Communication method, apparatus, and device, medium, and program product

Abstract

The present application belongs to the field of wireless communications, and discloses a communication method, apparatus, and device, a medium, and a program product. The method is executed by a first station. The method comprises: sending a first frame, the first frame indicating coordinated beamforming sounding.

Description

Communication methods, devices, equipment, media and software products Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of wireless communication, and in particular to a communication method, apparatus, device, medium, and program product. Background Technology

[0002] Multi-AP Coordination scenarios support two or more access points to share information and cooperate with each other, maximizing the use of limited transmission resources, better coordinating interference among multiple Basic Service Sets (BSS), and improving spectrum utilization efficiency, throughput, and transmission reliability. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a communication method, apparatus, device, medium, and program product, the technical solution of which includes at least:

[0004] According to one aspect of the embodiments of this application, a communication method is provided, the method being performed by a first station, the method comprising:

[0005] The first station sends the first frame, which indicates cooperative beamforming detection.

[0006] According to another aspect of the embodiments of this application, a communication method is provided, the method being performed by a second station, the method comprising:

[0007] The second station receives the first frame, which indicates cooperative beamforming detection.

[0008] According to one aspect of the embodiments of this application, a communication method is provided, the method being performed by a non-access point station, the method comprising:

[0009] The non-access point site receives the first frame, which indicates cooperative beamforming detection.

[0010] According to one aspect of the embodiments of this application, a communication device is provided, the device comprising:

[0011] A transmitting module is used to transmit a first frame, which indicates cooperative beamforming detection.

[0012] According to another aspect of the embodiments of this application, a communication device is provided, the device comprising:

[0013] A receiving module is used to receive a first frame, which indicates cooperative beamforming detection.

[0014] According to one aspect of the embodiments of this application, a communication device is provided, the communication device comprising: a processor; a transceiver connected to the processor; and a memory for storing executable instructions of the processor; wherein the processor is configured to load and execute the executable instructions to implement the communication methods as described in the foregoing aspects.

[0015] According to another aspect of the embodiments of this application, a communication device is provided, the communication device comprising: a receiver; the communication device is configured to implement the communication methods as described in the foregoing aspects.

[0016] According to one aspect of the embodiments of this application, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, which stores at least one program that is loaded and executed by a processor to implement the communication methods as described in the foregoing aspects.

[0017] According to one aspect of the embodiments of this application, a computer program product or computer program is provided, the computer program product or computer program including computer instructions stored in a computer-readable storage medium, a processor retrieving the computer instructions from the computer-readable storage medium, and the processor executing the computer instructions to implement the communication methods as described in the above aspects.

[0018] According to one aspect of the embodiments of this application, a chip is provided, the chip including a programmable logic circuit and / or at least a program, the chip being used to implement the communication methods as described in the foregoing aspects based on the programmable logic circuit and / or the at least a program.

[0019] The technical solutions provided in this application embodiment may include the following beneficial effects:

[0020] The first station can send the first frame to indicate Co-BF detection, so as to obtain the corresponding CSI and control the air-guided transmission through Co-BF technology, thereby achieving better spatial multiplexing and reducing inter-cell interference. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0022] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a wireless communication system provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0023] Figure 2 shows a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0024] Figure 3 shows a flowchart of a communication method provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0025] Figure 4 shows a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 5 illustrates a schematic diagram of a Co-BF detection process based on joint NDP provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0027] Figure 6 illustrates a schematic diagram of a Co-BF detection process based on sequential NDP provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 7 illustrates a flowchart of a first type of Co-BF detection provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 8 illustrates a flowchart of a second type of Co-BF detection provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0030] Figure 9 shows a flowchart of a communication method provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 10 shows a flowchart of a communication method provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 11 shows a flowchart of a communication method provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0033] Figure 12 illustrates a flowchart of a BFRP trigger frame indicating a Co-BF probe type provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0034] Figure 13 illustrates a flowchart of a CO-BF NDPA frame indicating a Co-BF detection type provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0035] Figure 14 shows a schematic diagram of the format of a Co-BF NDPA frame provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0036] Figure 15 illustrates a flowchart of a Multi-AP trigger frame indicating a Co-BF probe type provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0037] Figure 16 shows a flowchart of a communication method provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0038] Figure 17 shows a structural block diagram of a communication device provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0039] Figure 18 shows a structural block diagram of a communication device provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0040] Figure 19 shows a structural block diagram of a communication device provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0041] Figure 20 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0042] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the embodiments of this application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Exemplary embodiments will be described in detail here, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description refers to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this application. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of this application as detailed in the appended claims.

[0043] The terminology used in this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application. The singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” used in this application and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term “and / or” as used herein refers to and includes any or all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0044] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used in this application to describe various information, this information should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish information of the same type from one another. For example, without departing from the scope of this application, first information may also be referred to as second information, and similarly, second information may also be referred to as first information. Depending on the context, the word "if" as used herein can be interpreted as "in the case of," "when," or "in response to determination." In this specification, when expressing the meaning of Boolean values, "0" is expressed as "first meaning" and "1" as "second meaning." Without loss of generality, those skilled in the art will understand that the meanings they represent can be interchanged, i.e., "1" represents "first meaning" and "0" represents "second meaning."

[0045] It should be understood that the format, name, and value of the frames / elements / fields involved in the various embodiments of this application are merely examples and do not imply any limitation on the format, name, and value of the frames / elements / fields. In different embodiments or designs, it is possible that one or more of the aforementioned element / field names, their positions in the frame, their arrangement order with other elements / fields, the number of bytes occupied, or the number of bits occupied may change. Similarly, in different embodiments or designs, it is possible that one or more of the aforementioned frame names, included elements / fields, the number of bytes occupied, or the number of bits occupied may change.

[0046] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a wireless communication system 100 provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application. The wireless communication system 100 includes a plurality of stations (STAs). In this application, STAs include access point STAs (AP STAs) and / or non-access point STAs (non-AP STAs), where an AP STA can be simply referred to as an AP. Communication between STAs can be implemented as communication between an AP and a non-AP STA, communication between two non-AP STAs, or communication between APs. Figure 1 illustrates an example of a wireless communication system 100 including AP 110, non-AP STA 120, AP 130, and non-AP STA 140.

[0047] Both AP 110 and AP 130 are devices deployed in Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN) / Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) systems to provide wireless communication capabilities to non-AP STAs. An AP acts as a bridge connecting wired and wireless networks, its main function being to connect various wireless network clients together and then connect the wireless network to the Ethernet. AP 110 can be a terminal device or network device (such as a router) with a WLAN / Wi-Fi chip. AP 130 can also be a terminal device or network device (such as a router) with a WLAN / Wi-Fi chip.

[0048] In some embodiments, AP 110 can be a device that supports various current and future Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 family of WLAN standards, including 802.11be, 802.11bn, 802.11bp, 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, and 802.11a. AP 110 can also be used in network environments that support next-generation WLAN systems / next-generation Wi-Fi communications.

[0049] In some embodiments, AP 130 can be a device that supports various current and future IEEE 802.11 family of WLAN standards, including 802.11be, 802.11bn, 802.11bp, 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, and 802.11a. AP 130 can also be used in network environments that support next-generation WLAN systems / next-generation Wi-Fi communication.

[0050] In some embodiments, the AP 110 may be the same as or different from the AP 130.

[0051] The non-AP STA 120 and non-AP STA 140 can be wireless communication devices that support WLAN / Wi-Fi technology, such as wireless communication devices with WLAN / Wi-Fi chips.

[0052] In some embodiments, the non-AP STA 120 can be a device that supports various current and future IEEE 802.11 family of WLAN standards, including 802.11be, 802.11bn, 802.11bp, 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, and 802.11a. The non-AP STA 120 can also be used in network environments that support next-generation WLAN systems / next-generation Wi-Fi communication.

[0053] In some embodiments, the non-AP STA 140 can be a device that supports various current and future IEEE 802.11 family of WLAN standards, including 802.11be, 802.11bn, 802.11bp, 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, and 802.11a. The non-AP STA 140 can also be used in network environments that support next-generation WLAN systems / next-generation Wi-Fi communication.

[0054] In some embodiments, the non-AP STA 120 may be the same as or different from the non-AP STA 140.

[0055] In this embodiment, the next-generation WLAN system is an evolution of the 802.11be system and is backward compatible with the 802.11be system. Next-generation Wi-Fi communication refers to any new generation of Wi-Fi communication after Wi-Fi 7 based on the 802.11be specification, such as Ultra High Reliability (UHR) communication.

[0056] In some embodiments, AP 110, non-AP STA 120, AP 130 and non-AP STA 140 all support the IEEE 802.11 protocol, but are not limited to the IEEE 802.11 protocol.

[0057] It's understandable that the role of a STA in wireless communication is not absolute. For example, when phone A is connected to a router, phone A is a non-AP STA, but when phone A acts as a hotspot for phone B, phone A acts as an AP.

[0058] In this application embodiment, the STA can be a device with wireless transceiver capabilities, such as one that supports the 802.11 series of protocols and can communicate with an AP or other STAs. For example, an STA is any user communication device that allows users to communicate with an AP and thus with a WLAN. STAs can be, for example, User Equipment (UE), Mobile Station (MS), Mobile Terminal (MT), Access Terminal, User Unit, User Station, Mobile Station, Mobile Station, Remote Station, Remote Terminal, Mobile Device, User Terminal, Terminal, Wireless Communication Equipment, User Agent, or User Equipment, etc.

[0059] In this application embodiment, the STA can also be a device that provides voice / data / image connectivity to the user, such as a handheld device, vehicle device, home device, home appliance, gaming device, etc., with wireless connection function or equipped with a wireless communication module. Examples include: mobile phones, tablets, laptops, PDAs, mobile internet devices (MIDs), wearable devices, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving vehicles, drones or aerial photography equipment, wireless terminals in remote medical surgery, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes, cellular phones, cordless phones, Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phones, Wireless Local Loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), handheld devices with wireless communication capabilities, computing devices with wireless communication capabilities, other processing devices connected to wireless modems, in-vehicle devices, wearable devices, terminal devices in 5G networks, and Beyond 5G. Terminal devices in 5G (B5G) networks, terminal devices in 6G networks, and terminal devices in future evolved Public Land Mobile Networks (PLMNs) can also be televisions, refrigerators, washing machines, kitchen appliances, door locks, fish tanks, robot vacuum cleaners, game consoles, cameras / camcorders, sensors, etc. with wireless connectivity. This application embodiment is not limited to these.

[0060] By way of example and not limitation, the STA in the embodiments of this application can also be a wearable device. Wearable devices, also known as wearable smart devices, are a general term for devices that apply wearable technology to intelligently design and develop everyday wearables, such as glasses, gloves, watches, clothing, and shoes. Examples include smartwatches or smart glasses, as well as devices that focus on a specific type of application function and need to be used in conjunction with other devices such as smartphones, such as various smart bracelets and smart jewelry for vital sign monitoring.

[0061] Furthermore, the STA in this application embodiment can also be a terminal device in an Internet of Things (IoT) system. IoT is an important component of future information technology development, and its main technical feature is connecting objects to networks through communication technologies, thereby realizing an intelligent network of human-machine interconnection and object-to-object interconnection. In this application embodiment, IoT technology can achieve massive connectivity, deep coverage, and terminal power saving through technologies such as narrowband (NB).

[0062] Furthermore, the STA in this application embodiment can also be an in-vehicle communication device in a vehicle-to-everything (V2X) system or the vehicle itself. The communication methods in a V2X system are collectively referred to as V2X (where X represents anything). For example, V2X communication includes: vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication, vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication, vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P) communication, or vehicle-to-network (V2N) communication, etc.

[0063] In some embodiments, the frequency bands supported by the wireless communication system 100 include, but are not limited to: millimeter wave (mmWave) bands (such as 45GHz, 60GHz, etc., which belong to the 30-300GHz range) and low-frequency bands. Among them, low-frequency bands include Sub-7GHz bands (such as 2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz, etc., which belong to the 1-7.25GHz range).

[0064] In some embodiments, there are one or more links between AP 110 and non-AP STA 120.

[0065] In some embodiments, multi-band communication is supported between AP 110 and non-AP STA 120. For example, communication can occur simultaneously on one or more frequency bands such as 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz, 45 GHz, and 60 GHz. Alternatively, communication can occur simultaneously on different channels within the same frequency band or on different channels within different frequency bands. Multi-band communication can improve communication throughput and / or reliability between devices. Such a device supporting multi-band communication can be considered to have multi-link operation (MLO) capability and is commonly referred to as a multi-band device or multi-link device (MLD), sometimes also called a multi-band entity or multi-link entity. In other words, an MLD is an entity or device that supports communication with other MLD entities using multiple wireless links.

[0066] In some embodiments, there are one or more links between AP 130 and non-AP STA 140.

[0067] In some embodiments, multi-band communication is supported between AP 130 and non-AP STA 140.

[0068] An AP MLD can include one or more APs; that is, an AP MLD's associated STAs include one or more APs. A non-AP MLD can include one or more non-AP STAs; that is, a non-AP MLD's associated STAs include one or more non-AP STAs. One or more links can be formed between AP MLDs and non-AP MLDs, allowing communication between APs associated with an AP MLD and between non-AP STAs associated with a non-AP MLD. One or more peer-to-peer (P2P) links can also be formed between non-AP MLDs, allowing communication between non-AP STAs associated with two different non-AP MLDs. Similarly, one or more P2P links can be formed between AP MLDs, allowing communication between APs associated with two different AP MLDs.

[0069] A Basic Service Set (BSS) is the fundamental topology in WLAN / Wi-Fi communication. The communication devices constituting a BSS include one Access Point (AP) and several non-AP STAs (Standard Target Units). After joining the AP's radio domain, each non-AP STA establishes an association with the AP. Associated non-AP STAs and the AP can transmit data, and non-AP STAs within the same BSS can exchange data through the AP.

[0070] In some embodiments, there are one or more links between AP 110 and AP 130. For example, in a multi-AP coordination scenario, the link between AP 110 and AP 130 can meet the requirements of multi-AP coordination to reduce mutual interference between BSS1 to which AP 110 belongs and BSS2 to which AP 130 belongs, improve spectrum utilization efficiency, throughput and transmission reliability, and the number of APs participating in multi-AP coordination can be two or more.

[0071] In the embodiments of this application, Multi-AP cooperation includes one or more of the following schemes: Coordinated Beamforming (Co-BF), Coordinated Spatial Reuse (Co-SR), Coordinated Time Division Multiple Access (Co-TDMA), Coordinated Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (Co-OFDMA), and Coordinated Nulling.

[0072] Co-BF technology allows the AP to enhance the beam toward the target STA and reduce the spatial radiation toward non-target STAs to zero, thereby achieving interference suppression. The embodiments in this application are mainly designed for the Co-BF sounding process, but some embodiments can be extended to all Multi-AP cooperative scenarios.

[0073] Figure 2 illustrates a flowchart of a communication method provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application. The method is performed by a first station and includes at least some of the following steps:

[0074] Step 220: The first station sends the first frame, which indicates Co-BF detection.

[0075] In some embodiments, the first site includes one or more APs, or the first site includes one or more AP MLDs. The first site may be implemented as AP 110 and / or AP 130 as shown in FIG1.

[0076] In some embodiments, the first site is the initiating AP, also known as the sharing AP. That is, the first site can act as the initiating AP or the sharing AP in a Co-BF probing process, or as the initiating AP or the sharing AP in a Multi-AP collaboration process.

[0077] In some embodiments, the first site is a responding AP, also known as a shared AP. That is, the first site can serve as a responding AP or a shared AP in a Co-BF probing process, or as a responding AP or a shared AP in a Multi-AP collaboration process.

[0078] In summary, the method provided in this application embodiment supports a first station to indicate Co-BF detection by sending a first frame, so as to subsequently acquire the corresponding CSI and control null steering transmissions through Co-BF technology, thereby achieving better spatial reuse and reducing mitigation of inter-cell interference.

[0079] Figure 3 illustrates a flowchart of a communication method provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application. The method is performed by a second station and includes at least some of the following steps:

[0080] Step 320: The second station receives the first frame, which indicates Co-BF detection.

[0081] In some embodiments, the second site includes one or more APs, or the second site includes one or more AP MLDs. The second site may be implemented as AP 110 and / or AP 130 as shown in FIG1.

[0082] In some embodiments, the second site is a responding AP, also known as a shared AP. That is, the second site can act as a responding AP or a shared AP in a Co-BF probing process, or as a responding AP or a shared AP in a Multi-AP collaboration process. For example, the first site is an initiating AP, and the second site is a responding AP. Or, for instance, the first site is a sharing AP, and the second site is a shared AP.

[0083] In some embodiments, the second site is the initiating AP, also known as the sharing AP. That is, the second site can act as the initiating AP or sharing AP in a Co-BF probing process, or as the initiating AP or sharing AP in a Multi-AP collaboration process. For example, the second site may be the initiating AP, and the first site may be the responding AP. Or, for instance, the second site may be the sharing AP, and the first site may be the shared AP.

[0084] In summary, the method provided in this application embodiment enables the second station to clearly identify the Co-BF detection indication by receiving the first frame, so as to subsequently obtain the corresponding CSI and control the air-guided transmission through Co-BF technology, thereby achieving better spatial multiplexing and reducing inter-cell interference.

[0085] Figure 4 illustrates a flowchart of a communication method provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application. The method is performed by a non-AP STA and includes at least some of the following steps:

[0086] Step 420: The non-AP STA receives the first frame, which indicates Co-BF detection.

[0087] The number of non-AP STAs is one or more. Non-AP STAs can be implemented as non-AP STA 120 and / or non-AP STA 140 as shown in Figure 1. In some embodiments, non-AP STAs are implemented as one or more non-AP MLDs.

[0088] A non-AP STA is associated with a first site, or a non-AP STA is associated with a second site. The non-AP STA, the first site, and the second site participate in Co-BF detection, or the non-AP STA, the first site, and the second site participate in Multi-AP cooperation.

[0089] In some embodiments, the first site is the Initiating AP and the second site is the Responding AP. Alternatively, the first site can be understood as the Sharing AP and the second site as the Shared AP.

[0090] In some embodiments, the second site is an Initiating AP and the first site is a Responding AP. Alternatively, the second site can be understood as a Sharing AP and the first site as a Shared AP.

[0091] In summary, the method provided in this application embodiment supports non-AP STAs to clearly identify Co-BF detection indication by receiving the first frame, so as to report the corresponding CSI subsequently, so that the first and second stations can control air-guided transmission through Co-BF technology to achieve better spatial multiplexing and reduce inter-cell interference.

[0092] Based on the embodiments shown in Figures 2, 3 and 4, from the perspective of the detection process, this application supports the following two Co-BF detection processes, as shown in Figures 5 and 6.

[0093] Figure 5 illustrates a schematic diagram of a joint NDP-based Co-BF sounding process provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application. Taking AP 1 and STA1 as BSS1 and AP 2 and STA 2 as BSS2 as an example.

[0094] In the first phase, the STA within BSS1 is probed. AP 1 initiates Co-BF probe by transmitting a Null Data Physical Layer (PHY) Protocol Data Unit Announcement (NDP Announcement, NDPA) frame. AP 1 and AP 2 each transmit Null Data Physical Layer (PHY) Protocol Data Unit (NDP) frames for probe. AP 1 then transmits a Beamforming Report Poll (BFRP) trigger frame (TF). Triggered by the BFRP trigger frame, STA 1 (associated with AP 1) sends a Large V Based Feedback in response, where the eigenvector spans the antennas of both APs (i.e., AP 1 and AP 2).

[0095] In the second phase, STAs within BSS2 are probed. AP 2 initiates Co-BF probe by transmitting an NDPA frame. AP 1 and AP 2 each transmit NDPA frames for probe, and then AP 2 transmits a BFRP trigger frame. STA 2 (associated with AP 2), triggered by the BFRP trigger frame, sends a Large V Based Feedback in response, where the feature vector spans the antennas of both APs (i.e., AP 1 and AP 2).

[0096] The NDPA frame shown in Figure 5 points to the STA (in-BSS STA) within the basic service set, and probes all STAs within a single BSS at a time.

[0097] The Co-BF probing process based on joint NDP was designed to avoid NDPA frames pointing to Overlapping Basic Service Set (OBSS) STAs. This is because, for energy efficiency, reading all OBSS packets would be a heavy burden for the STA, and there's no need to exchange space stream allocations for each STA during the probing phase. From the STA's perspective, the STA can use a traditional probing process as part of the Co-BF probing process.

[0098] It should be emphasized that Figure 5 uses two APs participating in Co-BF, with each AP associated with one non-AP STA. In reality, the number of APs participating in Co-BF may be more than two, and the number of non-AP STAs associated with a single AP may also be two or more. Furthermore, the number of non-AP STAs associated with different APs may be the same or different.

[0099] Figure 6 illustrates a schematic diagram of a Sequential NDP Based Co-BF Sounding process provided by an exemplary embodiment of this application. Taking AP 1 and STA1 as BSS1 and AP 2 and STA 2 as BSS2 as an example.

[0100] In the first phase, STAs within BSS1 are probed. AP 1 initiates a Co-BF probe, transmitting an NDPA frame, an NDP for probe, and then a BFRP trigger frame. STA 1 (associated with AP 1), triggered by the BFRP trigger frame, sends a CSI response, which AP 1 receives. AP 1 then transmits another NDPA frame, AP 2 transmits an NDP for probe, and then AP 1 transmits another BFRP trigger frame. STA 1, triggered by the BFRP trigger frame, sends a CSI response, which AP 2 receives.

[0101] In the second phase, STAs within BSS2 are probed. AP 2 initiates a Co-BF probe, transmitting an NDPA frame, an NDP for probe, and then a BFRP trigger frame. STA 2 (associated with AP 2), triggered by the BFRP trigger frame, sends a CSI response, which AP 2 receives. AP 2 then transmits another NDPA frame, AP 1 transmits an NDP for probe, and then AP 2 transmits another BFRP trigger frame. STA 2, triggered by the BFRP trigger frame, sends a CSI response, which AP 1 receives.

[0102] The NDPA frame shown in Figure 6 points to the in-BSS STA and probes all STAs within a single BSS at a time.

[0103] The Co-BF probe procedure based on sequential NDP was designed to avoid NDPA frame addresses pointing to OBSS STAs. This is because, for energy efficiency, reading all OBSS packets would be a heavy burden for the STA, and there's no need to exchange space stream allocations for each STA during the probe phase. From the STA's perspective, the STA can use a traditional probe procedure as part of the Co-BF probe procedure.

[0104] It should be emphasized that Figure 6 uses two APs participating in Co-BF, with each AP associated with one non-AP STA. In reality, the number of APs participating in Co-BF may be more than two, and the number of non-AP STAs associated with a single AP may be two or more. Furthermore, the number of non-AP STAs associated with different APs may be the same or different.

[0105] Based on the embodiments shown in Figures 2, 3 and 4, from the perspective of detection type, this application supports the following two Co-BF detection types.

[0106] • In the first type of Co-BF detection, each AP participating in the Co-BF detection needs to acquire not only its own Channel State Information (CSI) with all target STAs, but also the CSI of one or more other APs participating in the Co-BF detection and all target STAs.

[0107] Figure 7 illustrates a schematic flowchart of a first type of Co-BF detection provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application. Taking AP 1, STA1, and STA 2 as constituting BSS1, and AP 2, STA 3, and STA 4 as constituting BSS2 as an example.

[0108] In Figure 7(a), in the first phase, AP 1 initiates Co-BF probe, transmits an NDPA frame, transmits an NDP for probe after SIFS, and transmits a BFRP trigger frame after SIFS. Each non-AP STA 1 (associated with AP 1) and non-AP STA 2 (associated with AP 1) triggered by the BFRP trigger frame should send a Trigger-Based Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit (TB PPDU) as a response after SIFS. The PPDU contains multiple CSI feedbacks obtained by non-AP STA 1 and non-AP STA 2 respectively through NDP measurements from AP 1. Both AP 1 and AP 2 receive the TB PPDUs from non-AP STA 1 and non-AP STA 2.

[0109] In the second phase, AP 1 initiates Co-BF probe and transmits an NDPA frame. After SIFS, AP 2 transmits NDP, and after SIFS again, AP 1 transmits a BFRP trigger frame. Each non-AP STA 1 and non-AP STA 2 triggered by the BFRP trigger frame should send a TB PPDU in response after SIFS. This PPDU contains multiple CSI feedbacks obtained by non-AP STA 1 and non-AP STA 2 respectively through NDP measurements from AP 2. Both AP 1 and AP 2 receive the TB PPDUs from non-AP STA 1 and non-AP STA 2.

[0110] In Figure 7(b), in the first phase, AP 2 initiates Co-BF probe, transmits an NDPA frame, transmits an NDP after SIFS, and then transmits a BFRP trigger frame after SIFS. Each non-AP STA 3 (associated with AP 2) and non-AP STA 4 (associated with AP 2) triggered by the BFRP trigger frame should send a TB PPDU in response after SIFS. This PPDU contains multiple CSI feedbacks obtained by non-AP STA 3 and non-AP STA 4 respectively through NDP measurements from AP 2. Both AP 1 and AP 2 receive TB PPDUs from non-AP STA 1 and non-AP STA 2.

[0111] In the second phase, AP 2 initiates Co-BF probe, transmitting an NDPA frame. After SIFS, AP 1 transmits NDP, and after SIFS again, AP 2 transmits a BFRP trigger frame. Each non-AP STA 3 and non-AP STA 4 triggered by the BFRP trigger frame should send a TB PPDU in response after SIFS. This PPDU contains multiple CSI feedbacks obtained by non-AP STA 3 and non-AP STA 4 respectively through the NDP measurement from AP 1. Both AP 1 and AP 2 receive the TB PPDUs from non-AP STA 1 and non-AP STA 2.

[0112] As can be seen, in the first type of Co-BF detection process shown in Figure 7, AP 1 not only acquires its own CSI with all target STAs, but also acquires the CSI of AP 2 with all target STAs. Similarly, AP 2 acquires its own CSI with all target STAs, and also acquires the CSI of AP 1 with all target STAs. It should be emphasized that Figure 7 uses two APs participating in Co-BF, with each AP associated with two non-AP STAs. In reality, the number of APs participating in Co-BF may be more than two, and a single AP may be associated with one or more non-AP STAs. Furthermore, the number of non-AP STAs associated with different APs may be the same or different.

[0113] • In the second type of Co-BF detection, each AP participating in Co-BF detection only needs to acquire its own CSI with all target STAs.

[0114] Figure 8 illustrates a flowchart of a second type of Co-BF detection provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application.

[0115] In Figure 8(a), in the first phase, AP 1 initiates Co-BF probe, transmits an NDPA frame, transmits an NDP for probe after SIFS, and transmits a BFRP trigger frame after SIFS. Each non-AP STA 1 (associated with AP 1) and non-AP STA 2 (associated with AP 1) triggered by the BFRP trigger frame should send a TB PPDU as a response after SIFS. The PPDU contains multiple CSI feedbacks obtained by non-AP STA 1 and non-AP STA 2 respectively through NDP measurements from AP 1. AP 1 receives the TB PPDUs from non-AP STA 1 and non-AP STA 2.

[0116] In the second phase, AP 1 initiates Co-BF probe and transmits an NDPA frame. After SIFS, AP 2 transmits NDP, and after SIFS again, AP 1 transmits a BFRP trigger frame. Each non-AP STA 1 and non-AP STA 2 triggered by the BFRP trigger frame should send a TB PPDU in response after SIFS. This PPDU contains multiple CSI feedbacks obtained by non-AP STA 1 and non-AP STA 2 respectively through NDP measurements from AP 2. AP 2 receives the TB PPDUs from non-AP STA 1 and non-AP STA 2.

[0117] In Figure 8(b), in the first phase, AP 2 initiates Co-BF probe, transmits an NDPA frame, transmits an NDP after SIFS, and then transmits a BFRP trigger frame after SIFS. Each non-AP STA 3 (associated with AP 2) and non-AP STA 4 (associated with AP 2) triggered by the BFRP trigger frame should send a TB PPDU in response after SIFS. The PPDU contains multiple CSI feedbacks obtained by non-AP STA 3 and non-AP STA 4 respectively through NDP measurements from AP 2. AP 2 receives TB PPDUs from non-AP STA 1 and non-AP STA 2.

[0118] In the second phase, AP 2 initiates Co-BF probe, transmitting an NDPA frame. After SIFS, AP 1 transmits NDP, and after SIFS again, AP 2 transmits a BFRP trigger frame. Each non-AP STA 3 and non-AP STA 4 triggered by the BFRP trigger frame should send a TB PPDU in response after SIFS. This PPDU contains multiple CSI feedbacks obtained by non-AP STA 3 and non-AP STA 4 respectively through NDP measurements from AP 1. AP 1 receives the TB PPDUs from non-AP STA 1 and non-AP STA 2.

[0119] As can be seen, in the second type of Co-BF detection shown in Figure 8, AP 1 only acquires its own CSI with all target STAs, and AP 2 only acquires its own CSI with all target STAs. It should be emphasized that Figure 8 uses two APs participating in Co-BF, with each AP associated with two non-AP STAs. In reality, the number of APs participating in Co-BF may be more than two, and a single AP may be associated with one or more non-AP STAs. Furthermore, the number of non-AP STAs associated with different APs may be the same or different.

[0120] This application does not limit the naming of the first type of Co-BF detection and the second type of Co-BF detection. As an example, the first type of Co-BF detection can be called Global CSI Based Co-BF Sounding, and the second type of Co-BF detection can be called Local CSI Based Co-BF Sounding.

[0121] Clearly, the CSI feedback required by the AP differs depending on the type of Co-BF detection. If the AP is unaware of the Co-BF detection type, it will be unclear which CSI feedback to receive or use, ultimately affecting the completion and effectiveness of Co-BF. Therefore, this application further optimizes the Co-BF detection process shown in Figures 5 and 6.

[0122] Regarding the Co-BF detection process based on sequential NDP shown in Figure 6, AP 1 and AP 2 can either receive only the CSI feedback between themselves and the target STA, or they can receive the CSI feedback between each other and the target STA. Therefore, considering the Co-BF detection type, this application supports using the embodiments shown in Figures 9 to 12 to ensure the Co-BF detection process based on joint NDP.

[0123] Figure 9 illustrates a flowchart of a communication method provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application. The method is performed by a first station and includes at least some of the following steps:

[0124] Step 920: The first station sends the first frame, which indicates Co-BF detection.

[0125] In some embodiments, the first frame indicates that the type of Co-BF detection is either a first type or a second type; that is, the first frame indicates either a first type Co-BF detection or a second type Co-BF detection. If the first frame indicates a first type Co-BF detection, it can also be understood that the first frame indicates enabling or activating the first type Co-BF detection. If the first frame indicates a second type Co-BF detection, it can also be understood that the first frame indicates enabling or activating the second type Co-BF detection.

[0126] In some embodiments, the first type of Co-BF detection includes Global CSI Based Co-BF Sounding, and the second type of Co-BF detection includes Local CSI Based Co-BF Sounding.

[0127] In some embodiments, the first frame indicates whether the second station saves the first parameter corresponding to the first frame; and / or whether the second station decodes the first TB PPDU after the first frame; wherein the first parameter is related to the transmission parameters of the first TB PPDU.

[0128] The transmission parameters of the first TB PPDU may include one or more of the following: Channel Bandwidth (CH Bandwidth), Uplink Length (UL Length), Guard Interval and Extremely High Throughput (EHT) Long Training Field Type (GI And EHT-LTF Type), Number of EHT-LTF Symbols, Low-Density Parity Check (LDPC), LDPC Extra Symbol Segment, Pre-Forward Error Correction (Pre-FEC), Padding Factor, Packet Extension (PE), Disambiguity, Association Identifier 12 List (AID12 List), Resource Unit Allocation List (RU Allocation List), and Forward Error Correction Coding List (FEC Coding). List), EHT Modulation and Coding Scheme List (EHT MCS List), Spatial Streams Allocation List (SS Allocation List).

[0129] The first parameter is, for example, TRIGVECTOR. TRIGVECTOR is carried in a PHY-TRIGGER.request primitive and provides the PHY of the AP with the parameters needed to receive a TB PPDU over each assigned RU or MRU. For example, TRIGVECTOR includes one or more of the following: CH_BANDWIDTH, UL_LENGTH, GI_AND_EHT_LTF_TYPE, NUM_EHT_LTF_SYMBOLS, LDPC_EXTRA_SYMBOL, PRE_FEC_PADDING_FACTOR, PE_DISAMBIGUITY, AID12_LIST, RU_ALLOCATION_LIST, FEC_CODING_LIST, EHT_MCS_LIST, and SS_ALLOCATION_LIST.

[0130] Among them, CH_BANDWIDTH is a parameter in TRIGVECTOR related to the channel bandwidth included in the transmission parameters of the first TB PPDU; UL_LENGTH is a parameter in TRIGVECTOR related to the UL Length included in the transmission parameters of the first TB PPDU; GI_AND_EHT_LTF_TYPE is a parameter in TRIGVECTOR related to the GI And EHT-LTF Type included in the transmission parameters of the first TB PPDU; NUM_EHT_LTF_SYMBOLS is a parameter in TRIGVECTOR related to the Number of EHT-LTF Symbols included in the transmission parameters of the first TB PPDU; NUM_EHT_LTF_SYMBOLS is a parameter in TRIGVECTOR related to the Number of EHT-LTF Symbols included in the transmission parameters of the first TB PPDU; and LDPC_EXTRA_SYMBOL is a parameter in TRIGVECTOR related to the LDPC Extra... The parameters related to Symbol are as follows: PRE_FEC_PADDING_FACTOR is a parameter in TRIGVECTOR related to the Pre-FEC Padding Factor included in the transmission parameters of the first TB PPDU; PE_DISAMBIGUITY is a parameter in TRIGVECTOR related to the PE Disambiguity included in the transmission parameters of the first TB PPDU; AID12_LIST is a parameter in TRIGVECTOR related to the AID12 List included in the transmission parameters of the first TB PPDU; RU_ALLOCATION_LIST is a parameter in TRIGVECTOR related to the RU Allocation List included in the transmission parameters of the first TB PPDU; FEC_CODING_LIST is a parameter in TRIGVECTOR related to the FEC Coding List included in the transmission parameters of the first TB PPDU; EHT_MCS_LIST is a parameter in TRIGVECTOR related to the EHT MCS List included in the transmission parameters of the first TB PPDU; SS_ALLOCATION_LIST is a parameter in TRIGVECTOR related to the Pre-FEC Padding Factor included in the transmission parameters of the first TB PPDU; and SS_ALLOCATION_LIST is a parameter in TRIGVECTOR related to the Pre-FEC Padding Factor included in the transmission parameters of the first TB PPDU. The transmission parameters of the PPDU include parameters related to the SS Allocation List.

[0131] In some embodiments, the first frame may be implemented as a BFRP trigger frame, or a Co-BF NDPA frame, or a Multi-AP trigger frame.

[0132] In some embodiments, the first frame includes a first subfield, which indicates whether the Co-BF probe is of a first type or a second type. This application does not limit the name of the first subfield; for example, the first subfield may be called the Global CSI Enabled subfield or the Local CSI Enabled subfield.

[0133] In some embodiments, the first frame further includes an RU Allocation subfield, the RU or MRU indicated by the RU Allocation subfield satisfying one or more of the following: located within the overlapping bandwidth of the first site and the second site; containing the main channel of the first site; containing the main channel of the second site.

[0134] In some embodiments, the first frame also includes an uplink target receive power (UL Target Receive Power) subfield, the power value indicated by the UL Target Receive Power subfield being related to one or more of the following: the location of the second site; the expected received signal power of the second site; the location of the first site; and the expected received signal power of the first site.

[0135] Step 940: The first station receives the second frame, which includes CSI feedback.

[0136] In some embodiments, the second frame is a Media Access Control (MAC) frame.

[0137] In some embodiments, the first station receives a second frame from all STAs participating in Co-BF detection.

[0138] In some embodiments, the first station receives a second frame from the target STA, the identifier of which is indicated by the AID12 subfield in the user information field of the first frame.

[0139] In some embodiments, the address 1 field of the second frame indicates a first site, or the address 1 field of the second frame indicates a second site, or the address 1 field of the second frame indicates a broadcast address.

[0140] In some embodiments, the Address 1 field of the second frame is not filtered by the first station; or, the Address 1 field of the second frame is filtered by the first station using the addresses of all APs participating in multi-AP cooperation; or, the Address 1 field of the second frame is filtered by the first station using the addresses of all APs participating in Co-BF probing; or, the Address 1 field of the second frame is filtered by the first station using the address of the second station; or, the Address 1 field of the second frame is filtered by the first station using the sender address of the NDPA frame during the Co-BF probing process.

[0141] In some embodiments, the Address 1 field of the second frame is not filtered by the second station; or, the Address 1 field of the second frame is filtered by the second station using the addresses of all APs participating in multi-AP cooperation; or, the Address 1 field of the second frame is filtered by the second station using the addresses of all APs participating in Co-BF probing; or, the Address 1 field of the second frame is filtered by the second station using the address of the first station; or, the Address 1 field of the second frame is filtered by the second station using the sender address of the NDPA frame during the Co-BF probing process.

[0142] For other relevant content in the second frame, please refer to step 1040.

[0143] Step 960: The first station obtains the steering matrix based on the CSI feedback in the second frame.

[0144] In summary, the method provided in this application supports indicating the type of Co-BF detection through the first frame, so that the second station can clearly determine which CSI feedback needs to be received or used subsequently, ensuring the efficiency and reliability of Co-BF detection, thereby achieving better spatial multiplexing and reducing inter-cell interference through Co-BF technology.

[0145] Figure 10 shows a flowchart of a communication method provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application. The method is performed by a second station and includes at least some of the following steps:

[0146] Step 1020: The second station receives the first frame, which indicates Co-BF detection.

[0147] In some embodiments, the first frame indicates that the type of Co-BF detection is a first type or a second type, that is, the first frame indicates a first type Co-BF detection or a second type Co-BF detection.

[0148] In some embodiments, the first type of Co-BF detection includes Global CSI Based Co-BF Sounding, and the second type of Co-BF detection includes Local CSI Based Co-BF Sounding.

[0149] In some embodiments, if the first frame indicates that the type of Co-BF detection is a first type, the second station saves the first parameter corresponding to the first frame and decodes the first TB PPDU after the first frame; if the first frame indicates that the type of Co-BF detection is a second type, the second station does not save the first parameter corresponding to the first frame and does not decode the first TB PPDU after the first frame.

[0150] In some embodiments, the first frame indicates whether the second station saves the first parameter corresponding to the first frame; and / or whether the second station decodes the first TB PPDU after the first frame; wherein the first parameter is related to the transmission parameters of the first TB PPDU.

[0151] In some embodiments, if the first frame instructs the second station to save the first parameter corresponding to the first frame, then the second station saves the first parameter corresponding to the first frame; if the first frame instructs the second station to decode the first TB PPDU after the first frame, then the second station decodes the first TB PPDU after the first frame; if the first frame instructs the second station to save the first parameter corresponding to the first frame and also instructs the second station to decode the first TB PPDU after the first frame, then the second station saves the first parameter corresponding to the first frame and decodes the first TB PPDU after the first frame. If the first frame instructs the second station not to save the first parameter corresponding to the first frame, then the second station does not save the first parameter corresponding to the first frame; if the first frame instructs the second station not to decode the first TB PPDU after the first frame, then the second station does not decode the first TB PPDU after the first frame; if the first frame instructs the second station not to save the first parameter corresponding to the first frame and also instructs the second station not to decode the first TB PPDU after the first frame, then the second station neither saves the first parameter corresponding to the first frame nor decodes the first TB PPDU after the first frame.

[0152] After receiving the first frame, the second station can explicitly execute the Global CSI Based Co-BF Sounding procedure or the Local CSI Based Co-BF Sounding procedure according to the instructions in the first frame.

[0153] For the remaining related content, please refer to step 920, which will not be repeated here.

[0154] Step 1040: The second station receives the second frame, which includes CSI feedback.

[0155] In some embodiments, the second frame is a MAC frame.

[0156] In the current IEEE 802.11 specification, if the Address 1 field of a Medium Access Control Protocol Data Unit (MPDU) carrying an Aggregate Medium Access Control Service Data Unit (A-MSDU) does not match any address of the STA receiving the A-MSDU, the STA discards the entire received A-MSDU. However, in Type I Co-BF probing, the first and / or second station needs to receive MAC frames carrying CSI feedback from an OBSS non-AP STA. The Address 1 field of this MAC frame points to the associated AP of the current BSS, not to the OBSS AP or STA. Therefore, the A-MSDU reception rules in the current IEEE 802.11 specification can lead to the erroneous discarding of MAC frames in Type I Co-BF probing.

[0157] To this end, this application provides the following five solutions to ensure that the second frame carrying CSI feedback is successfully received by the first and second stations.

[0158] Option 1: All APs participating in Co-BF detection must decode the second frame from all STAs participating in Co-BF detection.

[0159] Therefore, all APs participating in Co-BF detection will obtain the CSI feedback of the target STA by receiving and decoding the second frame sent by all STAs participating in Co-BF detection, thus avoiding the need for CSI feedback being discarded and ensuring the reliability of Co-BF detection.

[0160] In other words, the second station, which enters the Co-BF detection process based on the indication from the first frame from the first station, does not need to distinguish the Co-BF detection type. Regardless of whether the AP executes the Global CSI Based Co-BF Sounding process or the Local CSI Based Co-BF Sounding process, the second station decodes the second frame sent by all STAs participating in the Co-BF detection, thereby obtaining the CSI feedback of the target STA.

[0161] For example, referring to Figure 7(a), Global CSI Based Co-BF Sounding is initiated by AP 1. AP 1 can indicate Global CSI Based Co-BF Sounding by sending a Multi-AP trigger frame before entering the probe process, or by sending an NDPA frame or BFRP trigger frame during the probe process. AP 2 can clearly determine that it has entered the Global CSI Based Co-BF Sounding process by receiving the Multi-AP trigger frame or NDPA frame.

[0162] In the first phase, AP 1 sends an NDPA frame, which, after passing through SIFS, transmits an NDP for probe, followed by another SIFS and then a BFRP trigger frame. The BFRP frame sent by AP 1 carries user information for AP 2, STA 1, and STA 2. STA 1 (associated with AP 1) sends a TB PPDU (including CSI feedback for the AP 1 to STA 1 channel) based on the trigger of the BFRP frame. Both AP 1 and AP 2 receive and decode this TB PPDU to obtain the CSI feedback for the AP 1 to STA 1 channel. STA 2 (associated with AP 1) also sends a TB PPDU (including CSI feedback for the AP 1 to STA 2 channel) based on the trigger of the BFRP frame. Both AP 1 and AP 2 receive and decode this TB PPDU to obtain the CSI feedback for the AP 1 to STA 2 channel.

[0163] In the second phase, AP 1 sends an NDPA frame. After SIFS, AP 2 transmits an NDP for probe. After another SIFS, AP 1 sends a BFRP trigger frame. The BFRP frame sent by AP 1 carries user information for AP 2, STA 1, and STA 2. STA 1 (associated with AP 1) sends a TB PPDU (including CSI feedback for the AP 2 to STA 1 channel) based on the trigger of the BFRP frame. Both AP 1 and AP 2 receive and decode the TB PPDU to obtain the CSI feedback for the AP 2 to STA 1 channel. STA 2 (associated with AP 1) sends a TB PPDU (including CSI feedback for the AP 2 to STA 2 channel) based on the trigger of the BFRP frame. Both AP 1 and AP 2 receive and decode the TB PPDU to obtain the CSI feedback for the AP 2 to STA 2 channel.

[0164] Similarly, in Figure 7(b), Global CSI Based Co-BF Sounding is initiated by AP 2. AP 2 can indicate Global CSI Based Co-BF Sounding by sending a Multi-AP trigger frame before entering the probe procedure, or by sending an NDPA frame or BFRP trigger frame during the probe procedure. AP 1 can clearly determine that it has entered the Global CSI Based Co-BF Sounding procedure by receiving the Multi-AP trigger frame or NDPA frame.

[0165] In the first phase, AP 2 sends an NDPA frame, which, after passing through SIFS, transmits an NDP for probe. After another SIFS, it transmits a BFRP trigger frame. The BFRP frame sent by AP 2 carries user information for AP 1, STA 3, and STA 4. STA 3 (associated with AP 2), triggered by the BFRP frame, sends a TB PPDU (including CSI feedback for the AP 2 to STA 3 channel). Both AP 1 and AP 2 receive and decode this TB PPDU to obtain the CSI feedback for the AP 2 to STA 3 channel. STA 4 (associated with AP 2), triggered by the BFRP frame, sends a TB PPDU (including CSI feedback for the AP 2 to STA 4 channel). Both AP 1 and AP 2 receive and decode this TB PPDU to obtain the CSI feedback for the AP 2 to STA 4 channel.

[0166] In the second phase, AP 2 sends an NDPA frame. After SIFS, AP 1 transmits an NDP for probe. After another SIFS, AP 2 sends a BFRP trigger frame. The BFRP frame sent by AP 2 carries user information for AP 1, STA 3, and STA 4. STA 3 (associated with AP 2) sends a TB PPDU (including CSI feedback for the AP 1 to STA 3 channel) based on the trigger of the BFRP frame. Both AP 1 and AP 2 receive and decode this TB PPDU to obtain the CSI feedback for the AP 1 to STA 3 channel. STA 4 (associated with AP 2) also sends a TB PPDU (including CSI feedback for the AP 1 to STA 4 channel) based on the trigger of the BFRP frame. Both AP 1 and AP 2 receive and decode this TB PPDU to obtain the CSI feedback for the AP 1 to STA 4 channel.

[0167] Therefore, both AP 1 and AP 2 participating in Global CSI Based Co-BF Sounding decode the TB PPDU transmitted by STA 1 and STA 2 associated with AP 1, and the TB PPDU transmitted by STA 3 and STA 4 associated with AP 2. This allows AP 1 and AP 2 to obtain CSI feedback between themselves and all STAs participating in Global CSI Based Co-BF Sounding (i.e., STA 1, STA 2, STA 3, and STA 4), as well as CSI feedback between each other and all STAs participating in Global CSI Based Co-BF Sounding, effectively preventing the erroneous discarding of some CSI feedback. In particular, since AP 1 and AP 2 do not need to distinguish between Co-BF detection types, the time and energy required to determine the Co-BF detection type can be saved, simplifying the detection process.

[0168] Option 2: The second station does not filter the address 1 field of MAC frames from the target STA.

[0169] After the second station enters the Global CSI Based Co-BF Sounding procedure or the Local CSI Based Co-BF Sounding procedure based on the indication of the first frame, the second station may receive one or more MAC frames. The second station does not perform address filtering on the Address 1 field of MAC frames from STAs participating in Co-BF sounding, thereby preventing the second frame carrying CSI feedback from being mistakenly discarded. That is, an AP (or STA) participating in Co-BF sounding does not perform address filtering on the Address 1 field.

[0170] For example, referring to Figure 7(a), Global CSI Based Co-BF Sounding is initiated by AP 1. AP 1 can indicate Global CSI Based Co-BF Sounding by sending a Multi-AP trigger frame before entering the probe process, or by sending an NDPA frame or BFRP trigger frame during the probe process. AP 2 can clearly determine that it has entered the Global CSI Based Co-BF Sounding process by receiving the Multi-AP trigger frame or NDPA frame.

[0171] In the first phase, AP 1 sends an NDPA frame, which, after passing through SIFS, transmits an NDP for probe, followed by another SIFS and then a BFRP trigger frame. The BFRP frame sent by AP 1 carries user information for AP 2, STA 1, and STA 2. STA 1 (associated with AP 1) sends a TB PPDU (which includes CSI feedback for the AP 1 to STA 1 channel) based on the triggering of the BFRP frame. AP 1 receives and decodes the TB PPDU. AP 2 does not perform address filtering on the address 1 field of the TB PPDU from STA 1, thus enabling both AP 1 and AP 2 to successfully obtain the CSI feedback for the AP 1 to STA 1 channel. STA 2 (associated with AP 1) sends a TB PPDU (which includes CSI feedback from the AP 1 to STA 2 channel) based on the triggering of the BFRP frame. AP 1 receives and decodes the TB PPDU. AP 2 does not perform address filtering on the address 1 field of the TB PPDU from STA 2, so that both AP 1 and AP 2 can successfully obtain the CSI feedback from the AP 1 to STA 2 channel.

[0172] In the second phase, AP 1 sends an NDPA frame. After SIFS, AP 2 transmits an NDP for probe. After another SIFS, AP 1 sends a BFRP trigger frame. The BFRP frame sent by AP 1 carries user information for AP 2, STA 1, and STA 2. STA 1 (associated with AP 1) sends a TB PPDU (which includes CSI feedback for the AP 2 to STA 1 channel) based on the trigger of the BFRP frame. AP 1 receives and decodes the TB PPDU. AP 2 does not perform address filtering on the address 1 field of the TB PPDU from STA 1, thus enabling both AP 1 and AP 2 to successfully obtain the CSI feedback for the AP 2 to STA 1 channel. STA 2 (associated with AP 1) sends a TB PPDU (which includes CSI feedback from AP 2 to STA 2 channel) based on the triggering of a BFRP frame. AP 1 receives and decodes the TB PPDU. AP 2 does not perform address filtering on the address 1 field of the TB PPDU from STA 1, so that both AP 1 and AP 2 can successfully obtain the CSI feedback from AP 2 to STA 2 channel.

[0173] Similarly, in Figure 7(b), AP 1 does not perform address filtering on the address 1 field of the TB PPDU from STA 3 and STA 4, so that both AP 1 and AP 2 can successfully obtain CSI feedback from AP 2 to STA 3 and STA 4, as well as CSI feedback from AP 1 to STA 3 and STA 4.

[0174] In particular, since AP 1 does not need to perform address filtering on the address 1 field of the TB PPDU of the associated STA from AP 2, and AP 2 does not need to perform address filtering on the address 1 field of the TB PPDU of the associated STA from AP 1, the time and energy required to decode and filter the address 1 field can be saved, simplifying the detection process and improving detection efficiency.

[0175] Furthermore, Scheme 2 can be extended to multi-AP collaboration scenarios to ensure the successful implementation of the multi-AP collaboration process. APs participating in multi-AP collaboration (e.g., the second site, the first site) do not perform address filtering on the Address 1 field of MAC frames from STAs participating in multi-AP collaboration. That is, an AP (or STA) participating in multi-AP coordination (e.g., Co-SR, Co-BF, Co-TDMA, Co-rTWT, etc.) does not perform address filtering on the Address 1 field.

[0176] Option 3: The second station filters the address 1 field of MAC frames from the target STA.

[0177] After the second station enters the Global CSI Based Co-BF Sounding procedure or the Local CSI Based Co-BF Sounding procedure based on the instruction of the first frame, the second station may receive one or more MAC frames, and the second station performs address filtering on the received MAC frames.

[0178] In some embodiments, the second station uses the addresses of all APs participating in multi-AP cooperation to filter the address 1 field of the MAC frame; or, the second station uses the addresses of all APs participating in Co-BF probing to filter the address 1 field of the MAC frame; or, the second station uses the address of the first station to filter the address 1 field of the MAC frame; or, the second station uses the sender address of the NDPA frame during the Co-BF probing process to filter the address 1 field of the MAC frame.

[0179] In some embodiments, if the Address 1 field of an MPDU or MMPDU carrying the A-MSDU matches any address at a receiving AP (or STA) which participates in Co-BF sounding, then the entire MPDU or Medium Access Control Management Protocol Data Unit (MMPDU) should not be discarded.

[0180] For example, referring to Figure 7(a), Global CSI Based Co-BF Sounding is initiated by AP 1. AP 1 can indicate Global CSI Based Co-BF Sounding by sending a Multi-AP trigger frame before entering the probe process, or by sending an NDPA frame or BFRP trigger frame during the probe process. AP 2 can clearly determine that it has entered the Global CSI Based Co-BF Sounding process by receiving the Multi-AP trigger frame or NDPA frame.

[0181] In the first phase, AP 1 sends an NDPA frame, which, after passing through SIFS, transmits an NDP for probing. After another SIFS, it transmits a BFRP trigger frame. The BFRP frame sent by AP 1 carries user information for AP 2, STA 1, and STA 2. STA 1 (associated with AP 1) sends a TB PPDU (including CSI feedback for the AP 1-STA 1 channel) based on the triggering of the BFRP frame. AP 1 receives and decodes this TB PPDU. AP 2 uses the addresses of all APs participating in Co-BF probing (i.e., the addresses of AP 1 and AP 2) to perform address filtering on the address 1 field of the TB PPDU from STA 1, determining that it needs to obtain the CSI feedback carried by the TB PPDU from STA 1. This ensures that both AP 1 and AP 2 can successfully obtain the CSI feedback for the AP 1-STA 1 channel. STA 2 (associated with AP 1) sends a TB PPDU (which includes CSI feedback from the AP 1 to STA 2 channel) based on the triggering of the BFRP frame. AP 1 receives and decodes the TB PPDU. AP 2 uses the addresses of all APs participating in Co-BF probing (i.e., the addresses of AP 1 and AP 2) to perform address filtering on the address 1 field of the TB PPDU from STA 2, determining that it needs to obtain the CSI feedback carried by the TB PPDU from STA 2, thus enabling both AP 1 and AP 2 to successfully obtain the CSI feedback from the AP 1 to STA 2 channel.

[0182] In the second phase, AP 1 sends an NDPA frame. After SIFS, AP 2 transmits an NDP for probe. After another SIFS, AP 1 sends a BFRP trigger frame. The BFRP frame sent by AP 1 carries user information for AP 2, STA 1, and STA 2. STA 1 (associated with AP 1) sends a TB PPDU (which includes CSI feedback from the AP 2 to STA 1 channel) based on the trigger of the BFRP frame. AP 1 receives and decodes the TB PPDU. AP 2 uses the addresses of all APs participating in Co-BF probe (i.e., the addresses of AP 1 and AP 2) to perform address filtering on the address 1 field of the TB PPDU from STA 1, determining that it needs to obtain the CSI feedback carried by the TB PPDU from STA 1. This ensures that both AP 1 and AP 2 can successfully obtain the CSI feedback from the AP 2 to STA 1 channel. STA 2 (associated with AP 1) sends a TB PPDU (which includes CSI feedback from AP 2 to STA 2 channel) based on the triggering of the BFRP frame. AP 1 receives and decodes the TB PPDU. AP 2 uses the addresses of all APs participating in Co-BF probing (i.e., the addresses of AP 1 and AP 2) to perform address filtering on the address 1 field of the TB PPDU from STA 2, determining that it needs to obtain the CSI feedback carried by the TB PPDU from STA 1, thus enabling both AP 1 and AP 2 to successfully obtain the CSI feedback from AP 2 to STA 2 channel.

[0183] Similarly, in Figure 7(b), AP 1 uses the addresses of all APs participating in the Co-BF probe (i.e., the address of AP 1 and the address of AP 2) to perform address filtering on the address 1 field of the TB PPDU from STA 3 and STA 4, so that both AP 1 and AP 2 can successfully obtain CSI feedback from AP 2 to STA 3 and STA 4, as well as CSI feedback from AP 1 to STA 3 and STA 4.

[0184] In some embodiments, during Co-BF sounding, the responding AP performs address filtering using the initiating AP's Address 1 field; the initiating AP performs address filtering using the responding AP's Address 1 field.

[0185] For example, referring to Figure 7(a), Global CSI Based Co-BF Sounding is initiated by AP 1. AP 1 can indicate Global CSI Based Co-BF Sounding by sending a Multi-AP trigger frame before entering the probe process, or by sending an NDPA frame or BFRP trigger frame during the probe process. AP 2 can clearly determine that it has entered the Global CSI Based Co-BF Sounding process by receiving the Multi-AP trigger frame or NDPA frame.

[0186] In the first phase, AP 1 sends an NDPA frame, which, after passing through SIFS, transmits an NDP for probe, followed by another SIFS and then a BFRP trigger frame. The BFRP frame sent by AP 1 carries user information for AP 2, STA 1, and STA 2. STA 1 (associated with AP 1) sends a TB PPDU (including CSI feedback for the AP 1 to STA 1 channel) based on the triggering of the BFRP frame. AP 1 receives and decodes the TB PPDU. AP 2 uses the address of the initiating AP (i.e., the address of AP 1) to perform address filtering on the address 1 field of the TB PPDU from STA 1, determining that it needs to obtain the CSI feedback carried by the TB PPDU from STA 1. This ensures that both AP 1 and AP 2 can successfully obtain the CSI feedback for the AP 1 to STA 1 channel. STA 2 (associated with AP 1) sends a TB PPDU (which includes CSI feedback from the AP 1 to STA 2 channel) triggered by a BFRP frame. AP 1 receives and decodes the TB PPDU. AP 2 uses the address of the initiating AP (i.e., the address of AP 1) to perform address filtering on the address 1 field of the TB PPDU from STA 2, determining that it needs to obtain the CSI feedback carried by the TB PPDU from STA 2. This allows both AP 1 and AP 2 to successfully obtain the CSI feedback from the AP 1 to STA 2 channel.

[0187] In the second phase, AP 1 sends an NDPA frame. After SIFS, AP 2 transmits an NDP for probe. After another SIFS, AP 1 sends a BFRP trigger frame. The BFRP frame sent by AP 1 carries user information for AP 2, STA 1, and STA 2. STA 1 (associated with AP 1) sends a TB PPDU (which includes CSI feedback from the AP 2 to STA 1 channel) based on the trigger of the BFRP frame. AP 1 receives and decodes the TB PPDU. AP 2 uses the address of the initiating AP (i.e., the address of AP 1) to perform address filtering on the address 1 field of the TB PPDU from STA 1 to determine that it needs to obtain the CSI feedback carried by the TB PPDU from STA 1. This allows both AP 1 and AP 2 to successfully obtain the CSI feedback from the AP 2 to STA 1 channel. STA 2 (associated with AP 1) sends a TB PPDU (which includes CSI feedback from AP 2 to STA 2 channel) based on the triggering of a BFRP frame. AP 1 receives and decodes the TB PPDU. AP 2 uses the address of the initiating AP (i.e., the address of AP 1) to perform address filtering on the address 1 field of the TB PPDU from STA 2 to determine that it needs to obtain the CSI feedback carried by the TB PPDU from STA 1. This allows both AP 1 and AP 2 to successfully obtain the CSI feedback from AP 2 to STA 2 channel.

[0188] Similarly, in Figure 7(b), AP 1 uses the address of the initiating AP (i.e., the address of AP 2) to perform address filtering on the address 1 field of the TB PPDU from STA 3 and STA 4, so that both AP 1 and AP 2 can successfully obtain CSI feedback from AP 2 to STA 3 and STA 4, as well as CSI feedback from AP 1 to STA 3 and STA 4.

[0189] For example, Scheme 3 can also be extended to multi-AP collaboration scenarios. If the Address 1 field of an MPDU or MMPDU carrying an A-MSDU matches any address at a receiving AP (or STA) which participates in multi-AP coordination (e.g., Co-SR, Co-BF, Co-TDMA, Co-rTWT), then the entire MPDU or MMPDU should not be discarded.

[0190] Option 4: Set the address 1 field of the second frame to the broadcast address.

[0191] In Co-BF probing, the STA that sends a second frame carrying CSI feedback can set the RA field of the second frame to the broadcast address.

[0192] Therefore, after the second station enters the Global CSI Based Co-BF Sounding process or the Local CSI Based Co-BF Sounding process based on the instruction of the first frame, the second station can receive the broadcast second frame, and obtain CSI feedback after decoding the second frame.

[0193] For example, referring to Figure 7(a), Global CSI Based Co-BF Sounding is initiated by AP 1. AP 1 can indicate Global CSI Based Co-BF Sounding by sending a Multi-AP trigger frame before entering the probe process, or by sending an NDPA frame or BFRP trigger frame during the probe process. AP 2 can clearly determine that it has entered the Global CSI Based Co-BF Sounding process by receiving the Multi-AP trigger frame or NDPA frame.

[0194] In the first phase, AP 1 sends an NDPA frame, which, after passing through SIFS, transmits an NDP for probe, followed by another SIFS and then a BFRP trigger frame. The BFRP frame sent by AP 1 carries user information for AP 2, STA 1, and STA 2. STA 1 (associated with AP 1) sends a TB PPDU with its address 1 field set to the broadcast address (including CSI feedback for the AP 1 to STA 1 channel) based on the triggering of the BFRP frame. Since the TB PPDU transmitted by STA 1 is broadcast, both AP 1 and AP 2 receive and decode it, enabling both AP 1 and AP 2 to successfully obtain the CSI feedback for the AP 1 to STA 1 channel. STA 2 (associated with AP 1) sends a TB PPDU with its address 1 field set to the broadcast address (including CSI feedback from the AP 1 to STA 2 channel) based on the triggering of the BFRP frame. Since the TB PPDU transmitted by STA 1 is broadcast, both AP 1 and AP 2 receive and decode the TB PPDU, enabling both AP 1 and AP 2 to successfully obtain the CSI feedback from the AP 1 to STA 2 channel.

[0195] In the second phase, AP 1 sends an NDPA frame. After SIFS, AP 2 transmits an NDP for probe. After another SIFS, AP 1 sends a BFRP trigger frame. The BFRP frame sent by AP 1 carries user information for AP 2, STA 1, and STA 2. STA 1 (associated with AP 1) sends a TB PPDU with its address 1 field set to the broadcast address (including CSI feedback from the AP 2 to STA 1 channel) based on the trigger of the BFRP frame. Since the TB PPDU transmitted by STA 1 is broadcast, both AP 1 and AP 2 receive and decode it, enabling both AP 1 and AP 2 to successfully obtain the CSI feedback from the AP 2 to STA 1 channel. STA 2 (associated with AP 1) sends a TB PPDU with its address 1 field set to the broadcast address (including CSI feedback from the AP 2 to STA 2 channel) based on the triggering of the BFRP frame. Since the TB PPDU transmitted by STA 1 is broadcast, both AP 1 and AP 2 receive and decode the TB PPDU, enabling both AP 1 and AP 2 to successfully obtain the CSI feedback from the AP 2 to STA 2 channel.

[0196] Similarly, in Figure 7(b), STA 3 and STA 4 send TB PPDUs with the address 1 field set to the broadcast address based on the triggering of the BFRP trigger frame. AP 1 and AP 2 both receive and decode the broadcast TB PPDUs, so that AP 1 and AP 2 can successfully obtain the CSI feedback from AP 2 to STA 3 and STA 4, as well as the CSI feedback from AP 1 to STA 3 and STA 4.

[0197] Option 5: Set the Address 1 field of the second frame to the MAC address of the OBSS AP.

[0198] In Co-BF probes, the STA sending the second frame carrying CSI feedback can set the RA field of the second frame to the MAC address of the sender of the non-BFRP triggered frame.

[0199] In some embodiments, the MAC address of the sender of a non-BFRP trigger frame can be indicated by the BFRP trigger frame.

[0200] For example, if the initiating AP sends BFRP trigger frame 1, and the STA sends CSI feedback based on BFRP trigger frame 1, the RA field of the second frame can be set to the MAC address of the responding AP.

[0201] For example, if the responding AP sends BFRP trigger frame 2, and the STA sends CSI feedback based on BFRP trigger frame 2, the RA field of the second frame can be set to the MAC address of the initiating AP.

[0202] For example, referring to Figure 7(a), Global CSI Based Co-BF Sounding is initiated by AP 1. AP 1 can indicate Global CSI Based Co-BF Sounding by sending a Multi-AP trigger frame before entering the probe process, or by sending an NDPA frame or BFRP trigger frame during the probe process. AP 2 can clearly determine that it has entered the Global CSI Based Co-BF Sounding process by receiving the Multi-AP trigger frame or NDPA frame.

[0203] In the first phase, AP 1 sends an NDPA frame, which, after passing through SIFS, transmits an NDP for probe, followed by another SIFS and then a BFRP trigger frame. The BFRP frame sent by AP 1 carries user information for AP 2, STA 1, and STA 2. STA 1 (associated with AP 1) sends a TB PPDU (including CSI feedback for the AP 1 to STA 1 channel) with its address 1 field set to the address of the responding AP (i.e., the address of AP 2) based on the triggering of the BFRP frame. Both AP 1 and AP 2 receive and decode this TB PPDU, enabling both AP 1 and AP 2 to successfully obtain the CSI feedback for the AP 1 to STA 1 channel. STA 2 (associated with AP 1) sends a TB PPDU (which includes CSI feedback from the AP 1 to STA 2 channel) with the address 1 field set to the address of the responding AP (i.e., the address of AP 2) based on the triggering of the BFRP frame. Both AP 1 and AP 2 receive and decode the TB PPDU, so that both AP 1 and AP 2 can successfully obtain the CSI feedback from the AP 1 to STA 2 channel.

[0204] In the second phase, AP 1 sends an NDPA frame. After SIFS, AP 2 transmits an NDP for probe. After another SIFS, AP 1 sends a BFRP trigger frame. The BFRP frame sent by AP 1 carries user information for AP 2, STA 1, and STA 2. STA 1 (associated with AP 1) sends a TB PPDU (including CSI feedback for the AP 2 to STA 1 channel) with its address 1 field set to the address of the responding AP (i.e., the address of AP 2) based on the triggering of the BFRP frame. Both AP 1 and AP 2 receive and decode this TB PPDU, enabling both AP 1 and AP 2 to successfully obtain the CSI feedback for the AP 2 to STA 1 channel. STA 2 (associated with AP 1) sends a TB PPDU (which includes CSI feedback from AP 2 to STA 2 channel) with the address 1 field set to the address of the responding AP (i.e., the address of AP 2) based on the triggering of the BFRP frame. Since the TB PPDU transmitted by STA 1 is broadcast, both AP 1 and AP 2 receive and decode the TB PPDU, enabling both AP 1 and AP 2 to successfully obtain the CSI feedback from AP 2 to STA 2 channel.

[0205] Similarly, in Figure 7(b), STA 3 and STA 4, based on the triggering of the BFRP trigger frame, respectively send TB PPDU with the address 1 field set to the address of the responding AP (i.e., the address of AP 1). AP 1 and AP 2 both receive and decode the TB PPDU, so that AP 1 and AP 2 can successfully obtain the CSI feedback from AP 2 to STA 3 and STA 4, as well as the CSI feedback from AP 1 to STA 3 and STA 4.

[0206] Therefore, after the second station enters the Global CSI Based Co-BF Sounding procedure or the Local CSI Based Co-BF Sounding procedure based on the indication of the first frame, the second station may receive one or more MAC frames. Since the address 1 field of the second frame is set to the MAC address of the OBSS AP, the second station can accurately decode the second frame carrying CSI feedback, avoiding the need for CSI feedback being mistakenly discarded. Even if the second station uses traditional MAC address filtering rules to perform address filtering on the received MAC frames, it can still identify that the address 1 field of the second frame matches its own address, thus ensuring reliable reception of the second frame.

[0207] Referring to Schemes 1 through 5, it can be seen that the Address 1 field of the second frame may indicate the first station, or the second station, or the broadcast address. Regardless of how the Address 1 field of the second frame is set, any of the above five schemes can be used to avoid the erroneous discarding of CSI feedback and ensure the Co-BF detection results.

[0208] Step 1060: The second station obtains the steering matrix based on the CSI feedback in the second frame.

[0209] In summary, the method provided in this application supports indicating the type of Co-BF detection through the first frame, so that the second station can clearly identify which CSI feedback needs to be received or used subsequently, thereby accurately receiving and using CSI feedback, ensuring the efficiency and reliability of Co-BF detection, and thus achieving better spatial multiplexing and reducing inter-cell interference through Co-BF technology.

[0210] Figure 11 shows a flowchart of a communication method provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application. The method is performed by a non-AP STA and includes at least some of the following steps:

[0211] Step 1120: The non-AP STA receives the first frame, which indicates Co-BF detection.

[0212] For related content, please refer to steps 920 and 1020, which will not be repeated here.

[0213] Step 1140: The non-AP STA sends a second frame, which includes CSI feedback.

[0214] In some embodiments, the address 1 field of the second frame indicates a first site, or the address 1 field of the second frame indicates a second site, or the address 1 field of the second frame indicates a broadcast address.

[0215] In some embodiments, the Address 1 field of the second frame is not filtered by the second station; or, the Address 1 field of the second frame is filtered by the second station using the addresses of all APs participating in multi-AP cooperation; or, the Address 1 field of the second frame is filtered by the second station using the addresses of all APs participating in Co-BF probing; or, the Address 1 field of the second frame is filtered by the second station using the address of the first station; or, the Address 1 field of the second frame is filtered by the second station using the sender address of the NDPA frame during the Co-BF probing process.

[0216] In summary, the method provided in this application provides a feasible solution for the Co-BF detection process. It supports indicating the type of Co-BF detection through the first frame, allowing the second station to clearly identify which CSI feedback needs to be received or used subsequently, ensuring the efficiency and reliability of Co-BF detection, thereby achieving better spatial multiplexing and reducing inter-cell interference through Co-BF technology.

[0217] The embodiments shown in Figures 9 to 11 mention that the first frame can be a BFRP triggered frame, a Co-BF NDPA frame, or a Multi-AP triggered frame. Furthermore, this application also provides optimized frame format designs for these three cases. It should be emphasized that the following frame format designs are all applicable to the embodiments shown in Figures 2 to 11 above.

[0218] (1) The first frame is implemented as a BFRP triggered frame:

[0219] When the BFRP trigger frame is the first frame, the Co-BF detection type can be indicated implicitly or explicitly.

[0220] • Implicit indication Co-BF detection type:

[0221] In some embodiments, if the BFRP trigger frame carries a first user information field, it indicates that the Co-BF detection type is a first type (such as Global CSI Based Co-BF Sounding), meaning that the second station needs to decode and save the first parameter corresponding to the BFRP trigger frame and decode the first TB PPDU after the BFRP trigger frame; if the BFRP trigger frame does not carry a first user information field, it indicates that the Co-BF detection type is a second type (such as Local CSI Based Co-BF Sounding), meaning that the second station does not need to decode and save the first parameter corresponding to the BFRP trigger frame and does not need to decode the first TB PPDU after the BFRP trigger frame.

[0222] In some embodiments, when the BFRP trigger frame carries a first user information field, it indicates that the BFRP trigger frame instructs the second station to save the first parameter corresponding to the BFRP trigger frame and / or the second station to decode the first TB PPDU after the BFRP trigger frame; when the BFRP trigger frame does not carry a first user information field, it indicates that the BFRP trigger frame instructs the second station not to save the first parameter corresponding to the BFRP trigger frame and / or the second station not to decode the first TB PPDU after the BFRP trigger frame.

[0223] • Explicit indication of Co-BF detection type:

[0224] In some embodiments, the BFRP trigger frame includes a first subfield that indicates the Co-BF probe type.

[0225] For example, if the first subfield is a first value, it indicates that the Co-BF detection type is the first type (such as Global CSI Based Co-BF Sounding); if the first subfield is a second value, it indicates that the Co-BF detection type is the second type (such as Local CSI Based Co-BF Sounding).

[0226] For example, if the first subfield is a first value, it instructs the second station to save the first parameter corresponding to the first frame and / or the second station to decode the first TB PPDU after the first frame; if the first subfield is a second value, it instructs the second station not to save the first parameter corresponding to the first frame and / or the second station not to decode the first TB PPDU after the first frame.

[0227] Taking the first subfield using 1 bit as an example, the first value can be 0 and the second value can be 1, or the first value can be 1 and the second value can be 0. This application does not exclude the possibility of the first subfield using 2 bits or more bits, nor does it impose any restrictions on the first and second values, as long as the first and second values ​​are different.

[0228] In some embodiments, the first subfield is located within the first user information field carried in the BFRP trigger frame. For example, the first subfield is located in any one of bits B12 to B39 within the first user information field, such as B25, B39, B12, etc.

[0229] In some embodiments, the first subfield is located within the common user information field carried in the BFRP trigger frame. For example, the first subfield is located in any one of bits B22, B26, B53, B56 to B63 within the common user information field.

[0230] In some embodiments, the first subfield is located within a special user information field carried in the BFRP trigger frame. For example, the first subfield is located in any one of bits B37 to B39, such as using B37, B38, or B39.

[0231] Regardless of the indication method mentioned above, if the BFRP trigger frame includes a first user information field, the design of the first user information field can refer to the following:

[0232] In some embodiments, the AID12 subfield of the first user information field indicates the second site; therefore, the first user information field can be considered as an AP-oriented user information field.

[0233] In some embodiments, the value of the AID12 subfield of the first user information field includes one or more of 2008 to 2044 or 2047 to 4094, used to represent the identifier of an AP belonging to the Multi-AP collaboration set. That is, the value of the AID12 subfield of the first user information field can be used to indicate one or more APs participating in the Multi-AP collaboration, including the second site.

[0234] In one embodiment, the AID12 subfield used to identify the AP in the first user information field and the AID11 subfield used to identify the AP in the Co-BF NDPA frame have the same value. For example, the value of the AID12 subfield used to identify the AP in the first user information field and the value of the AID11 subfield used to identify the AP in the Co-BF NDPA frame are both one or more of the same values ​​in [2008, 2023].

[0235] In some embodiments, the first user information field in the BFRP trigger frame immediately follows the special user information field.

[0236] In some embodiments, when the BFRP trigger frame carries a first user information field, all subfields in the first user information field, except for the AID12 subfield and the Feedback Segment Retransmission Bitmap subfield, are set to reserved fields. This is because the second station does not need to feed back the first TB PPDU, so it does not need the remaining subfields to indicate the relevant parameters for transmitting the first TB PPDU.

[0237] In some embodiments, when the BFRP trigger frame carries a first user information field, if the first subfield is located within the first user information field, then all other subfields in the first user information field, except for the AID12 subfield, the first subfield, and the feedback segmented retransmission bitmap subfield, are set as reserved fields.

[0238] In some embodiments, when the BFRP trigger frame indicates a first type of CO-BF probe, the RU or MRU indicated by the RU Allocation subfield carried by the BFRP trigger frame must be located within the overlapping bandwidth of the first site and the second site, and include the primary channel of the first site and / or the primary channel of the second site.

[0239] In some embodiments, if the BFRP trigger frame sent by the first station indicates a first type of CO-BF detection, then when setting the target receive power indicated by the UL Target Receive Power subfield carried in the BFRP trigger frame, the first station must consider both its own location and / or desired receive signal power, as well as the location and / or desired receive signal power of the second station, to ensure that both the first and second stations can receive the first TB PPDU. Similarly, if the BFRP trigger frame sent by the second station indicates a first type of CO-BF detection, then when setting the target receive power indicated by the UL Target Receive Power subfield carried in the BFRP trigger frame, the second station must consider both its own location and / or desired receive signal power, as well as the location and / or desired receive signal power of the first station, to ensure that both the first and second stations can receive the first TB PPDU.

[0240] Figure 12 illustrates a flowchart of a BFRP trigger frame indicating a Co-BF probe type provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application.

[0241] Taking the detection of STA1 and STA2 associated with AP1 as an example, AP1 sends a BFRP trigger frame instructing AP2 to perform Global CSI Based Co-BF Sounding. AP1 is the second (2) in the User Info List of the BFRP trigger frame it sends. nd The AID12 subfield of the user information field indicates the identifier of AP2, the third (3 rd User information field and the 4th (4) th The AID12 subfield of the user information field indicates the identifiers of STA1 and STA2, respectively. That is, in the user information list of the BFRP trigger frame, the first user information field is a special user information field, the immediately following user information field (i.e., the second user information field) serves as the first user information field mentioned earlier to indicate AP2, and the third and fourth user information fields are used to indicate the target STAs participating in Co-BF detection. Besides the special user information field and the first user information field indicating AP2, the number of other user information fields included in the user information list may be one or more. The more target STAs participating in Co-BF detection, the more user information fields the user information list will contain.

[0242] Located in the 1st (1 st The value of the AID12 subfield in the special user information field is 2007.

[0243] Located in the 2nd (2) nd The AID12 subfield in the user information field of AP2 has a value equal to the AID of AP2. Furthermore, except for the AID12 subfield and the feedback segmented retransmission bitmap subfield, all other subfields are set to reserved bits. This user information field can be considered to be AP2-oriented.

[0244] Located in the 3rd (3 rd In the user information field, the value of the AID12 subfield is equal to the AID of STA1. This is located in the 4th (4...) thThe value of the AID12 subfield in the user information field is equal to the AID of STA2. In the third and fourth user information fields, in addition to the AID12 subfield and the feedback segmented retransmission bitmap subfield, one or more of the following subfields are also included: Resource Unit Allocation (RU Allocation), Uplink Forward Error Correction Coding Type (UL FEC Coding Type), Uplink EHT Modulation and Coding Scheme (UL EHT-MCS), Reserved, Spatial Stream Allocation (SS Allocation), Uplink Target Receive Power (UL Target Receive Power), and Primary Secondary 160 (PS160). The AID12 subfield occupies 12 bits, the RU Allocation subfield occupies 8 bits, the UL FEC Coding Type subfield occupies 1 bit, the UL EHT-MCS subfield occupies 4 bits, the Reserved subfield occupies 1 bit, the SS Allocation subfield occupies 6 bits, the UL Target Receive Power subfield occupies 7 bits, the PS160 subfield occupies 1 bit, and the Feedback Segmented Retransmission Bitmap subfield occupies 8 bits. The numbers above each subfield indicate the proportion of that subfield, which will not be elaborated further.

[0245] Generally, the meanings of the values ​​of the AID12 subfield are shown in Table 1.

[0246] Table 1 AID12 subfields

[0247] After AP2 decodes the BFRP trigger frame sent by AP1, it finds the user information field that matches its own AID and determines that the Co-BF detection type is Global CSI Based Co-BF Sounding. Therefore, AP2 needs to save the entire BFRP trigger frame (including the subsequent third and fourth user information fields) and decode the first TB PPDU fed back by STA1 and STA2 after the BFRP trigger frame.

[0248] STA1, triggered by a BFRP trigger frame, sends a first TB PPDU in response, which includes CSI feedback between AP1 and STA1. STA2, also triggered by a BFRP trigger frame, sends a first TB PPDU in response, which includes CSI feedback between AP1 and STA1.

[0249] Similarly, during the period when the STAs associated with AP2 are being probed (not shown in the figure), AP1 also needs to decode and save the BFRP trigger frame sent by AP2, and decode the first TB PPDU sent by the STAs associated with AP2 after the BFRP trigger frame to obtain the CSI feedback between AP2 and its associated STAs.

[0250] (2) The first frame is implemented as a Co-BF NDPA frame:

[0251] When the Co-BF NDPA frame is the first frame, the Co-BF detection type can be indicated implicitly or explicitly.

[0252] • Implicit indication Co-BF detection type:

[0253] In some embodiments, if the CO-BF NDPA frame carries a first subfield, it indicates that the Co-BF detection type is a first type (such as Global CSI Based Co-BF Sounding); if the CO-BF NDPA frame does not carry a first subfield, it indicates that the Co-BF detection type is a second type (such as Local CSI Based Co-BF Sounding).

[0254] In some embodiments, when the CO-BF NDPA frame carries the first subfield, it indicates that the CO-BF NDPA frame instructs the second station to save the first parameter corresponding to the BFRP trigger frame and / or the first TB PPDU after the second station decodes the BFRP trigger frame; when the CO-BF NDPA frame does not carry the first subfield, it indicates that the CO-BF NDPA frame instructs the second station not to save the first parameter corresponding to the BFRP trigger frame and / or the second station not to decode the first TB PPDU after the BFRP trigger frame.

[0255] • Explicit indication of Co-BF detection type:

[0256] In some embodiments, the CO-BF NDPA frame includes a first subfield, and different values ​​of the first subfield are used to indicate different Co-BF detection types.

[0257] For example, if the first subfield has a first value, it indicates that the Co-BF detection type is the first type (e.g., Global CSI Based Co-BF Sounding), meaning that the second station needs to decode and save the first parameter corresponding to the BFRP trigger frame and decode the first TB PPDU after the BFRP trigger frame. If the first subfield has a second value, it indicates that the Co-BF detection type is the second type (e.g., Local CSI Based Co-BF Sounding), meaning that the second station does not need to decode and save the first parameter corresponding to the BFRP trigger frame and does not need to decode the first TB PPDU after the BFRP trigger frame.

[0258] For example, if the first subfield is a first value, it instructs the second station to save the first parameter corresponding to the first frame and / or the second station to decode the first TB PPDU after the first frame; if the first subfield is a second value, it instructs the second station not to save the first parameter corresponding to the first frame and / or the second station not to decode the first TB PPDU after the first frame.

[0259] Taking the first subfield using 1 bit as an example, the first value can be 0 and the second value can be 1, or the first value can be 1 and the second value can be 0. This application does not exclude the possibility of the first subfield using 2 bits or more bits, nor does it impose any restrictions on the first and second values, as long as the first and second values ​​are different.

[0260] In some embodiments, the first subfield is located in the first (1)th subfield of the CO-BF NDPA frame. st The user information field (also known as STA Info in CO-BF NDPA frames) contains an AID11 subfield whose value is a specific first value (e.g., 2047). For example, the first subfield is located in the first (1) st B31 in the user information field.

[0261] In some embodiments, the first subfield is located in the second (2)th subfield of the CO-BF NDPA frame. nd The user information field (also known as STA Info in CO-BF NDPA frames) contains an AID11 subfield whose value is equal to the AID of the second station. For example, the first subfield is located in the second (2) nd Any bit from B28 to B31 in the user information field, that is, the first subfield is located at B28, B29, B30, or B31.

[0262] In some embodiments, when a CO-BF NDPA frame indicates a first type of CO-BF probe, the RU or MRU indicated by the RU Allocation subfield carried by the BFRP trigger frame must be located within the overlapping bandwidth of the first site and the second site, and include the primary channel of the first site and / or the primary channel of the second site.

[0263] In some embodiments, if the CO-BF NDPA frame sent by the first station indicates a first type of CO-BF detection, then when setting the target receive power indicated by the UL Target Receive Power subfield carried in the BFRP trigger frame, the first station must consider both its own location and / or desired receive signal power, as well as the location and / or desired receive signal power of the second station, to ensure that both the first and second stations can receive the first TB PPDU. Similarly, if the CO-BF NDPA frame sent by the second station indicates a first type of CO-BF detection, then when setting the target receive power indicated by the UL Target Receive Power subfield carried in the BFRP trigger frame, the second station must consider both its own location and / or desired receive signal power, as well as the location and / or desired receive signal power of the first station, to ensure that both the first and second stations can receive the first TB PPDU.

[0264] Figure 13 illustrates a flowchart of a CO-BF NDPA frame indicating a Co-BF probe type provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application.

[0265] Taking the detection of STA1 and STA2 associated with AP1 as an example, AP1 sends a CO-BF NDPA frame instructing AP2 to perform Global CSI Based Co-BF Sounding. The first subfield has a value of 0, indicating that Global CSI Based Co-BF Sounding is enabled. If the first subfield has a value of 1, it indicates that Local CSI Based Co-BF Sounding is enabled.

[0266] In its transmitted CO-BF NDPA frame, AP1 will include the first (1) st The AID11 subfield of the STA Info field is set to 2047, and the first subfield is set to 0. Apart from the AID11 and first subfields, the first (1 stThe STA Info field also includes the following subfields: NDPA Version Identifier, BSS Color, Transmission Opportunity (TXOP), Disambiguation, and Bandwidth. The NDPA Version Identifier subfield occupies 3 bits, the BSS Color subfield occupies 6 bits, the TXOP subfield occupies 7 bits, the Disambiguation subfield occupies 1 bit, and the Bandwidth subfield occupies 3 bits. The numbers above each subfield indicate its proportion, which will not be elaborated further.

[0267] AP1 will use the second (2) frame in the CO-BF NDPA frame. nd The value of the AID11 subfield of the STA Info field is set to the AID of STA1, and the value of the third (3) subfield is set to the AID of STA1. rd The value of the AID11 subfield of the STA Info field is set to the AID of STA2. Additionally, the second (2 nd )STA Info field and the 3rd (3 rd In addition to the AID11 subfields (B0 to B10), the STA Info field also includes the following subfields: Partial BW Info (B11 to B19), Reserved (B20), Number of Columns Index (Nc Index) (B21 to B24), Feedback Type and Number of Packet Subcarriers (B25 to B26), Disambiguation (B27), Codebook Size (B28), and Reserved (B29 to B31).

[0268] After AP2 decodes the CO-BF NDPA frame sent by AP1, it determines the Co-BF detection type as Global CSI Based Co-BF Sounding based on the value of the first subfield. Therefore, AP2 needs to save the entire BFRP trigger frame after the NDP and decode the first TB PPDU fed back by STA1 and STA2 after the BFRP trigger frame.

[0269] STA1, triggered by a BFRP trigger frame, sends a first TB PPDU in response, which includes CSI feedback between AP1 and STA1. STA2, also triggered by a BFRP trigger frame, sends a first TB PPDU in response, which includes CSI feedback between AP1 and STA1.

[0270] Similarly, during the period when the STAs associated with AP2 are being probed (not shown in the figure), AP1 also needs to decode and save the BFRP trigger frame sent by AP2, and decode the first TB PPDU sent by the STAs associated with AP2 after the BFRP trigger frame to obtain the CSI feedback between AP2 and its associated STAs.

[0271] Figure 14 illustrates the format of a Co-BF NDPA frame provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application. It includes the following fields: Frame Control, Duration, Receiver Address (RA), Transmitter Address (TA), Sounding Dialog Token, Site Info List (or User Info List), and Frame Check Sequence (FCS).

[0272] Co-BF NDPA frames can share NDPA variant indications with EHT NDPA frames, such as setting the NDP Announcement Variant subfield to 3. If the first station requests the second station to join the Co-BF probe, the presence of a Special User Info Field with a value of 2047 in the AID11 subfield can distinguish Co-BF NDPA frames from EHT NDPA frames.

[0273] If a second site is requested to join Co-BF probes, the first two STA Info fields of the Co-BF NDPA frame carry configuration parameters for the probe LTF symbol and Universal Signal (U-SIG) in the NDPA. Specifically, the AID11 subfield of the first STA Info field is set to 2047, and the AID11 subfield of the second STA Info field is set to the AID of the second site; that is, the second site is identified by the AID11 subfield of the second STA Info field.

[0274] (3) The first frame is implemented as a Multi-AP triggered frame:

[0275] The Multi-AP trigger frame is transmitted during the pre-TX phase before Co-BF probing. The Multi-AP trigger frame can be used to trigger the participation of a second site in the subsequent Co-BF probing, or to confirm whether the second site will participate in the subsequent Co-BF probing.

[0276] When the Multi-AP trigger frame is the first frame, the Co-BF detection type can be indicated implicitly or explicitly.

[0277] • Implicit indication Co-BF detection type:

[0278] In some embodiments, if the Multi-AP trigger frame carries a first subfield, it indicates that the Co-BF detection type is a first type (such as Global CSI Based Co-BF Sounding); if the Multi-AP trigger frame does not carry a first subfield, it indicates that the Co-BF detection type is a second type (such as Local CSI Based Co-BF Sounding).

[0279] In some embodiments, if the Multi-AP trigger frame carries a first subfield, it indicates that the Multi-AP trigger frame instructs the second station to save the first parameter corresponding to the BFRP trigger frame and / or the second station to decode the first TB PPDU after the BFRP trigger frame; if the Multi-AP trigger frame does not carry a first subfield, it indicates that the Multi-AP trigger frame instructs the second station not to save the first parameter corresponding to the BFRP trigger frame and / or the second station not to decode the first TB PPDU after the BFRP trigger frame.

[0280] • Explicit indication of Co-BF detection type:

[0281] In some embodiments, the Multi-AP trigger frame includes a first subfield, and different values ​​of the first subfield are used to indicate different Co-BF detection types.

[0282] For example, if the first subfield has a first value, it indicates that the Co-BF detection type is the first type (e.g., Global CSI Based Co-BF Sounding), meaning that the second station needs to decode and save the first parameter corresponding to the BFRP trigger frame and decode the first TB PPDU after the BFRP trigger frame. If the first subfield has a second value, it indicates that the Co-BF detection type is the second type (e.g., Local CSI Based Co-BF Sounding), meaning that the second station does not need to decode and save the first parameter corresponding to the BFRP trigger frame and does not need to decode the first TB PPDU after the BFRP trigger frame.

[0283] For example, if the first subfield is a first value, it instructs the second station to save the first parameter corresponding to the first frame and / or the second station to decode the first TB PPDU after the first frame; if the first subfield is a second value, it instructs the second station not to save the first parameter corresponding to the first frame and / or the second station not to decode the first TB PPDU after the first frame.

[0284] Taking the first subfield using 1 bit as an example, the first value can be 0 and the second value can be 1, or the first value can be 1 and the second value can be 0. This application does not exclude the possibility of the first subfield using 2 bits or more bits, nor does it impose any restrictions on the first and second values, as long as the first and second values ​​are different.

[0285] In some embodiments, when the negotiation result of the Multi-AP trigger frame and its response frame is a first type of Co-BF probe, the RU or MRU indicated by the RU Allocation subfield carried by the BFRP trigger frame must be located within the overlapping bandwidth of the first site and the second site, and include the primary channel of the first site and / or the primary channel of the second site.

[0286] In some embodiments, if a first station initiates an NDPA frame, and the negotiation result of the Multi-AP trigger frame and its response frame is a Type 1 Co-BF probe, and the Multi-AP trigger frame sent by the first station carries a first subfield, then when the first station sets the target received power indicated by the UL Target Receive Power subfield carried in the BFRP trigger frame, it must consider both its own location and / or desired received signal power, as well as the location and / or desired received signal power of the second station, thereby ensuring that both the first and second stations can receive the first TB PPDU. Similarly, if a second station initiates an NDPA frame, and the negotiation result of the Multi-AP trigger frame and its response frame is a Type 1 Co-BF probe, then when the second station sets the target received power indicated by the UL Target Receive Power subfield carried in the BFRP trigger frame, it must consider both its own location and / or desired received signal power, as well as the location and / or desired received signal power of the first station, thereby ensuring that both the first and second stations can receive the first TB PPDU.

[0287] In some embodiments, regardless of whether explicit or implicit indication is used, after receiving the Multi-AP trigger frame, the second station can send a response frame to the first station to indicate whether it agrees to the Co-BF probe type indicated by the first station. Furthermore, the second station can also indicate its own suggested, recommended, or desired Co-BF probe type in the response frame.

[0288] Figure 15 illustrates a flowchart of a Multi-AP trigger frame indicating a Co-BF probe type provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application.

[0289] Before Co-BF sounding, AP1 negotiates the Co-BF sounding type with AP2 by sending a Multi-AP trigger frame. AP1 indicates the Co-BF sounding type in the Multi-AP trigger frame. After receiving the Multi-AP trigger frame, AP2 sends a response frame to indicate to AP1 whether it agrees with or disagrees with the Co-BF sounding type indicated by AP1. If it disagrees, AP2 can also indicate its suggested, recommended, or desired Co-BF sounding type in the response frame. This is exemplified by AP1 and AP2 negotiating the implementation of Global CSI Based Co-BF Sounding.

[0290] During the probe phase for STA1 and STA2 associated with AP1, AP1 sends an NDPA frame, an NDP, and a BFRP trigger frame. AP2 needs to save the entire BFRP trigger frame following the NDP and decode the first TB PPDU fed back by STA1 and STA2 after that BFRP trigger frame. STA1 sends the first TB PPDU in response to the triggering of the BFRP trigger frame, which includes CSI feedback between AP1 and STA1. STA2 sends the first TB PPDU in response to the triggering of the BFRP trigger frame, which includes CSI feedback between AP1 and STA1. Then, AP1 sends an NDPA frame, AP2 sends an NDP, and AP1 sends a BFRP trigger frame. AP2 needs to save the entire BFRP trigger frame following the NDP and decode the first TB PPDU fed back by STA1 and STA2 after that BFRP trigger frame. STA1 sends the first TB PPDU in response to the triggering of the BFRP trigger frame, which includes CSI feedback between AP1 and STA1. STA2, triggered by a BFRP trigger frame, sends a first TB PPDU in response, which includes CSI feedback between AP1 and STA1. Both AP1 and AP2 need to decode the first TB PPDU feedback from STA1 and STA2.

[0291] Similarly, during the period when the STAs associated with AP2 are being probed (not shown in the figure), AP1 also needs to decode and save the BFRP trigger frame sent by AP2, and decode the first TB PPDU sent by the STAs associated with AP2 after the BFRP trigger frame to obtain the CSI feedback between AP2 and its associated STAs.

[0292] Regarding the Co-BF detection process based on joint NDP shown in Figure 5, since both AP 1 and AP 2 need to receive sounding feedback, and the sounding feedback includes channel measurement results from AP 1 and AP 2 and one or more target STAs respectively, this application supports the use of the embodiment shown in Figure 16 to ensure the Co-BF detection process based on joint NDP, considering the Co-BF detection type.

[0293] Figure 16 illustrates a flowchart of a communication method provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application. The method is performed by a first station, a second station, and a non-AP STA, and includes at least some of the following steps:

[0294] Step 1620: The first station sends the first frame, which indicates Co-BF detection.

[0295] In some embodiments, the first frame indicates whether the Co-BF detection type is a first type or a second type.

[0296] In some embodiments, the first type of Co-BF detection includes Global CSI Based Co-BF Sounding, and the second type of Co-BF detection includes Local CSI Based Co-BF Sounding.

[0297] Other related content can be found in step 920. Further reference can be made to related embodiments in which the first frame is implemented as a BFRP trigger frame, a Co-BF NDPA frame, or a Multi-AP trigger frame, which will not be elaborated here.

[0298] The second station and the non-AP STA receive the first frame.

[0299] Step 1640: The non-AP STA sends a second frame, which includes CSI feedback.

[0300] Referring to the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the CI feedback included in the second frame is based on large V-based feedback, with the feature vector spanning the antennas of the first and second sites.

[0301] Step 1660(a): The first station decodes the second frame and obtains CSI feedback.

[0302] If the Co-BF probe indicated in the first frame is a Type 1 Co-BF probe, the first station uses all CSI feedback included in the second frame to acquire the steering matrix. The steering matrix can also be called the steering vector matrix.

[0303] If the Co-BF probe indicated in the first frame is a Type II Co-BF probe, the first station uses partial information from the CSI feedback included in the second frame to obtain the steering matrix. For example, the first station calculates the steering matrix using only its own and one or more target STAs' CSI feedback, without using the CSI feedback from the second station and one or more target STAs.

[0304] Step 1660(b): The second station decodes the second frame and obtains CSI feedback.

[0305] If the Co-BF probe indicated in the first frame is a first-type Co-BF probe, the second station uses all CSI feedback included in the second frame to obtain the steering matrix.

[0306] If the Co-BF probe indicated in the first frame is a Type II Co-BF probe, the second station uses partial information from the CSI feedback included in the second frame to obtain the steering matrix. For example, the second station calculates the steering matrix using only its own and one or more target STAs' CSI feedback, without using the first station's and one or more target STAs' CSI feedback.

[0307] Taking Figure 5 as an example, the first stage of STA probing of BSS1 is as follows: AP1 and AP2 perform Co-BF probing with STA1 (associated with AP1). Assume there are a total of 4 spatial streams, where AP1 sends NDP on the 1st and 2nd spatial streams, and AP2 sends NDP on the 3rd and 4th spatial streams.

[0308] STA 1 feeds back the CSI of four spatial streams: the CSI of AP 1->STA 1 (representing the channel from AP 1 to STA 1) for the first and second spatial streams, and the CSI of AP 2->STA 1 (representing the channel from AP 2 to STA 1) for the third and fourth spatial streams.

[0309] If the Co-BF probe indicated in the first frame is a Type I Co-BF probe, then AP 1 needs to use the CSI of the four spatial streams fed back by STA 1 to calculate the steering matrix, and AP 2 also needs to use the CSI of the four spatial streams fed back by STA 1 to calculate the steering matrix.

[0310] If the Co-BF probe indicated in the first frame is a Type II Co-BF probe, then AP 1 only needs to use the CSI of the first and second spatial streams fed back by STA 1 to calculate the steering matrix, and AP 2 only needs to use the CSI of the third and fourth spatial streams fed back by STA 1 to calculate the steering matrix.

[0311] In summary, the method provided in this application supports Co-BF detection by instructing the first frame, so that the first and second stations can use the corresponding CSI to obtain the guidance matrix, ensuring the reliability of the Co-BF detection process based on joint NDP, thereby accurately enhancing the beam toward the target STA and adjusting the spatial radiation toward the non-target STA to zero, so as to achieve better spatial reuse and reduce inter-cell interference.

[0312] To reiterate, the frame formats, element formats, and field formats shown in the above embodiments are merely examples and not limitations. This application supports modifications to the formats of each frame, element, and field based on the format design described above, such as changing the order of fields / elements, changing the number of bytes in fields / elements, changing the number of bits in fields / elements, changing the names of fields / elements / frames, etc. It also supports setting some fields / elements as reserved fields.

[0313] Figure 17 shows a structural block diagram of a communication device 1700 provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application. The communication device 1700 can be implemented as the first station described above, or as part of the first station described above. The communication device 1700 is a wireless communication device / wireless device that supports WLAN / Wi-Fi protocols (such as the 802.11 protocol). The communication device 1700 includes a transmitting module 1710.

[0314] The transmitting module 1710 is used to transmit a first frame, which indicates cooperative beamforming detection.

[0315] In some embodiments, the first frame indicates the type of cooperative beamforming detection.

[0316] In some embodiments, the first frame indicates whether the second station saves the first parameter corresponding to the first frame; and / or whether the second station decodes the first TB PPDU after the first frame; wherein the first parameter is related to the transmission parameters of the first TB PPDU.

[0317] In some embodiments, the first frame includes a BFRP trigger frame, the BFRP trigger frame including a first user information field, the AID12 subfield of the first user information field indicating a second site.

[0318] In some embodiments, the value of the AID12 subfield of the first user information field satisfies one or more of the following: the value of the AID12 subfield of the first user information field is the same as the value of the AID11 subfield used to identify the AP in the Co-BF NDPA frame; the value of the AID12 subfield of the first user information field includes at least one value among 2008 to 2044 and / or 2047 to 4094.

[0319] In some embodiments, the first user information field further includes a first subfield, which is used to indicate whether the type of the cooperative beamforming detection is a first type or a second type.

[0320] In some embodiments, the first frame includes a Co-BF NDPA frame, the Co-BF NDPA frame including a first subfield, the first subfield being used to indicate whether the type of the cooperative beamforming detection is a first type or a second type.

[0321] In some embodiments, the first subfield is located in the first user information field of the Co-BF NDPA frame, and the value of the AID11 subfield of the first user information field is a first value; or, the first subfield is located in the second user information field of the Co-BF NDPA frame, and the AID11 subfield of the second user information subfield indicates a second site.

[0322] In some embodiments, the first frame includes a Multi-AP trigger frame, which includes a first subfield indicating whether the type of the cooperative beamforming detection is a first type or a second type.

[0323] In some embodiments, the first frame further includes an RU Allocation subfield, wherein the RU or MRU indicated by the RU Allocation subfield satisfies one or more of the following: located within the overlapping bandwidth of the device and the second site; includes the main channel of the device; or includes the main channel of the second site.

[0324] In some embodiments, the first frame further includes a UL Target Receive Power subfield, the power value indicated by the UL Target Receive Power subfield being related to one or more of the following: the location of the second site; the expected received signal power of the second site; the location of the device; and the expected received signal power of the device.

[0325] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes a receiving module 1730 for receiving a second frame, the second frame including CSI feedback.

[0326] In some embodiments, the receiving module 1730 is configured to receive the second frame from all stations (STAs) participating in the cooperative beamforming detection.

[0327] In some embodiments, the address 1 field of the second frame indicates the device, or the address 1 field of the second frame indicates the second station, or the address 1 field of the second frame indicates a broadcast address.

[0328] In some embodiments, the Address 1 field of the second frame is not filtered by the second station; or, the Address 1 field of the second frame is filtered by the second station using the addresses of all APs participating in multi-AP cooperation; or, the Address 1 field of the second frame is filtered by the second station using the addresses of all APs participating in the cooperative beamforming detection; or, the Address 1 field of the second frame is filtered by the second station using the address of the device; or, the Address 1 field of the second frame is filtered by the second station using the sender address of the NDPA frame announced by the null data physical layer protocol data unit during the cooperative beamforming detection process.

[0329] In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a processing module 1750 for obtaining a steering matrix based on the CSI feedback or a portion of the CSI feedback in the second frame.

[0330] The content described in the preceding method embodiments is applicable to the communication device 1700 shown in FIG17. For details not described in detail in this embodiment, please refer to the above embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0331] In summary, the apparatus provided in this application supports indicating the type of Co-BF detection through the first frame, so that the second station can clearly determine which CSI feedback needs to be received or used subsequently, ensuring the efficiency and reliability of Co-BF detection, thereby achieving better spatial multiplexing and reducing inter-cell interference through Co-BF technology.

[0332] Figure 18 shows a structural block diagram of a communication device 1800 provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application. The communication device 1800 can be implemented as the second station described above, or as part of the second station described above. The communication device 1800 can be a wireless communication device / wireless device supporting WLAN / Wi-Fi protocols (such as the 802.11 protocol). The communication device 1800 includes a receiving module 1810.

[0333] The receiving module 1810 is used to receive a first frame, which indicates cooperative beamforming detection.

[0334] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes a processing module 1830 for determining the type of the cooperative beamforming detection based on the first frame.

[0335] In some embodiments, the processing module 1830 is configured to determine, based on the first frame, whether to save the first parameter corresponding to the first frame and / or whether to decode the first TB PPDU after the first frame; wherein the first parameter is related to the transmission parameters of the first TB PPDU.

[0336] In some embodiments, the first frame includes a BFRP trigger frame, the BFRP trigger frame including a first user information field, the AID12 subfield of the first user information field indicating the device.

[0337] In some embodiments, the value of the AID12 subfield of the first user information field satisfies one or more of the following: the value of the AID12 subfield of the first user information field is the same as the value of the AID11 subfield used to identify the AP in the Co-BF NDPA frame; the value of the AID12 subfield of the first user information field includes at least one value among 2008 to 2044 and / or 2047 to 4094.

[0338] In some embodiments, the first user information field further includes a first subfield, which is used to indicate whether the type of the cooperative beamforming detection is a first type or a second type.

[0339] In some embodiments, the first frame includes a Co-BF NDPA frame, the Co-BF NDPA frame including a first subfield, the first subfield being used to indicate whether the type of the cooperative beamforming detection is a first type or a second type.

[0340] In some embodiments, the first subfield is located in the first user information field of the Co-BF NDPA frame, and the value of the AID11 subfield of the first user information field is a first value; or, the first subfield is located in the second user information field of the Co-BF NDPA frame, and the AID11 subfield of the second user information subfield indicates the device.

[0341] In some embodiments, the first frame includes a Multi-AP trigger frame, which includes a first subfield indicating whether the type of the cooperative beamforming detection is a first type or a second type.

[0342] In some embodiments, the first frame further includes an RU Allocation subfield, wherein the RU or MRU indicated by the RU Allocation subfield satisfies one or more of the following: located within the overlapping bandwidth of the first site and the device; includes the main channel of the first site; or includes the main channel of the device.

[0343] In some embodiments, the first frame further includes a UL Target Receive Power subfield, the power value indicated by the UL Target Receive Power subfield being related to one or more of the following: the location of the device; the desired received signal power of the device; the location of the first site; and the desired received signal power of the first site.

[0344] In some embodiments, the receiving module 1810 is further configured to receive a second frame, the second frame including CSI feedback.

[0345] In some embodiments, the receiving module 1810 is further configured to receive the second frame from all STAs participating in the cooperative beamforming detection.

[0346] In some embodiments, the address 1 field of the second frame indicates a first site, or the address 1 field of the second frame indicates the device, or the address 1 field of the second frame indicates a broadcast address.

[0347] In some embodiments, the processing module 1830 is further configured to: not perform address filtering on the address 1 field of the Media Access Control (MAC) frame from a STA participating in multi-AP cooperation; or, not perform address filtering on the address 1 field of the MAC frame from a STA participating in the cooperative beamforming detection.

[0348] In some embodiments, the processing module 1830 is further configured to: perform address filtering on the address 1 field of the MAC frame using the addresses of all APs participating in multi-AP cooperation; or, perform address filtering on the address 1 field of the MAC frame using the addresses of all APs participating in the cooperative beamforming detection; or, perform address filtering on the address 1 field of the MAC frame using the address of the first station; or, perform address filtering on the address 1 field of the MAC frame using the sender address of the NDPA frame in the cooperative beamforming detection process.

[0349] In some embodiments, the processing module 1830 is further configured to: obtain a steering matrix based on the CSI feedback or a portion of the CSI feedback.

[0350] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes a transmitting module 1850 for participating in the cooperative beamforming detection or multi-AP cooperation. Exemplarily, the transmitting module 1850 is used to transmit one or more of the following frames: response frames, NDP frames, NDPA frames, and BFRP trigger frames.

[0351] The content described in the preceding method embodiments is applicable to the communication device 1800 shown in FIG18. For details not described in detail in this embodiment, please refer to the above embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0352] In summary, the apparatus provided in this application supports indicating the type of Co-BF detection through the first frame, so that each AP participating in the cooperative beamforming detection can clearly understand which CSI feedback needs to be received or used subsequently, ensuring the efficiency and reliability of Co-BF detection, thereby achieving better spatial multiplexing and reducing inter-cell interference through Co-BF technology.

[0353] Figure 19 shows a structural block diagram of a communication device 1900 provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application. The communication device 1900 can be implemented as a non-AP STA as described above, or as part of a non-AP STA as described above. The communication device 1900 can be a wireless communication device / wireless device supporting WLAN / Wi-Fi protocols (such as the 802.11 protocol). The communication device 1900 includes a receiving module 1910.

[0354] The receiving module 1910 is used to receive a first frame, which indicates cooperative beamforming detection.

[0355] In some embodiments, the first frame indicates the type of cooperative beamforming detection.

[0356] In some embodiments, the first frame indicates whether the second station saves the first parameter corresponding to the first frame; and / or whether the second station decodes the first TB PPDU after the first frame; wherein the first parameter is related to the transmission parameters of the first TB PPDU.

[0357] In some embodiments, the first frame includes a BFRP trigger frame, the BFRP trigger frame including a first user information field, the AID12 subfield of the first user information field indicating a second site.

[0358] In some embodiments, the value of the AID12 subfield of the first user information field satisfies one or more of the following: the value of the AID12 subfield of the first user information field is the same as the value of the AID11 subfield used to identify the access point (AP) in the Cooperative Beamforming Detection (Co-BF) Null Data Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit Announcement (NDPA) frame; the value of the AID12 subfield of the first user information field includes at least one value selected from 2008 to 2044 and / or 2047 to 4094.

[0359] In some embodiments, the first user information field further includes a first subfield, which is used to indicate whether the type of the cooperative beamforming detection is a first type or a second type.

[0360] In some embodiments, the first frame includes a Co-BF NDPA frame, the Co-BF NDPA frame including a first subfield, the first subfield being used to indicate whether the type of the cooperative beamforming detection is a first type or a second type.

[0361] In some embodiments, the first subfield is located in the first user information field of the Co-BF NDPA frame, and the value of the AID11 subfield of the first user information field is a first value; or, the first subfield is located in the second user information field of the Co-BF NDPA frame, and the AID11 subfield of the second user information subfield indicates a second site.

[0362] In some embodiments, the first frame includes a Multi-AP trigger frame, which includes a first subfield indicating whether the type of the cooperative beamforming detection is a first type or a second type.

[0363] In some embodiments, the first frame further includes an RU Allocation subfield, wherein the RU or MRU indicated by the RU Allocation subfield satisfies one or more of the following: located within the overlapping bandwidth of the first site and the second site; includes the main channel of the first site; or includes the main channel of the second site.

[0364] In some embodiments, the first frame further includes a UL Target Receive Power subfield, the power value indicated by the UL Target Receive Power subfield being related to one or more of the following: the location of the second site; the expected received signal power of the second site; the location of the first site; and the expected received signal power of the first site.

[0365] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes a transmitting module 1930 for transmitting a second frame, the second frame including CSI feedback for obtaining a steering matrix.

[0366] In some embodiments, the address 1 field of the second frame indicates a first site, or the address 1 field of the second frame indicates a second site, or the address 1 field of the second frame indicates a broadcast address.

[0367] In some embodiments, the Address 1 field of the second frame is not filtered by the second station; or, the Address 1 field of the second frame is filtered by the second station using the addresses of all APs participating in multi-AP cooperation; or, the Address 1 field of the second frame is filtered by the second station using the addresses of all APs participating in the cooperative beamforming detection; or, the Address 1 field of the second frame is filtered by the second station using the address of the first station; or, the Address 1 field of the second frame is filtered by the second station using the sender address of the NDPA frame announced by the null data physical layer protocol data unit during the cooperative beamforming detection process.

[0368] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes a processing module 1950 for determining the value of the address 1 field of the second frame.

[0369] In some embodiments, the processing module 1950 is configured to determine that the feature vector of the second frame spans the first station and the second station.

[0370] The content described in the preceding method embodiments is applicable to the communication device 1900 shown in FIG19. For details not described in detail in this embodiment, please refer to the above embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0371] In summary, the apparatus provided in this application supports indicating the type of Co-BF detection through the first frame, so that each AP participating in the cooperative beamforming detection can clearly understand which CSI feedback needs to be received or used subsequently, ensuring the efficiency and reliability of Co-BF detection, thereby achieving better spatial multiplexing and reducing inter-cell interference through Co-BF technology.

[0372] It should be noted that the apparatus provided in the above embodiments is only illustrated by the division of the above functional modules. In practical applications, the above functions can be assigned to different functional modules as needed, that is, the internal structure of the communication device can be divided into different functional modules to complete all or part of the functions described above. In addition, the apparatus and method embodiments provided in the above embodiments belong to the same concept.

[0373] Figure 20 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 2000 provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application, including at least one of the following: receiver 2001, transmitter 2002, processor 2003, memory 2004, and bus (not shown in the figure).

[0374] In this design, receiver 2001 is used to implement the receiving function, and transmitter 2002 is used to implement the transmitting function. Optionally, receiver 2001 and transmitter 2002 can be implemented as a communication component, which can be a communication chip, and can be called a transceiver. Optionally, receiver 2001 and transmitter 2002 can be implemented as a wireless communication component and / or a wired communication component. Optionally, the wireless communication component includes a wireless communication chip and / or a radio frequency antenna. Optionally, the wired communication component includes a wired communication chip and / or a wired interface.

[0375] The processor 2003 includes one or more processing cores, and the processor 2003 executes various functional applications and information processing by running software programs and modules.

[0376] The memory 2004 can be used to store a computer program executed by the processor 2003, which is used to execute the computer program to implement the various steps in the above method embodiments.

[0377] In some embodiments, the communication device 2000 is used to perform some or all of the steps performed by the first station. The receiver 2001 can be used to implement the functions and steps of the receiving module 1730, the transmitter 2002 can be used to implement the functions and steps of the sending module 1710, and the processor 2003 can be used to implement the functions and steps of the processing module 1750.

[0378] In some embodiments, the communication device 2000 is used to perform some or all of the steps performed by the second station. The receiver 2001 can be used to implement the functions and steps of the receiving module 1810, the transmitter 2002 can be used to implement the functions and steps of the sending module 1850, and the processor 2003 can be used to implement the functions and steps of the processing module 1830.

[0379] In some embodiments, the communication device 2000 is used to perform some or all of the steps performed by the non-AP STA described above. The receiver 2001 can be used to implement the functions and steps of the receiving module 1910 described above, the transmitter 2002 can be used to implement the functions and steps of the transmitting module 1930 described above, and the processor 2003 can be used to implement the functions and steps of the processing module 1950 described above.

[0380] In some embodiments, the memory 2004 may be connected to the processor 2003, the receiver 2001, and the transmitter 2002.

[0381] Furthermore, the memory 2004 can be implemented by any type of volatile or non-volatile storage device or a combination thereof, including but not limited to: magnetic disks or optical disks, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), static random access memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), magnetic storage, flash memory, and programmable read-only memory (PROM).

[0382] In some embodiments, the receiver 2001 independently receives signals / data, or the processor 2003 controls the receiver 2001 to receive signals / data, or the processor 2003 requests the receiver 2001 to receive signals / data, or the processor 2003 cooperates with the receiver 2001 to receive signals / data.

[0383] In some embodiments, the transmitter 2002 independently transmits signals / data, or the processor 2003 controls the transmitter 2002 to transmit signals / data, or the processor 2003 requests the transmitter 2002 to transmit signals / data, or the processor 2003 cooperates with the transmitter 2002 to transmit signals / data.

[0384] For details not described in this embodiment, please refer to the embodiments above, which will not be repeated here.

[0385] In one exemplary embodiment of this application, a chip is also provided, the chip including programmable logic circuits and / or program instructions, which, when the chip is run on a communication device, is used to implement the communication methods provided in the above-described method embodiments.

[0386] In some embodiments, the chip includes one or more of the following: a transmitting module 1710, a receiving module 1730, and a processing module 1750. Optionally, each module can be implemented as a circuit structure. Related details can be found above and will not be repeated here.

[0387] In some embodiments, the chip includes one or more of the following: a receiving module 1810, a processing module 1830, and a transmitting module 1850. Optionally, each module can be implemented as a circuit structure. Related details can be found above and will not be repeated here.

[0388] In some embodiments, the chip includes one or more of the following: a receiving module 1910, a transmitting module 1930, and a processing module 1950. Optionally, each module can be implemented as a circuit structure. Related details can be found above and will not be repeated here.

[0389] In one exemplary embodiment of this application, a computer-readable storage medium is also provided, which stores at least one program that is loaded and executed by a processor to implement the communication methods provided in the above-described method embodiments.

[0390] In one exemplary embodiment of this application, a computer program product is also provided, which includes computer instructions stored in a computer-readable storage medium. A processor retrieves the computer instructions from the computer-readable storage medium and executes the computer instructions to implement the communication methods provided in the above-described method embodiments.

[0391] In one exemplary embodiment of this application, a computer program is also provided, the computer program including computer instructions, the computer instructions being stored in a computer-readable storage medium, a processor retrieving the computer instructions from the computer-readable storage medium, and the processor executing the computer instructions to implement the communication methods provided in the above-described method embodiments.

[0392] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the steps of the above embodiments can be implemented by hardware or by a program instructing related hardware. The program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, such as a read-only memory, a disk, or an optical disk.

[0393] The above are merely optional embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is performed by a first site, and the method includes: The first station sends the first frame, which indicates cooperative beamforming detection.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first frame indicates the type of cooperative beamforming detection.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first frame indicates whether the second station saves the first parameter corresponding to the first frame; and / or whether the second station decodes the first trigger-based physical layer protocol data unit (TB PPDU) following the first frame; wherein the first parameter is related to the transmission parameters of the first TB PPDU.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The first frame includes a beamforming report polling BFRP trigger frame, which includes a first user information field, and the associated identifier AID12 subfield of the first user information field indicates a second site.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The value of the AID12 subfield of the first user information field satisfies one or more of the following: The value of the AID12 subfield of the first user information field is the same as the value of the AID11 subfield used to identify the access point (AP) in the Cooperative Beamforming Detection (Co-BF) Null Data Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit Announcement (NDPA) frame. The value of the AID12 subfield of the first user information field includes at least one value among 2008 to 2044 and / or 2047 to 4094.

6. The method according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The first user information field also includes a first subfield, which is used to indicate whether the type of the cooperative beamforming detection is a first type or a second type.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The first frame includes a Co-BF NDPA frame, which includes a first subfield indicating whether the type of the cooperative beamforming detection is a first type or a second type.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first subfield is located in the first user information field in the Co-BF NDPA frame, and the value of the AID11 subfield of the first user information field is a first value; Alternatively, the first subfield may be located in the second user information field of the Co-BF NDPA frame, and the AID11 subfield of the second user information subfield may indicate the second site.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The first frame includes a Multi-AP trigger frame, which includes a first subfield indicating whether the type of the cooperative beamforming detection is a first type or a second type.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The first frame also includes a Resource Unit Allocation (RU) subfield, wherein the RU or multiple Resource Units (MRU) indicated by the RU Allocation subfield satisfies one or more of the following: located within the overlapping bandwidth of the first site and the second site; includes the main channel of the first site; or includes the main channel of the second site.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The first frame also includes an uplink target receive power (UL) subfield, the power value indicated by the UL target receive power subfield being related to one or more of the following: the location of the second station; the expected received signal power of the second station; the location of the first station; and the expected received signal power of the first station.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first station receives a second frame, which includes Channel State Information (CSI) feedback.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The first station receives the second frame, which includes: The first station receives the second frame from all stations (STAs) participating in the cooperative beamforming detection.

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, The address 1 field of the second frame indicates the first station, or the address 1 field of the second frame indicates the second station, or the address 1 field of the second frame indicates a broadcast address.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The address 1 field of the second frame is not filtered by the second station; Alternatively, the address 1 field of the second frame may be filtered by the second site using the addresses of all APs participating in multi-AP collaboration; Alternatively, the address 1 field of the second frame is filtered by the second station using the addresses of all APs participating in the cooperative beamforming detection; Alternatively, the address 1 field of the second frame may be used by the second site to filter addresses using the address of the first site; Alternatively, the address 1 field of the second frame may be address filtered by the second station using the sender address of the NDPA frame announced by the empty data physical layer protocol data unit during the cooperative beamforming detection process.

16. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first station obtains a steering matrix based on the CSI feedback or part of the CSI feedback in the second frame.

17. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is performed by a second site, and the method includes: The second station receives the first frame, which indicates cooperative beamforming detection.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The method further includes: The second station determines the type of cooperative beamforming detection based on the first frame.

19. The method according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that, The method further includes: Based on the first frame, the second station determines whether to save the first parameter corresponding to the first frame and / or whether to decode the first trigger-based physical layer protocol data unit (TB PPDU) following the first frame; The first parameter is related to the transmission parameters of the first TB PPDU.

20. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 19, characterized in that, The first frame includes a beamforming report polling BFRP trigger frame, the BFRP trigger frame including a first user information field, and the associated identifier AID12 subfield of the first user information field indicates the second site.

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that, The value of the AID12 subfield of the first user information field satisfies one or more of the following: The value of the AID12 subfield of the first user information field is the same as the value of the AID11 subfield used to identify the access point (AP) in the Cooperative Beamforming Detection (Co-BF) Null Data Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit Announcement (NDPA) frame. The value of the AID12 subfield of the first user information field includes at least one value among 2008 to 2044 and / or 2047 to 4094.

22. The method according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that, The first user information field also includes a first subfield, which is used to indicate whether the type of the cooperative beamforming detection is a first type or a second type.

23. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 19, characterized in that, The first frame includes a Co-BF NDPA frame, which includes a first subfield indicating whether the type of the cooperative beamforming detection is a first type or a second type.

24. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that, The first subfield is located in the first user information field in the Co-BF NDPA frame, and the value of the AID11 subfield of the first user information field is a first value; Alternatively, the first subfield may be located in the second user information field of the Co-BF NDPA frame, and the AID11 subfield of the second user information subfield may indicate the second site.

25. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 19, characterized in that, The first frame includes a Multi-AP trigger frame, which includes a first subfield indicating whether the type of the cooperative beamforming detection is a first type or a second type.

26. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 25, characterized in that, The first frame also includes a Resource Unit Allocation (RU) subfield, wherein the RU or multiple Resource Units (MRU) indicated by the RU Allocation subfield satisfies one or more of the following: located within the overlapping bandwidth of the first site and the second site; includes the main channel of the first site; or includes the main channel of the second site.

27. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 26, characterized in that, The first frame also includes an uplink target receive power (UL) subfield, the power value indicated by the UL target receive power subfield being related to one or more of the following: the location of the second station; the expected received signal power of the second station; the location of the first station; and the expected received signal power of the first station.

28. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 27, characterized in that, The method further includes: The second station receives a second frame, which includes Channel State Information (CSI) feedback.

29. The method according to claim 28, characterized in that, The second station receives the second frame, which includes: The second station receives the second frame from all STAs participating in the cooperative beamforming detection.

30. The method according to claim 28 or 29, characterized in that, The address 1 field of the second frame indicates the first station, or the address 1 field of the second frame indicates the second station, or the address 1 field of the second frame indicates the broadcast address.

31. The method according to any one of claims 28 to 30, characterized in that, The method further includes: The second site does not perform address filtering on the address 1 field of the Media Access Control MAC frames from STAs participating in multi-AP collaboration; Alternatively, the second station may not perform address filtering on the address 1 field of MAC frames from STAs participating in the cooperative beamforming detection.

32. The method according to any one of claims 28 to 31, characterized in that, The method further includes: The second station uses the addresses of all APs participating in multi-AP collaboration to filter the address 1 field of the MAC frame; Alternatively, the second station may use the addresses of all APs participating in the cooperative beamforming detection to filter the address 1 field of the MAC frame; Alternatively, the second station may use the address of the first station to filter the address 1 field of the MAC frame; Alternatively, the second station may use the sender address of the NDPA frame during the cooperative beamforming detection process to filter the address 1 field of the MAC frame.

33. The method according to any one of claims 28 to 32, characterized in that, The method further includes: The second station obtains a guidance matrix based on the CSI feedback or a portion of the CSI feedback.

34. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is performed by a non-access point site, and the method includes: The non-access point site receives the first frame, which indicates cooperative beamforming detection.

35. The method according to claim 34, characterized in that, The first frame indicates the type of cooperative beamforming detection.

36. The method according to claim 34 or 35, characterized in that, The first frame indicates whether the second station saves the first parameter corresponding to the first frame; and / or whether the second station decodes the first trigger-based physical layer protocol data unit (TB PPDU) following the first frame; wherein the first parameter is related to the transmission parameters of the first TB PPDU.

37. The method according to any one of claims 34 to 36, characterized in that, The first frame includes a beamforming report polling BFRP trigger frame, which includes a first user information field, and the associated identifier AID12 subfield of the first user information field indicates a second site.

38. The method according to claim 37, characterized in that, The value of the AID12 subfield of the first user information field satisfies one or more of the following: The value of the AID12 subfield of the first user information field is the same as the value of the AID11 subfield used to identify the access point (AP) in the Cooperative Beamforming Detection (Co-BF) Null Data Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit Announcement (NDPA) frame. The value of the AID12 subfield of the first user information field includes at least one value among 2008 to 2044 and / or 2047 to 4094.

39. The method according to claim 37 or 38, characterized in that, The first user information field also includes a first subfield, which is used to indicate whether the type of the cooperative beamforming detection is a first type or a second type.

40. The method according to any one of claims 34 to 36, characterized in that, The first frame includes a Co-BF NDPA frame, which includes a first subfield indicating whether the type of the cooperative beamforming detection is a first type or a second type.

41. The method according to claim 40, characterized in that, The first subfield is located in the first user information field in the Co-BF NDPA frame, and the value of the AID11 subfield of the first user information field is a first value; Alternatively, the first subfield may be located in the second user information field of the Co-BF NDPA frame, and the AID11 subfield of the second user information subfield may indicate the second site.

42. The method according to any one of claims 34 to 36, characterized in that, The first frame includes a Multi-AP trigger frame, which includes a first subfield indicating whether the type of the cooperative beamforming detection is a first type or a second type.

43. The method according to any one of claims 34 to 42, characterized in that, The first frame also includes a Resource Unit Allocation (RU) subfield, wherein the RU or multiple Resource Units (MRU) indicated by the RU Allocation subfield satisfies one or more of the following: located within the overlapping bandwidth of the first site and the second site; includes the main channel of the first site; includes the main channel of the second site.

44. The method according to any one of claims 34 to 43, characterized in that, The first frame also includes an uplink target receive power (UL) subfield, the power value indicated by the UL target receive power subfield being related to one or more of the following: the location of the second station; the expected received signal power of the second station; the location of the first station; and the expected received signal power of the first station.

45. The method according to any one of claims 34 to 44, characterized in that, The method further includes: The non-access point station sends a second frame, which includes Channel State Information (CSI) feedback, used to obtain a steering matrix.

46. ​​The method according to claim 45, characterized in that, The address 1 field of the second frame indicates the first station, or the address 1 field of the second frame indicates the second station, or the address 1 field of the second frame indicates the broadcast address.

47. The method according to claim 46, characterized in that, The address 1 field of the second frame is not filtered by the second station; Alternatively, the address 1 field of the second frame may be filtered by the second site using the addresses of all APs participating in multi-AP collaboration; Alternatively, the address 1 field of the second frame is filtered by the second station using the addresses of all APs participating in the cooperative beamforming detection; Alternatively, the address 1 field of the second frame may be used by the second site to filter addresses using the address of the first site; Alternatively, the address 1 field of the second frame may be address filtered by the second station using the sender address of the NDPA frame announced by the empty data physical layer protocol data unit during the cooperative beamforming detection process.

48. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes: A transmitting module is used to transmit a first frame, which indicates cooperative beamforming detection.

49. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes: A receiving module is used to receive a first frame, which indicates cooperative beamforming detection.

50. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes: a processor; a transceiver connected to the processor; and a memory for storing executable instructions of the processor; wherein the transceiver is configured to load and execute the executable instructions to implement the communication method as described in any one of claims 1 to 16.

51. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes: a processor; a transceiver connected to the processor; and a memory for storing executable instructions of the processor; wherein the transceiver is configured to load and execute the executable instructions to implement the communication method as described in any one of claims 17 to 33.

52. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes: a processor; a transceiver connected to the processor; and a memory for storing executable instructions of the processor; wherein the transceiver is configured to load and execute the executable instructions to implement the communication method as described in any one of claims 34 to 47.

53. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores at least one program, which is loaded and executed by a processor to implement the communication method as described in any one of claims 1 to 16, or the communication method as described in any one of claims 17 to 33, or the communication method as described in any one of claims 34 to 47.

54. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes computer instructions stored in a computer-readable storage medium, wherein a processor retrieves the computer instructions from the computer-readable storage medium and executes the computer instructions to implement the communication method as described in any one of claims 1 to 16, or the communication method as described in any one of claims 17 to 33, or the communication method as described in any one of claims 34 to 47.

55. A chip, characterized in that, The chip includes a programmable logic circuit and / or at least a program, the chip being used to implement the communication method as described in any one of claims 1 to 16, or the communication method as described in any one of claims 17 to 33, or the communication method as described in any one of claims 34 to 47, based on the programmable logic circuit and / or the at least one program.

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