they can be combined with other features as needed in certain scenarios. Correspondingly, the apparatus given in the embodiments of this application can also implement these features or functions, which will not be elaborated here.

[0293] In the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified, the same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other. In the various embodiments of this application, and in the various implementation methods / methods / implementations within each embodiment, unless otherwise specified or logically conflicting, the terminology and / or descriptions between different embodiments and between the various implementation methods / methods / implementations within each embodiment are consistent and can be mutually referenced. The technical features in different embodiments and the various implementation methods / methods / implementations within each embodiment can be combined to form new embodiments, implementation methods, methods, or implementation approaches based on their inherent logical relationships. The following descriptions of the embodiments of this application do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, include: Sending or receiving the first message, The first information is used to indicate the first dimension, wherein the first dimension is used to suppress the interference caused by the first signal to the second station, the first signal is a signal sent by the first access point to the first station, the first station is an associated station of the first access point, and the second station is an associated station of the second access point; The first signal is sent to the first site according to the first dimension.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: A target dimension is determined based on the first dimension; wherein, in response to sending the first information, the target dimension is less than or equal to the first dimension; or, in response to receiving the first information, the target dimension is greater than or equal to the first dimension. Sending the first signal to the first station according to the first dimension includes: The first signal is sent to the first station according to the target dimension.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The method further includes: Sending or receiving second information, the second information being used to indicate a second dimension, wherein the second dimension is used to suppress interference caused by a second signal to the first site, the second signal being a signal sent by the second access point to the second site.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The method further includes: In response to sending the first information, receiving third information, the third information being used to instruct the second access point to accept, reject, or modify the first dimension; or, In response to receiving the first information, a fourth information is sent, the fourth information being used to instruct the first access point to accept, reject, or modify the first dimension.

5. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: In response to sending the second information, receiving the fifth information, the fifth information being used to instruct the second access point to accept, reject, or modify the second dimension; or, In response to receiving the second information, a sixth information is sent, the sixth information being used to instruct the first access point to accept, reject, or modify the second dimension.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a seventh message, which indicates whether the first access point supports one-sided suppression, wherein supporting one-sided suppression includes: either the first dimension or the second dimension being 0; and / or, Receive the eighth message, which is used to indicate whether the second access point supports unilateral suppression.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The method further includes: If the seventh information indicates that the first access point supports unilateral suppression, a ninth information is sent, wherein the ninth information is used to indicate whether the first access point performs interference suppression; and / or, If the eighth information indicates that the second access point supports unilateral suppression, a tenth information is received, wherein the tenth information is used to indicate whether the second access point performs interference suppression.

8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The first access point performs the interference suppression, and the second dimension is 0; and / or, the second access point performs the interference suppression, and the first dimension is 0.

9. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, When the ninth information is used to instruct the first access point to perform the interference suppression, the ninth information is also used to instruct the second access point to perform a first suppression different from the unilateral suppression; or, In cases where the ninth information is used to instruct the first access point not to perform the interference suppression, the ninth information is also used to instruct the first access point to perform the first suppression.

10. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, When the tenth information is used to instruct the second access point to perform the interference suppression, the tenth information is also used to instruct the first access point to perform a first suppression different from the unilateral suppression; or, If the tenth information is used to instruct the second access point not to perform the interference suppression, the tenth information is also used to instruct the second access point to perform the first suppression.

11. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: A third dimension is determined, wherein the third dimension is used to suppress interference caused by the second access point to the first site; Send the eleventh message, which is used to indicate the third dimension.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, If the third dimension is greater than the second dimension, a twelfth message is received, wherein the twelfth message is used to instruct the second access point to accept, reject, or modify the third dimension, or the twelfth message is used to instruct a new third dimension.

13. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: The thirteenth message is received, wherein the thirteenth message is used to indicate the fourth dimension, and the fourth dimension is used to suppress the interference caused by the second access point to the first site.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, If the fourth dimension is less than the second dimension, a fourteenth message is sent, wherein the fourteenth message is used to instruct the first access point to accept, reject, or modify the fourth dimension; or, if the fourth dimension is less than the second dimension, a new fourth dimension is determined; and a fourteenth message is sent, wherein the fourteenth message is used to indicate the new fourth dimension.

15. The method according to any one of claims 1-14, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a fifteenth message, wherein the fifteenth message is used to indicate at least one of the following capabilities: The first access point supports serial channel measurement; The first access point supports joint channel measurement; The first access point supports merged feedback; The first access point supports split feedback; or, The first access point supports a detection dimension greater than the first threshold.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a first frame, wherein the first frame is used to indicate serial channel measurement or joint channel measurement, and the first frame is used to indicate the combined feedback and / or the separated feedback.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The first frame is also used to indicate the flow configuration corresponding to the second access point in the case of the merged feedback; and / or, The first frame is also used to indicate the flow configuration corresponding to the first access point; and / or, The first frame is also used to indicate the total number of Long Training Fields (LTF); and / or, The first frame is also used to indicate whether only the channel probe results corresponding to the Basic Service Set (BSS) where the first access point is located are fed back.

18. The method according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that, The first frame is an empty data packet declaration NDPA frame.

19. A communication device, characterized in that, include: Processing module and communication module; The communication module is used to receive and / or transmit signals, and the processing module is configured to enable the method of any one of claims 1 to 18 to be executed.

20. A communication device, characterized in that, include: At least one processor and a memory, the memory being used to store computer instructions, the processor being configured to execute the computer instructions to cause the communication device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 18.

21. A communication device, characterized in that, include: At least one processor communication interface for receiving and / or transmitting signals, the processor being configured to enable the method of any one of claims 1 to 18 to be executed.

22. A communication system, characterized in that, The system includes: a plurality of communication devices that perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 18.

23. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores instructions or programs that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-18.

24. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes a computer program or instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-18.

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