Communication method, communication device and communication system

Abstract

The embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a communication method, a communication device and a communication system. The communication method comprises: a first device sending a first radio frame to a second device, wherein the first radio frame comprises first identification information, which identifies parameter information of a transmit vector TXVECTOR, and the first device comprises a first access point device (AP) and / or a second AP. The second device establishes an initial association with the first AP, and does not establish an initial association with the second AP; alternatively, the second device does not establish an initial association with the first AP, and establishes an initial association with the second AP. The method can better reduce regional conflicts and improve regional throughput.

Description

Communication methods, communication equipment and communication systems Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method, communication device and communication system. Background Technology

[0002] Research on Wi-Fi technology includes topics such as Ultra High Reliability (UHR), with the vision of improving the reliability of Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN) connections, reducing latency, improving manageability, increasing throughput at different signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) levels, and reducing device-level power consumption.

[0003] Multi-AP coordination mainly achieves the goals of eliminating interference between BSSs, improving user service quality, and reducing latency by implementing coordination strategies such as time-frequency and frequency domain resource sharing, spatial multiplexing, or joint transmission among multiple APs. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This disclosure provides a communication method, communication device, and communication system that can better reduce regional conflicts and improve regional throughput.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method executed by a first device, the method comprising:

[0006] Send a first wireless frame to a second device; wherein the first wireless frame includes first identification information, the first identification information identifying parameter information of the transmission vector TXVECTOR; the first device includes a first access point device (AP) and / or a second AP;

[0007] In one scenario, the second device establishes an initial association with the first AP but does not establish an initial association with the second AP; or, the second device does not establish an initial association with the first AP but establishes an initial association with the second AP.

[0008] Secondly, this disclosure also provides a communication method executed by a second device, the method comprising:

[0009] Receive a first wireless frame sent by a first device; wherein the first wireless frame includes first identification information, the first identification information identifying parameter information of TXVECTOR; the first device includes a first AP and / or a second AP;

[0010] In one scenario, the second device establishes an initial association with the first AP but does not establish an initial association with the second AP; or, the second device does not establish an initial association with the first AP but establishes an initial association with the second AP.

[0011] Thirdly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication device for performing the communication method described in the first or second aspect.

[0012] Fourthly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication device, including:

[0013] One or more processors;

[0014] The communication device is used to execute the communication method described in the first or second aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0015] Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication system, including a first device and a second device;

[0016] The first device is configured to implement the communication method described in the first aspect, and the second device is configured to implement the communication method described in the second aspect.

[0017] Sixthly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the communication method as described in the first aspect of this disclosure, or to perform the communication method as described in the second aspect of this disclosure.

[0018] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a program product, including at least one of a program and instructions, wherein when the program or instructions are executed by a communication device, they implement the communication method described in the first aspect or the communication method described in the second aspect.

[0019] In the above embodiments, the first device includes a first AP and / or a second AP. The second device establishes an initial association with the first AP but not with the second AP; or, the second device does not establish an initial association with the first AP but establishes an initial association with the second AP. The first device determines a first radio frame and sends the first radio frame to the second device, identifying the parameter information of the TXVECTOR through the first identification information in the first radio frame. In this way, the setting signaling of the parameter information of the TXVECTOR is defined, and regardless of whether the second device is associated with the first AP or the second AP, it can accurately parse the TXVECTOR by parsing the first radio frame. Then, based on the TXVECTOR, it can determine whether the second device is the receiver of the first radio frame. For example, based on the result of whether the second device is the receiver of the first radio frame, the subsequent Co-BF channel sounding process can be further performed, which can better reduce area conflicts and improve area throughput.

[0020] Additional aspects and advantages of embodiments of this disclosure will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and will become apparent from the description or may be learned by practice of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings required for the description of the embodiments are introduced below. The following drawings are only some embodiments of this disclosure and do not impose specific limitations on the protection scope of this disclosure.

[0022] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of the communication system provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0023] Figure 2 is one of the interactive schematic diagrams of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this disclosure;

[0024] Figure 3 is a second interactive schematic diagram of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this disclosure;

[0025] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of one scenario of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this disclosure;

[0026] Figure 5 is a second scenario diagram of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this disclosure;

[0027] Figure 6 is a third interactive schematic diagram of the communication method provided in this embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 7 is a fourth interactive schematic diagram of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this disclosure;

[0029] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating one of the communication methods provided in this embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 9 is a second schematic flowchart of the communication method provided in this embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first device proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0032] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second device proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0033] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the terminal proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0034] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the chip structure proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0035] This disclosure presents a communication method, communication device, and communication system.

[0036] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method, the method comprising:

[0037] Send a first wireless frame to a second device; wherein the first wireless frame includes first identification information, the first identification information identifying parameter information of the transmission vector TXVECTOR; the first device includes a first access point device (AP) and / or a second AP;

[0038] In one scenario, the second device establishes an initial association with the first AP but does not establish an initial association with the second AP; or, the second device does not establish an initial association with the first AP but establishes an initial association with the second AP.

[0039] In the above embodiments, the setting signaling of the parameter information of TXVECTOR is defined. Regardless of whether the second device is associated with the first AP or the second AP, it can accurately parse RXVECTOR by parsing the first radio frame. Then, based on RXVECTOR, it can be determined whether the second device is the receiver of the first radio frame. For example, based on the result of whether the second device is the receiver of the first radio frame, the subsequent Co-BF channel sounding process can be further performed, which can better reduce area conflicts and improve area throughput.

[0040] Secondly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method executed by a second device, the method comprising:

[0041] Receive a first wireless frame sent by a first device; wherein the first wireless frame includes first identification information, the first identification information identifying parameter information of TXVECTOR; the first device includes a first AP and / or a second AP;

[0042] In one scenario, the second device establishes an initial association with the first AP but does not establish an initial association with the second AP; or, the second device does not establish an initial association with the first AP but establishes an initial association with the second AP.

[0043] Thirdly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication device, which is used to perform optional implementations of the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0044] Fourthly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication device, including:

[0045] One or more processors;

[0046] The communication device is used to execute either the optional implementation of the first aspect or the optional implementation of the second aspect.

[0047] Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication system, including a first device and a second device; wherein the first device is configured to perform the optional implementation as described in the first aspect, and the second device is configured to perform the optional implementation as described in the second aspect.

[0048] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the optional implementation described in the first or second aspect.

[0049] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a program product that, when executed by a communication device, causes the communication device to perform the method as described in the optional implementation of the first or second aspect.

[0050] Eighthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the methods described in an optional implementation of the first or second aspect.

[0051] Ninthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a chip or chip system. The chip or chip system includes processing circuitry configured to perform the method described according to an optional implementation of the first or second aspect above.

[0052] It is understood that the aforementioned communication devices, communication systems, storage media, program products, computer programs, chips, or chip systems are all used to execute the methods proposed in the embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects they can achieve can be referred to the beneficial effects in the corresponding methods, and will not be repeated here.

[0053] This disclosure provides communication methods, communication devices, and communication systems. In some embodiments, the terms "communication method" and "signal transmission method," "wireless frame transmission method," etc., can be used interchangeably, as can the terms "information processing system" and "communication system."

[0054] This disclosure is not exhaustive, but merely illustrative of some embodiments, and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this disclosure. Unless otherwise specified, each step in a particular embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be arbitrarily combined. For example, a solution after removing some steps in a particular embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily interchanged. Furthermore, the optional implementation methods in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined; moreover, the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, for example, some or all steps of different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, and a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementation methods of other embodiments.

[0055] In each of the disclosed embodiments, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of the embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0056] The terminology used in the embodiments of this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0057] In the embodiments of this disclosure, "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0058] In some embodiments, the terms “at least one of A or B, at least one of A and B”, “one or more”, “a plurality of”, “multiple”, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0059] In some embodiments, the notation "at least one of A and B", "A and / or B", "A in one case, B in another", "in response to one case A, in response to another case B", etc., may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execute A regardless of whether there is a branch B); in some embodiments, B (execute B regardless of whether there is a branch A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed); in some embodiments, both A and B are executed. The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0060] In some embodiments, the notation "A or B" may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execute A regardless of whether a branch B exists); in some embodiments, B (execute B regardless of whether a branch A exists); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed). The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, and C.

[0061] The prefixes "first," "second," etc., used in the embodiments of this disclosure are merely for distinguishing different descriptive objects and do not impose restrictions on the position, order, priority, quantity, or content of the descriptive objects. The description of the descriptive objects is found in the claims or the context of the embodiments, and the use of prefixes should not constitute unnecessary restrictions. For example, if the descriptive object is a "field," the ordinal numbers preceding "field" in "first field" and "second field" do not restrict the position or order of the "fields." "First" and "second" do not restrict whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they restrict the order of "first field" and "second field." Similarly, if the descriptive object is a "level," the ordinal numbers preceding "level" in "first level" and "second level" do not restrict the priority between "levels." Furthermore, the number of descriptive objects is not limited by ordinal numbers and can be one or more. For example, in "first device," the number of "devices" can be one or more. Furthermore, the objects modified by different prefixes can be the same or different. For example, if the object being described is "device", then "first device" and "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different. Similarly, if the object being described is "information", then "first information" and "second information" can be the same information or different information, and their content can be the same or different.

[0062] In some embodiments, “including A,” “containing A,” “for indicating A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0063] In some embodiments, terms such as "time / frequency" and "time-frequency domain" refer to the time domain and / or frequency domain.

[0064] In some embodiments, terms such as “in response to…”, “in response to determining…”, “in the case of…”, “when…”, “when…”, “if…”, etc. can be used interchangeably. These descriptions all refer to the device making a corresponding action under certain objective circumstances. They do not necessarily limit the time, nor do they require the device to make a judgment action when implementing it, nor do they mean that there must be other limitations.

[0065] In some embodiments, the terms “greater than,” “greater than or equal to,” “not less than,” “more than,” “more than or equal to,” “not less than,” “higher than,” “higher than or equal to,” “not lower than,” and “above” can be used interchangeably, as can the terms “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not greater than,” “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not more than,” “lower than,” “lower than or equal to,” “not higher than,” and “below”.

[0066] In some embodiments, devices, etc., may be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to those described in the embodiments. Terms such as “device,” “equipment,” “circuit,” “network element,” “network function,” “network device,” “function,” “node,” “unit,” “section,” “system,” “network,” “chip,” “chip system,” “entity,” and “subject” are interchangeable.

[0067] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in a network (e.g., access network devices, core network devices, etc.).

[0068] In addition, terms such as "uplink" and "downlink" can be replaced with terms corresponding to inter-terminal communication (e.g., "side"). For example, uplink channel and downlink channel can be replaced with side channel, and uplink link and downlink link can be replaced with side link.

[0069] In some embodiments, "link" can mean "connection" or "link"; in various embodiments, "connection" and "link" can be used interchangeably.

[0070] In some embodiments, the acquisition of data, information, etc., may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the location is situated.

[0071] In some embodiments, data, information, etc., may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0072] Furthermore, each element, each row, or each column in the table of this disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and any combination of any element, any row, or any column can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0073] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0074] As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 100 includes a first device 101 and a second device 102.

[0075] In some embodiments, the first device 101 may include a first access point (AP) device and a second AP.

[0076] In some embodiments, the second device may include a station (STA). Optionally, the second device may establish an initial association with the first AP but not with the second AP, for example, the second device may include the first STA; or, the second device may establish an initial association with the second AP but not with the first AP, for example, the second device may include the second STA.

[0077] In some embodiments, the first AP and the second AP can be access points for mobile terminals to access a wired network. 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. Specifically, an AP can be a terminal device or network device with a Wi-Fi chip. Optionally, the AP can support various WLAN standards such as 802.11ax, 802.11be, 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11bf, and 802.11bn, as well as the next-generation 802.11 protocol, but is not limited to these.

[0078] In some embodiments, the first STA and the second STA include, for example, a wireless communication chip, a wireless sensor, or a wireless communication terminal that supports Wi-Fi communication. Optionally, the wireless communication terminal may be at least one of, but is not limited to, a mobile phone, a wearable device, an IoT device that supports Wi-Fi communication, a car with Wi-Fi communication capabilities, a smart car, a tablet computer, a computer with wireless transceiver capabilities, a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless terminal device in industrial control, a wireless terminal device in self-driving, a wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, a wireless terminal device in a smart grid, a wireless terminal device in transportation safety, a wireless terminal device in a smart city, and a wireless terminal device in a smart home.

[0079] Specifically, the first STA and the second STA can be terminal devices or network devices equipped with Wi-Fi chips. Optionally, the site device 102 can support various WLAN standards such as 802.11ax, 802.11be, 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11bf, and 802.11bn, as well as the next-generation 802.11 protocol, but is not limited to these.

[0080] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, AP and STA can be devices that support multiple links. For example, they can be represented as Access Point Multi-Link Device (AP MLD) and Non-Access Point Multi-Link Device (Non-AP MLD), respectively. AP MLD can represent an access point that supports multiple link communication functions, and non-AP MLD can represent a site that supports multiple link communication functions.

[0081] It is understood that the communication system described in this disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of this disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0082] The following embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG1, or to some of the main bodies, but are not limited thereto. The main bodies shown in FIG1 are illustrative. The communication system may include all or some of the main bodies in FIG1, or may include other main bodies outside of FIG1. ​​The number and form of each main body are arbitrary. Each main body may be physical or virtual. The connection relationship between the main bodies is illustrative. The main bodies may not be connected or may be connected. The connection can be in any way, it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection, it can be a wired connection or a wireless connection.

[0083] The embodiments disclosed herein can be applied to Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs), such as LANs using the 802.11 series of protocols. In a WLAN, a Basic Service Set (BSS) is a fundamental component. An BSS network consists of site devices with some association within a specific coverage area. One type of association is where sites communicate directly with each other in a self-organizing network; this is called an Independent Basic Service Set (IBSS). Another more common scenario is that in a BSS network, there is only one central site dedicated to managing the BSS, called an Access Point (AP) device, while other sites in the BSS network that are not APs are called terminals, also known as non-AP STAs. APs and non-AP STAs are collectively referred to as STAs. When describing STAs, it is not necessary to distinguish between APs and non-AP STAs. Within the same BSS network, due to distance, transmission power, etc., a STA cannot detect other STAs that are far away; they are each other's hidden nodes.

[0084] It is understood that the communication system described in this disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of this disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0085] The following embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG1, or to some of the main bodies, but are not limited thereto. The main bodies shown in FIG1 are illustrative. The communication system may include all or some of the main bodies in FIG1, or may include other main bodies outside of FIG1. ​​The number and form of each main body are arbitrary. Each main body may be physical or virtual. The connection relationship between the main bodies is illustrative. The main bodies may not be connected or may be connected. The connection can be in any way, it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection, it can be a wired connection or a wireless connection.

[0086] The embodiments disclosed herein can be applied to Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs), such as LANs using the 802.11 series of protocols. In a WLAN, a Basic Service Set (BSS) is a fundamental component. An BSS network consists of site devices with some association within a specific coverage area. One type of association is where sites communicate directly with each other in a self-organizing network; this is called an Independent Basic Service Set (IBSS). Another more common scenario is that in a BSS network, there is only one central site dedicated to managing the BSS, called an Access Point (AP) device, while other sites in the BSS network that are not APs are called terminals, also known as non-AP STAs. APs and non-AP STAs are collectively referred to as STAs. When describing STAs, it is not necessary to distinguish between APs and non-AP STAs. Within the same BSS network, due to distance, transmission power, etc., a STA cannot detect other STAs that are far away; they are each other's hidden nodes.

[0087] In some embodiments, a multi-AP coordination mechanism is proposed to better reduce regional conflicts and improve regional throughput. Optionally, according to the dimension of resource coordination, the multi-AP coordination mechanism can be divided into the following types: Coordinated-Time Division Multiple Access (Co-TDMA), Coordinated-Beam Forming (Co-BF), and Coordinated-Spatial Reuse (Co-SR), etc.

[0088] In some embodiments, under the Co-BF mechanism, the channel sounding process (i.e., Co-BF channel sounding) may further include sequential sounding (or disjoint sounding) and joint sounding.

[0089] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 4, under the UHR protocol, the trigger-based sequential NDP sounding sequence initiated by AP1 can include: ① a trigger-based sounding process (i.e., EHT TB sounding) under the Extremely High Throughput (EHT) protocol or the UHR protocol, and ② a trigger-based sounding process between basic service sets (i.e., Cross-BSS UHR TB sounding), also known as Co-BF, under the UHR protocol.

[0090] Optionally, EHT TB sounding may include: AP1 sending a Null Data Packet Announcement (NDP Announcement) to STA1 associated with AP1; after a Short interframe space (SIFS), AP1 sending an EHT-based sounding NDP to STA1; after SIFS, AP1 sending a Beamforming Report Poll (BFRP) to STA1; after SIFS, STA1 sending an EHT-based Compressed Beamforming frame, Channel Quality Indicator (CQI), or Channel State Information (CSI) to AP1.

[0091] Optionally, Cross-BSS UHR TB sounding may include: AP1 sending an NDP Announcement frame to AP2; after SIFS, AP2 sending an EHT sounding NDP to AP1; after SIFS, AP1 sending a BFRP frame to STA1; after SIFS, STA1 sending a Compressed Beamforming frame to AP1; or a pending confirmation (TBD Compressed Beamforming) or pending confirmation CQI.

[0092] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 5, under the UHR protocol, AP1 initiates a trigger-based joint null packet sounding sequence (UHR TB joint NDP sounding). Specifically, this may include: AP1 sending an NDP Announcement frame to AP2; after SIFS, AP2 sending an EHT sounding NDP to AP1, and AP1 sending an EHT sounding NDP to STA1; after SIFS, AP1 sending a BFRP frame to STA1; and after SIFS, STA1 sending a TBD Compressed Beamforming / CQI to AP1.

[0093] In some embodiments, in EHT sounding NDP, the TXVECTOR parameter can be set to:

[0094] (1) The format (FORMAT) is set to multi-user (EHT_MU) based on the EHT protocol;

[0095] (2) The length of the Aggregated Protocol Extension Protocol Length (APEP_LENGTH) is set to 0;

[0096] (3) Spatial reuse (SPATIAL_REUSE) is set to parameterized spatial reuse reception and based on non-spatial reuse group-overlapping basic service set-packet detection-prohibited (PSR_AND_NON_SRG_OBSS_PD_PROHIBITED; PSR stands for Parameterized spatial reuse reception; SRG stands for SPATIAL_REUSE_GROUP; OBSS stands for Overlapping Basic Service Set; PD stands for Packet Detection; PROHIBITED stands for Prohibited).

[0097] (4) The transmission opportunity duration (TXOP_DURATION) is set to 127 or the value defined in the formula.

[0098] (5) Other parameter settings are to be determined.

[0099] In some embodiments, the intended recipient(s) of the EHT sounding NDP frame can be obtained based on the STA identified in the STA Info field(s) of the UHR Co-BF NDP Announcement sent prior to the EHT sounding NDP frame.

[0100] In some embodiments, the transmission of NDP frames may also be related to parameters such as bandwidth (BW) and BSS color. Regardless of whether sequential sounding or joint sounding is used, the STA can act as a beamformee (receiver) to receive NDP frames transmitted by APs with which it has not established an association. When receiving NDP frames transmitted by APs with which it has not established an association, the STA needs to parse information such as the bandwidth and BSS color of the transmitted NDP frames to confirm that the STA is the intended recipient.

[0101] Typically, for Channel sounding, only the method for the STA to parse information such as bandwidth and BSS color of the transmitted NDP frames is provided when the SAT and AP are initially associated. However, the method for the STA to parse the NDP frames and TXVECTOR of the NDP frames transmitted by the AP is not provided when the STA has not established an association with the AP.

[0102] In some embodiments, it is necessary to provide a method for the STA to parse the NDP frame sent by the AP and the TXVECTOR of the NDP frame when the STA has not established an association with the AP.

[0103] Figure 2 is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2, the method includes:

[0104] Step 201, the first device determines the first wireless frame; wherein, the first wireless frame includes first identification information, the first identification information identifying: parameter information of the transmission vector (TXVECTOR, TX stands for transmit); the first device includes a first AP and / or a second AP.

[0105] Optionally, when the first AP and the second AP are used for resource sharing, the first AP and the second AP can be referred to as a set of Shared Access Points. For example, the first AP may include a Sharing AP and the second AP may include a Shared AP; or, the first AP may include a Shared AP and the second AP may include a Sharing AP.

[0106] Optionally, when the first AP and the second AP are used to perform cooperative operations (e.g., joint transmission or coordinated scheduling), the first AP and the second AP may be referred to as a Collaborative Access Point Group. For example, the first AP may include a coordinating AP and the second AP may include a coordinated AP; or, the first AP may include a coordinated AP and the second AP may include a coordinating AP.

[0107] Optionally, the first radio frame may include an NDP (Null Data Packet) frame. An NDP frame is an empty frame that does not carry user data. Taking the first AP and the second AP as a group of Shared Access Points as an example, either the Sharing AP or the Shared AP sends an NDP frame.

[0108] Optionally, in some embodiments, NDP frames can be applied in the process of Co-BF channel sounding (Co-BF stands for Coordinated-Beam Forming, a coordination mechanism based on beamforming).

[0109] Optionally, the parameter information of TXVECTOR refers to the configuration parameters used when sending the NDP frame, for example, it can be carried in the frame header of the NDP frame.

[0110] Optionally, the parameter information of TXVECTOR may include, but is not limited to, channel configuration parameters, modulation and coding parameters, pilot signal design parameters, power control parameters, spatial multiplexing configuration parameters, etc.

[0111] The channel configuration parameters may include, but are not limited to, channel bandwidth (BW) and / or the puncturing bandwidth within the channel bandwidth. Modulation and coding parameters may include, but are not limited to, modulation and coding schemes (MCS). Pilot signal design parameters may include, but are not limited to, the long training field and guard interval (LTF+GI; LTF stands for Legacy training field; GI stands for Guard Interval) parameters used by the first device when transmitting Physical Layer Protocol Data Units (PPDUs). Power control parameters may include, but are not limited to, transmit power (TX power). Spatial multiplexing configuration parameters may include, but are not limited to, the number of spatial streams (NSS), where NSS refers to the number of independent data streams simultaneously transmitted and received through multiple antennas.

[0112] Step 202: The first device sends the first wireless frame to the second device; correspondingly, the second device receives the first wireless frame sent by the first device.

[0113] In one scenario, the second device establishes an initial association with the first AP but does not establish an initial association with the second AP; or, the second device does not establish an initial association with the first AP but establishes an initial association with the second AP.

[0114] In some embodiments, the second device may include a STA.

[0115] Optionally, in some embodiments, when the second device includes a STA, if the second device establishes an initial association with the first AP but not with the second AP, then the second device can be referred to as the first STA; if the second device does not establish an initial association with the first AP but establishes an initial association with the second AP, then the second device can be referred to as the second STA.

[0116] In some embodiments, the second device can accurately parse the configuration parameters used by the first device when sending the NDP frame, i.e., the parameter information of the receive vector (RXVECTOR, where RX stands for receive), by parsing the first identification information in the first radio frame.

[0117] Alternatively, it should be understood that for the same radio frame, the TXVECTOR and RXVECTOR corresponding to that radio frame should be the same.

[0118] In the above embodiments, the first device includes a first AP and / or a second AP. The second device establishes an initial association with the first AP but not with the second AP; or, the second device does not establish an initial association with the first AP but establishes an initial association with the second AP. The first device determines a first radio frame and sends the first radio frame to the second device, identifying the parameter information of the TXVECTOR through the first identification information in the first radio frame. In this way, the setting signaling of the parameter information of the TXVECTOR is defined, and regardless of whether the second device is associated with the first AP or the second AP, it can accurately parse the TXVECTOR by parsing the first radio frame. Then, based on the TXVECTOR, it can determine whether the second device is the receiver of the first radio frame. For example, based on the result of whether the second device is the receiver of the first radio frame, the subsequent Co-BF channel sounding process can be further performed, which can better reduce area conflicts and improve area throughput.

[0119] Optionally, in some embodiments, sending the first wireless frame to the second device includes:

[0120] During the Co-BF channel sounding process, the first radio frame is sent to the second device.

[0121] Optionally, in some embodiments, the parameter information includes at least one of the following:

[0122] First bandwidth parameter information; the first bandwidth parameter information is the same as the bandwidth parameter information of the empty data packet notification frame (NDPA frame) sent by the first device;

[0123] The parameter information includes Basic Service Set Color (BSS) information, which includes the BSS color information of the first AP and the BSS color information of the second AP.

[0124] Optionally, if the first radio frame includes an NDP frame, the first bandwidth parameter information is the same as the bandwidth parameter information of the NDP frame transmitted by the first device. That is, the bandwidth parameter information of the NDP frame transmitted by the first device is the same as the bandwidth parameter information of the NDPA frame transmitted by the first device.

[0125] Optionally, the first radio frame may include a bandwidth parameter information field (BW Info field; BW stands for bandwidth), and the first bandwidth parameter information may be carried in the BW field. Referring to the setting method of the TXVECTOR parameter information in the first radio frame, the BW Info field may be carried in the frame header of the NDP frame.

[0126] Optionally, referring to the setting method of the TXVECTOR parameter information in the first radio frame, the TXVECTOR parameter information in the second radio frame can also be carried in the frame header of the NDPA frame. That is, the bandwidth parameter information of the NDPA frame sent by the first device can be carried in the frame header of the NDPA frame, specifically in the BW Info field of the frame header.

[0127] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first bandwidth parameter information is less than or equal to the bandwidth parameter information supported by the second device;

[0128] The bandwidth parameters supported by the second device include: the bandwidth and the number of spatial streams (NSS) supported by the second device for channel sounding.

[0129] Optionally, the bandwidth supported by the second device for channel sounding may include, but is not limited to, at least one of 20MHz, 40MHz, 80MHz, 160MHz, 320MHz, etc. The NSS supported by the second device may include, but is not limited to, at least one of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8.

[0130] Optionally, the bandwidth parameter information of the first wireless frame sent by the first device is less than or equal to the bandwidth parameter information supported by the second device, so that the second device can successfully receive the first wireless frame sent by the first device.

[0131] Optionally, in some embodiments, the coverage area of ​​the first AP completely overlaps with the coverage area of ​​the second AP, and the bandwidth parameter information of the first device sending NDP frames and / or NDPA frames is the full overlapping bandwidth.

[0132] The coverage area of ​​the first AP partially overlaps with that of the second AP, and the bandwidth parameter information of the NDP frame and / or NDPA frame sent by the first device is either the full overlap bandwidth or the partial overlap bandwidth.

[0133] Optionally, the coverage area of ​​an AP is the area where wireless network service can be effectively provided through the AP.

[0134] Optionally, the overlapping areas of the coverage of the first AP and the coverage of the second AP may partially overlap, completely overlap, or not overlap at all.

[0135] Optionally, if the coverage areas of the first AP and the second AP completely overlap, the entire overlapping bandwidth between the bandwidth supported by the first AP and the bandwidth supported by the second AP can be determined, and the bandwidth parameter information used by the first AP to send NDP frames and / or NDPA frames can be determined as the entire overlapping bandwidth.

[0136] Optionally, if the coverage areas of the first AP and the second AP partially overlap, the bandwidth supported by the first AP and the bandwidth supported by the second AP can be determined as the total overlapping bandwidth or a portion of the overlapping bandwidth.

[0137] Optionally, referring to the above, the first bandwidth parameter information is the bandwidth parameter information of the NDP frame sent by the first device. That is, the bandwidth parameter information of the NDP frame sent by the first AP can be determined based on whether the coverage areas of the first AP and the second AP overlap, and then the bandwidth parameter information of the NDP frame sent by the first AP can be carried in the frame header of the NDP frame as the first bandwidth parameter information.

[0138] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first bandwidth parameter information is also carried in the interaction information during the Co-BF establishment process between the first AP and the second AP.

[0139] Optionally, in some embodiments, when the second device has not established an association with the first device, the first bandwidth parameter information is also carried in the interaction information during the Co-BF establishment process between the first AP and the second AP.

[0140] Optionally, the interaction information between the first AP and the second AP during the Co-BF establishment process may include, but is not limited to, Co-BF establishment request frames and Co-BF establishment response frames.

[0141] Optionally, the second device establishes an initial association with the first AP but not with the second AP; or, the second device does not establish an initial association with the first AP but establishes an initial association with the second AP. The first AP and the second AP carry the first bandwidth parameter information of the first wireless frame sent by the first device in the above-mentioned interaction information. In this way, the AP that establishes an association with the second device can send the obtained first bandwidth parameter information to the second device associated with it.

[0142] In some embodiments, the bandwidth parameter information of the first AP and the bandwidth parameter information of the second AP may also be carried in the interaction information during the Co-BF establishment process between the first AP and the second AP.

[0143] As an example, taking the first AP as a Sharing AP and the second AP as a Shared AP, the first AP can carry its bandwidth parameter information in the Co-BF establishment request frame it sends to the second AP; if the second AP accepts the establishment of Co-BF with the first AP, the second AP can carry its bandwidth parameter information in the Co-BF establishment response frame it sends to the first AP.

[0144] As another example, taking the first AP as a Shared AP and the second AP as a Sharing AP, the second AP can carry its bandwidth parameter information in the Co-BF establishment request frame it sends to the first AP; if the first AP accepts the establishment of Co-BF with the second AP, the first AP can carry its bandwidth parameter information in the Co-BF establishment response frame it sends to the second AP.

[0145] Optionally, in some embodiments, the parameter information includes Basic Service Set Color (BSS) information, which includes the BSS color information of the first AP and the BSS color information of the second AP.

[0146] In some embodiments, BSS color is an identifier for a type of BSS used to help the STA identify the source of the received high efficiency physical layer convergence procedure protocol data unit (HE-PPDU, HE stands for high efficiency), i.e., whether it comes from the local BSS or from the overlapping basic service set (OBSS), i.e., the neighboring BSS.

[0147] In some embodiments, the BSS color information of the first AP and the BSS color information of the second AP can also be carried in the interaction information during the Co-BF establishment process between the first AP and the second AP; in this way, whether the first device is the first AP or the second AP, it can obtain the BSS color information of the first AP and the BSS color information of the second AP, and carry the BSS color information of the first AP and the BSS color information of the second AP in the first radio frame.

[0148] As an example, taking the first AP as a Sharing AP and the second AP as a Shared AP, the first AP can carry its BSS color information in the Co-BF establishment request frame it sends to the second AP; if the second AP accepts the establishment of Co-BF with the first AP, the second AP can carry its BSS color information in the Co-BF establishment response frame it sends to the first AP.

[0149] As another example, taking the first AP as a Shared AP and the second AP as a Sharing AP, the second AP can carry its BSS color information in the Co-BF establishment request frame it sends to the first AP; if the first AP accepts the establishment of Co-BF with the second AP, the first AP can carry its BSS color information in the Co-BF establishment response frame it sends to the second AP.

[0150] In some embodiments, for the AP that establishes an initial association with the second device among the first AP and the second AP (hereinafter referred to as "associated AP"), the associated AP may also send its BSS color information to the second device during the process of establishing an initial association with the second device.

[0151] As an example, during the initial association process with the second device, the associated AP may carry its BSS color information in a fourth radio frame sent to the second device. This fourth radio frame may include, but is not limited to, at least one of a beacon frame, a probe response frame, an association response frame, a reassociation response frame, and a notification frame. The notification frame may be a negotiated notification frame or a newly defined notification frame.

[0152] Specifically, the fourth radio frame may include a High Efficiency Protocol (HE Operation) information element, and the associated AP may carry its BSS color information in the HE Operation information element of the fourth radio frame.

[0153] In some embodiments, for the AP that has not established an initial association with the second device (hereinafter referred to as "non-association AP"), the non-association AP may also carry its BSS color information in the NDPA frame it sends to the second device.

[0154] Optionally, this disclosure also provides an alternative implementation method. Referring to FIG3, the method may include:

[0155] Step 301, the first AP determines the second radio frame; wherein, the second radio frame is used to request the establishment of Co-BF with the second AP; the second radio frame includes: the BSS color information of the first AP and / or the bandwidth parameter information of the first AP supporting the transmission of NDP frames.

[0156] Optionally, the communication method provided in this disclosure can be applied to the negotiation process between a Sharing AP and a Shared AP. For example, the first AP can be a Sharing AP and the second AP can be a Shared AP.

[0157] In some embodiments, the second radio frame may include, but is not limited to, a Co-BF request frame or a Co-BF invitation frame.

[0158] In some embodiments, the second radio frame further includes information about the first STA associated with the first AP; wherein the information about the first STA includes at least one of the following: the association ID (AID; ID is identifier), the basic service set color (BSS color) of the basic service set (BSS) to which the first STA is located, the number of spatial streams (NSS) information supported by the first STA, and the bandwidth supported by the first STA for channel sounding.

[0159] In some embodiments, the relevant information of the first STA may also include other information besides the information described above.

[0160] In the above embodiments, the first AP can negotiate with the second AP whether to establish a Co-BF by sending a second radio frame to the second AP; and, by carrying relevant information of the first STA in the second radio frame, the first AP can send its BSS color information and / or bandwidth parameter information of the first AP that supports sending NDP frames to the second AP while negotiating whether to establish a Co-BF.

[0161] Step 302: The first AP sends the second radio frame to the second AP. Correspondingly, the second AP receives the second radio frame sent by the first AP.

[0162] Step 303, the second AP determines the third radio frame; wherein, the third radio frame is used to respond to the second radio frame; the third radio frame includes second identification information, the second identification information indicating whether the second AP accepts or refuses to establish a Co-BF with the first AP.

[0163] In some embodiments, in the third radio frame, the second identification information may occupy one bit, and the parameter value of this bit can indicate whether the second AP accepts establishing a Co-BF with the first AP. For example, when the bit is set to "1", the second identification information indicates that the second AP accepts establishing a Co-BF with the first AP; when the bit is set to "0", the second identification information indicates that the second AP refuses (or does not accept) establishing a Co-BF with the first AP.

[0164] As an example, the second identification information may include a status bit. When the status bit is set to "1", it can indicate that the second AP accepts the establishment of Co-BF with the first AP. When the status bit is set to "0", it can indicate that the second AP refuses (or does not accept) the establishment of Co-BF with the first AP.

[0165] Optionally, in some embodiments, when the second identification information indicates that the second AP accepts the establishment of a Co-BF with the first AP,

[0166] The third wireless frame also includes: the BSS color information of the second AP and the bandwidth parameter information of the second AP supporting the transmission of NDP frames.

[0167] In some embodiments, when the second identification information indicates that the second AP accepts the establishment of Co-BF with the first AP, the third radio frame further includes information related to the second STA associated with the second AP; wherein, the information related to the second STA includes at least one of the following: the AID of the second STA, the BSS color of the BSS where the second STA is located, the NSS information supported by the second STA, and the bandwidth supported by the second STA for channel sounding.

[0168] In some embodiments, the relevant information of the second STA may also include other information besides the information described above.

[0169] In step 304, the second AP sends a third radio frame to the first AP. Correspondingly, the first AP receives the third radio frame sent by the second AP.

[0170] Step 305, the first device determines the first wireless frame; wherein, the first wireless frame includes first identification information, the first identification information identifying the parameter information of TXVECTOR; the first device includes a first AP and / or a second AP.

[0171] Optionally, the first radio frame may include an NDP frame. An NDP frame is an empty frame that does not carry user data. Taking the first AP and the second AP as a group of Shared Access Points as an example, the Sharing AP or the Shared AP sends an NDP frame.

[0172] Optionally, in some embodiments, NDP frames can be applied during multi-AP Co-BF channel sounding.

[0173] Optionally, the parameter information of TXVECTOR refers to the configuration parameters used when sending the NDP frame, for example, it can be carried in the frame header of the NDP frame.

[0174] Optionally, the parameter information of TXVECTOR may include, but is not limited to, channel configuration parameters, modulation and coding parameters, pilot signal design parameters, power control parameters, spatial multiplexing configuration parameters, etc.

[0175] Optionally, in some embodiments, the parameter information includes at least one of the following:

[0176] First bandwidth parameter information; the first bandwidth parameter information is the same as the bandwidth parameter information of the NDPA frame sent by the first device;

[0177] The Basic Service Set (BSS) color information includes: the BSS color information of the first AP and the BSS color information of the second AP.

[0178] Optionally, if the first radio frame includes an NDP frame, the first bandwidth parameter information is the same as the bandwidth parameter information of the NDP frame transmitted by the first device. That is, the bandwidth parameter information of the NDP frame transmitted by the first device is the same as the bandwidth parameter information of the NDPA frame transmitted by the first device.

[0179] Optionally, the NDPA frame sent by the first device may also carry the BSS color information of the first AP and the BSS color information of the second AP.

[0180] Optionally, the first radio frame may include a BW Info field, in which first bandwidth parameter information can be carried. Referring to the setting method of TXVECTOR parameter information in the first radio frame, the BW Info field can be carried in the frame header of the NDP frame.

[0181] Optionally, referring to the setting method of the TXVECTOR parameter information in the first radio frame, the TXVECTOR parameter information in the second radio frame can also be carried in the frame header of the NDPA frame. That is, the bandwidth parameter information of the NDPA frame sent by the first device can be carried in the frame header of the NDPA frame, specifically in the BW Info field of the frame header.

[0182] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first bandwidth parameter information is less than or equal to the bandwidth parameter information supported by the second device;

[0183] The bandwidth parameter information supported by the second device includes: the bandwidth and NSS that the second device supports for channel sounding.

[0184] Optionally, the bandwidth supported by the second device for channel sounding may include, but is not limited to, at least one of 20MHz, 40MHz, 80MHz, 160MHz, 320MHz, etc. The NSS supported by the second device may include, but is not limited to, at least one of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8.

[0185] Optionally, the bandwidth parameter information of the first wireless frame sent by the first device is less than or equal to the bandwidth parameter information supported by the second device, so that the second device can successfully receive the first wireless frame sent by the first device.

[0186] Optionally, in some embodiments, the coverage area of ​​the first AP completely overlaps with the coverage area of ​​the second AP, and the bandwidth parameter information of the first device sending NDP frames and / or NDPA frames is the full overlapping bandwidth.

[0187] The coverage area of ​​the first AP partially overlaps with that of the second AP, and the bandwidth parameter information of the NDP frame and / or NDPA frame sent by the first device is either the full overlap bandwidth or the partial overlap bandwidth.

[0188] Optionally, the coverage area of ​​an AP is the area where wireless network service can be effectively provided through the AP.

[0189] Optionally, the overlapping areas of the coverage of the first AP and the coverage of the second AP may partially overlap, completely overlap, or not overlap at all.

[0190] Optionally, if the coverage areas of the first AP and the second AP completely overlap, the entire overlapping bandwidth between the bandwidth supported by the first AP and the bandwidth supported by the second AP can be determined, and the bandwidth parameter information used by the first AP to send NDP frames and / or NDPA frames can be determined as the entire overlapping bandwidth.

[0191] Optionally, if the coverage areas of the first AP and the second AP partially overlap, the bandwidth supported by the first AP and the bandwidth supported by the second AP can be determined as the total overlapping bandwidth or a portion of the overlapping bandwidth.

[0192] Optionally, referring to the above, the first bandwidth parameter information is the bandwidth parameter information of the NDP frame sent by the first device. That is, the bandwidth parameter information of the NDP frame sent by the first AP can be determined based on whether the coverage areas of the first AP and the second AP overlap, and then the bandwidth parameter information of the NDP frame sent by the first AP can be carried in the frame header of the NDP frame as the first bandwidth parameter information.

[0193] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first bandwidth parameter information is also carried in the interaction information during the Co-BF establishment process between the first AP and the second AP.

[0194] Optionally, in some embodiments, if the second device is not associated with the first device,

[0195] The first bandwidth parameter information is also carried in the interaction information during the Co-BF establishment process between the first AP and the second AP.

[0196] Optionally, the interaction information between the first AP and the second AP during the Co-BF establishment process may include, but is not limited to, Co-BF establishment request frames and Co-BF establishment response frames.

[0197] Optionally, the second device establishes an initial association with the first AP but not with the second AP; or, the second device does not establish an initial association with the first AP but establishes an initial association with the second AP. The first AP and the second AP carry the first bandwidth parameter information of the first wireless frame sent by the first device in the above-mentioned interaction information. In this way, the AP that establishes an association with the second device can send the obtained first bandwidth parameter information to the second device associated with it.

[0198] Step 306: The first device sends the first wireless frame to the second device; correspondingly, the second device receives the first wireless frame sent by the first device.

[0199] In one scenario, the second device establishes an initial association with the first AP but does not establish an initial association with the second AP; or, the second device does not establish an initial association with the first AP but establishes an initial association with the second AP.

[0200] In some embodiments, the second device may include a STA.

[0201] Optionally, in some embodiments, when the second device includes a STA, if the second device establishes an initial association with the first AP but not with the second AP, then the second device can be referred to as the first STA; if the second device does not establish an initial association with the first AP but establishes an initial association with the second AP, then the second device can be referred to as the second STA.

[0202] In some embodiments, the second device can accurately parse the configuration parameters used by the first device when sending the NDP frame, i.e., the parameter information of RXVECTOR, by parsing the first identification information in the first wireless frame.

[0203] In the above embodiments, the first device includes a first AP and / or a second AP. The second device establishes an initial association with the first AP but not with the second AP; or, the second device does not establish an initial association with the first AP but establishes an initial association with the second AP. The first device determines a first radio frame and sends the first radio frame to the second device, identifying the parameter information of the TXVECTOR through the first identification information in the first radio frame. In this way, the setting signaling of the parameter information of the TXVECTOR is defined, and regardless of whether the second device is associated with the first AP or the second AP, the TXVECTOR can be accurately parsed to determine whether the second device is the receiver of the first radio frame. For example, based on the result of whether the second device is the receiver of the first radio frame, the subsequent Co-BF channel sounding process can be further performed, which is suitable for the requirements of the UHR protocol.

[0204] Optionally, in some embodiments, sending the first wireless frame to the second device includes:

[0205] During Co-BF channel sounding, the first wireless frame is sent to the second device.

[0206] Optionally, this disclosure also provides an optional implementation method. Referring to FIG6, taking a first device including a first AP and a second device being a second STA that has established an initial association with a second AP but has not established an initial association with the first AP as an example, the method may include:

[0207] Step 601, the first AP determines the second radio frame; wherein, the second radio frame is used to request the establishment of Co-BF with the second AP; the second radio frame includes: the BSS color information of the first AP and / or the bandwidth parameter information of the first AP supporting the transmission of NDP frames.

[0208] In some embodiments, the second radio frame may include, but is not limited to, a Co-BF request frame or a Co-BF invitation frame.

[0209] Optionally, the communication method provided in this disclosure can be applied to the negotiation process between a Sharing AP and a Shared AP. For example, the first AP can be a Sharing AP and the second AP can be a Shared AP.

[0210] In some embodiments, the second radio frame further includes information related to the first STA associated with the first AP; wherein the information related to the first STA includes at least one of the following: the AID of the first STA, the BSS color of the BSS where the first STA is located, the NSS information supported by the first STA, and the bandwidth supported by the first STA for channel sounding.

[0211] In some embodiments, the relevant information of the first STA may also include other information besides the information described above.

[0212] In the above embodiments, the first AP can negotiate with the second AP whether to establish a Co-BF by sending a second radio frame to the second AP; and, by carrying relevant information of the first STA in the second radio frame, the first AP can send its BSS color information and / or bandwidth parameter information of the first AP that supports sending NDP frames to the second AP while negotiating whether to establish a Co-BF.

[0213] Step 602: The first AP sends the second radio frame to the second AP. Correspondingly, the second AP receives the second radio frame sent by the first AP.

[0214] Step 603, the second AP determines the third radio frame; wherein, the third radio frame is used to respond to the second radio frame; the third radio frame includes second identification information, the second identification information indicating whether the second AP accepts or refuses to establish a Co-BF with the first AP.

[0215] In some embodiments, in the third radio frame, the second identification information may occupy one bit, and the parameter value of this bit can indicate whether the second AP accepts establishing a Co-BF with the first AP. For example, when the bit is set to "1", the second identification information indicates that the second AP accepts establishing a Co-BF with the first AP; when the bit is set to "0", the second identification information indicates that the second AP refuses (or does not accept) establishing a Co-BF with the first AP.

[0216] As an example, the second identification information may include a status bit. When the status bit is set to "1", it can indicate that the second AP accepts the establishment of Co-BF with the first AP. When the status bit is set to "0", it can indicate that the second AP refuses (or does not accept) the establishment of Co-BF with the first AP.

[0217] Optionally, in some embodiments, when the second identification information indicates that the second AP accepts the establishment of a Co-BF with the first AP,

[0218] The third wireless frame also includes: the BSS color information of the second AP and the bandwidth parameter information of the second AP supporting the transmission of NDP frames.

[0219] In some embodiments, when the second identification information indicates that the second AP accepts the establishment of Co-BF with the first AP, the third radio frame further includes information related to the second STA associated with the second AP; wherein, the information related to the second STA includes at least one of the following: the AID of the second STA, the BSS color of the BSS where the second STA is located, the NSS information supported by the second STA, and the bandwidth supported by the second STA for channel sounding.

[0220] In some embodiments, the relevant information of the second STA may also include other information besides the information described above.

[0221] In step 604, the second AP sends a third radio frame to the first AP. Correspondingly, the first AP receives the third radio frame sent by the second AP.

[0222] Step 605, the first AP determines the first wireless frame; wherein, the first wireless frame includes first identification information, the first identification information identifying the parameter information of TXVECTOR.

[0223] Optionally, the first radio frame may include an NDP frame. An NDP frame is an empty frame that does not carry user data. Taking the first AP and the second AP as a group of Shared Access Points as an example, the Sharing AP or the Shared AP sends an NDP frame.

[0224] Optionally, in some embodiments, NDP frames can be applied during multi-AP Co-BF channel sounding.

[0225] Optionally, the parameter information of TXVECTOR refers to the configuration parameters used when sending the NDP frame, for example, it can be carried in the frame header of the NDP frame.

[0226] Optionally, the parameter information of TXVECTOR may include, but is not limited to, channel configuration parameters, modulation and coding parameters, pilot signal design parameters, power control parameters, spatial multiplexing configuration parameters, etc.

[0227] Optionally, in some embodiments, the parameter information includes at least one of the following:

[0228] First bandwidth parameter information; the first bandwidth parameter information is the same as the bandwidth parameter information of the empty data packet notification frame (NDPA frame) sent by the first AP;

[0229] The parameter information includes Basic Service Set Color (BSS) information, which includes the BSS color information of the first AP and the BSS color information of the second AP.

[0230] Optionally, if the first radio frame includes an NDP frame, the first bandwidth parameter information is the same as the bandwidth parameter information of the NDP frame transmitted by the first AP. That is, the bandwidth parameter information of the NDP frame transmitted by the first AP is the same as the bandwidth parameter information of the NDPA frame transmitted by the first AP.

[0231] Optionally, the first radio frame may include a BW Info field, in which first bandwidth parameter information can be carried. Referring to the setting method of TXVECTOR parameter information in the first radio frame, the BW Info field can be carried in the frame header of the NDP frame.

[0232] Optionally, referring to the setting method of the TXVECTOR parameter information in the first radio frame, the TXVECTOR parameter information in the second radio frame can also be carried in the frame header of the NDPA frame. That is, the bandwidth parameter information of the NDPA frame sent by the first AP can be carried in the frame header of the NDPA frame, specifically in the BW Info field of the frame header.

[0233] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first bandwidth parameter information is less than or equal to the bandwidth parameter information supported by the second STA;

[0234] The bandwidth parameter information supported by the second STA includes: the bandwidth and NSS that the second STA supports for channel sounding.

[0235] Optionally, the bandwidth supported by the second STA for channel sounding may include, but is not limited to, at least one of 20MHz, 60MHz, 80MHz, 160MHz, 320MHz, etc. The NSS supported by the second STA may include, but is not limited to, at least one of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8.

[0236] Optionally, the bandwidth parameter information of the first wireless frame sent by the first AP is less than or equal to the bandwidth parameter information supported by the second STA, so that the second STA can successfully receive the first wireless frame sent by the first AP.

[0237] Optionally, in some embodiments, the coverage area of ​​the first AP completely overlaps with the coverage area of ​​the second AP, and the bandwidth parameter information of the first AP sending NDP frames and / or NDPA frames is the full overlapping bandwidth.

[0238] The coverage area of ​​the first AP partially overlaps with that of the second AP, and the bandwidth parameter information of the first AP sending NDP frames and / or NDPA frames is either the full overlap bandwidth or the partial overlap bandwidth.

[0239] Optionally, the coverage area of ​​an AP is the area where wireless network service can be effectively provided through the AP.

[0240] Optionally, the overlapping areas of the coverage of the first AP and the coverage of the second AP may partially overlap, completely overlap, or not overlap at all.

[0241] Optionally, if the coverage areas of the first AP and the second AP completely overlap, the entire overlapping bandwidth between the bandwidth supported by the first AP and the bandwidth supported by the second AP can be determined, and the bandwidth parameter information used by the first AP to send NDP frames and / or NDPA frames can be determined as the entire overlapping bandwidth.

[0242] Optionally, if the coverage areas of the first AP and the second AP partially overlap, the bandwidth supported by the first AP and the bandwidth supported by the second AP can be determined as the total overlapping bandwidth or a portion of the overlapping bandwidth.

[0243] Optionally, referring to the above, the first bandwidth parameter information is the bandwidth parameter information of the NDP frame sent by the first AP. That is, the bandwidth parameter information of the NDP frame sent by the first AP can be determined based on whether the coverage areas of the first AP and the second AP overlap, and then the bandwidth parameter information of the NDP frame sent by the first AP can be carried in the frame header of the NDP frame as the first bandwidth parameter information.

[0244] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first bandwidth parameter information is also carried in the interaction information during the Co-BF establishment process between the first AP and the second AP.

[0245] Optionally, in some embodiments, if the second STA has not established an association with the first AP,

[0246] The first bandwidth parameter information is also carried in the interaction information during the Co-BF establishment process between the first AP and the second AP.

[0247] Optionally, the interaction information between the first AP and the second AP during the Co-BF establishment process may include, but is not limited to, Co-BF establishment request frames and Co-BF establishment response frames.

[0248] Optionally, the second STA establishes an initial association with the first AP but not with the second AP; or, the second STA does not establish an initial association with the first AP but establishes an initial association with the second AP. The first AP and the second AP carry the first bandwidth parameter information of the first wireless frame sent by the first AP in the above-mentioned interaction information. In this way, the AP that establishes an association with the second STA can send the obtained first bandwidth parameter information to the second STA associated with it.

[0249] Step 606: The first AP sends the first wireless frame to the second STA; correspondingly, the second STA receives the first wireless frame sent by the first AP.

[0250] In this case, the second STA did not establish an initial association with the first AP, but established an initial association with the second AP.

[0251] In some embodiments, the second STA can accurately parse the configuration parameters used by the first AP when sending the NDP frame, i.e., the parameter information of RXVECTOR, by parsing the first identification information in the first radio frame.

[0252] Optionally, in some embodiments, sending the first radio frame to the second STA includes:

[0253] During Co-BF channel sounding, the first radio frame is sent to the second STA.

[0254] Optionally, this disclosure also provides an optional implementation method. Taking a first device including a first AP, and a second device being a second STA that has established an initial association with a second AP but has not established an initial association with the first AP as an example, the method may include:

[0255] Step A1: The first AP sends a second radio frame to the second AP; wherein the second radio frame is used to request the establishment of Co-BF with the second AP; the second radio frame includes: BSS color information of the first AP and / or bandwidth parameter information indicating that the first AP supports sending NDP frames. Accordingly, the second AP receives the second radio frame sent by the first AP.

[0256] In some embodiments, the second radio frame may include, but is not limited to, a Co-BF request frame or a Co-BF invitation frame.

[0257] Optionally, the communication method provided in this disclosure can be applied to the negotiation process between a Sharing AP and a Shared AP. For example, the first AP can be a Sharing AP and the second AP can be a Shared AP.

[0258] In some embodiments, the second radio frame further includes information related to the first STA associated with the first AP; wherein the information related to the first STA includes at least one of the following: the AID of the first STA, the BSS color of the BSS where the first STA is located, the NSS information supported by the first STA, and the bandwidth supported by the first STA for channel sounding.

[0259] In some embodiments, the relevant information of the first STA may also include other information besides the information described above.

[0260] In the above embodiments, the first AP can negotiate with the second AP whether to establish a Co-BF by sending a second radio frame to the second AP; and, by carrying relevant information of the first STA in the second radio frame, the first AP can send its BSS color information and / or bandwidth parameter information of the first AP that supports sending NDP frames to the second AP while negotiating whether to establish a Co-BF.

[0261] In step A2, the second AP sends a third radio frame to the first AP; wherein the third radio frame is used to respond to the second radio frame; the third radio frame includes second identification information, which indicates that the second AP accepts the request to establish a Co-BF with the first AP. Correspondingly, the first AP receives the third radio frame sent by the second AP.

[0262] In some embodiments, in the third radio frame, the second identification information may occupy one bit, and the parameter value of this bit can indicate that the second AP accepts the establishment of a Co-BF with the first AP. For example, when this bit is set to "1", the second identification information indicates that the second AP accepts the establishment of a Co-BF with the first AP.

[0263] As an example, the second identification information may include a status bit, which, when set to "1", indicates that the second AP accepts the establishment of a Co-BF with the first AP.

[0264] Optionally, in some embodiments, the third wireless frame further includes: BSS color information of the second AP and bandwidth parameter information of the second AP supporting the transmission of NDP frames.

[0265] In some embodiments, the third radio frame further includes information related to the second STA associated with the second AP; wherein the information related to the second STA includes at least one of the following: the AID of the second STA, the BSS color of the BSS where the second STA is located, the NSS information supported by the second STA, and the bandwidth supported by the second STA for channel sounding.

[0266] In some embodiments, the relevant information of the second STA may also include other information besides the information described above.

[0267] Step A3: The first AP sends a first radio frame to the second STA; wherein the first radio frame includes first identification information, which identifies the parameter information of TXVECTOR. Correspondingly, the second STA receives the first radio frame sent by the first AP; wherein the second STA has not established an initial association with the first AP, but establishes an initial association with the second AP.

[0268] Optionally, the first radio frame may include an NDP frame. An NDP frame is an empty frame that does not carry user data.

[0269] Optionally, in some embodiments, NDP frames can be applied during multi-AP Co-BF channel sounding.

[0270] Optionally, the parameter information of TXVECTOR refers to the configuration parameters used when sending the NDP frame, for example, it can be carried in the frame header of the NDP frame.

[0271] Optionally, the parameter information of TXVECTOR may include, but is not limited to, channel configuration parameters, modulation and coding parameters, pilot signal design parameters, power control parameters, spatial multiplexing configuration parameters, etc.

[0272] Optionally, in some embodiments, the parameter information includes at least one of the following:

[0273] First bandwidth parameter information; the first bandwidth parameter information is the same as the bandwidth parameter information of the empty data packet notification frame (NDPA frame) sent by the first AP;

[0274] The parameter information includes Basic Service Set Color (BSS) information, which includes the BSS color information of the first AP and the BSS color information of the second AP.

[0275] Optionally, if the first radio frame includes an NDP frame, the first bandwidth parameter information is the same as the bandwidth parameter information of the NDP frame transmitted by the first AP. That is, the bandwidth parameter information of the NDP frame transmitted by the first AP is the same as the bandwidth parameter information of the NDPA frame transmitted by the first AP.

[0276] Optionally, the first radio frame may include a BW Info field, in which first bandwidth parameter information can be carried. Referring to the setting method of TXVECTOR parameter information in the first radio frame, the BW Info field can be carried in the frame header of the NDP frame.

[0277] Optionally, referring to the setting method of the TXVECTOR parameter information in the first radio frame, the TXVECTOR parameter information in the second radio frame can also be carried in the frame header of the NDPA frame. That is, the bandwidth parameter information of the NDPA frame sent by the first AP can be carried in the frame header of the NDPA frame, specifically in the BW Info field of the frame header.

[0278] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first bandwidth parameter information is less than or equal to the bandwidth parameter information supported by the second STA;

[0279] The bandwidth parameter information supported by the second STA includes: the bandwidth supported by the second STA for channel sounding and the number of spatial streams (NSS).

[0280] Optionally, the bandwidth supported by the second STA for channel sounding may include, but is not limited to, at least one of 20MHz, 60MHz, 80MHz, 160MHz, 320MHz, etc. The NSS supported by the second STA may include, but is not limited to, at least one of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8.

[0281] Optionally, the bandwidth parameter information of the first wireless frame sent by the first AP is less than or equal to the bandwidth parameter information supported by the second STA, so that the second STA can successfully receive the first wireless frame sent by the first AP.

[0282] Optionally, in some embodiments, the coverage area of ​​the first AP completely overlaps with the coverage area of ​​the second AP, and the bandwidth parameter information of the first AP sending NDP frames and / or NDPA frames is the full overlapping bandwidth.

[0283] The coverage area of ​​the first AP partially overlaps with that of the second AP, and the bandwidth parameter information of the first AP sending NDP frames and / or NDPA frames is either the full overlap bandwidth or the partial overlap bandwidth.

[0284] Optionally, the overlapping areas of the coverage of the first AP and the coverage of the second AP may partially overlap, completely overlap, or not overlap at all.

[0285] Optionally, if the coverage areas of the first AP and the second AP completely overlap, the entire overlapping bandwidth between the bandwidth supported by the first AP and the bandwidth supported by the second AP can be determined, and the bandwidth parameter information used by the first AP to send NDP frames and / or NDPA frames can be determined as the entire overlapping bandwidth.

[0286] Optionally, if the coverage areas of the first AP and the second AP partially overlap, the bandwidth supported by the first AP and the bandwidth supported by the second AP can be determined as the total overlapping bandwidth or a portion of the overlapping bandwidth.

[0287] Optionally, referring to the above, the first bandwidth parameter information is the bandwidth parameter information of the NDP frame sent by the first AP. That is, the bandwidth parameter information of the NDP frame sent by the first AP can be determined based on whether the coverage areas of the first AP and the second AP overlap, and then the bandwidth parameter information of the NDP frame sent by the first AP can be carried in the frame header of the NDP frame as the first bandwidth parameter information.

[0288] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first bandwidth parameter information is also carried in the interaction information during the Co-BF establishment process between the first AP and the second AP.

[0289] Optionally, in some embodiments, if the second STA has not established an association with the first AP,

[0290] The first bandwidth parameter information is also carried in the interaction information during the Co-BF establishment process between the first AP and the second AP.

[0291] Optionally, the interaction information between the first AP and the second AP during the Co-BF establishment process may include, but is not limited to, Co-BF establishment request frames and Co-BF establishment response frames.

[0292] Optionally, the second STA establishes an initial association with the first AP but not with the second AP; or, the second STA does not establish an initial association with the first AP but establishes an initial association with the second AP. The first AP and the second AP carry the first bandwidth parameter information of the first wireless frame sent by the first AP in the above-mentioned interaction information. In this way, the AP that establishes an association with the second STA can send the obtained first bandwidth parameter information to the second STA associated with it.

[0293] Optionally, in some embodiments, the parameter information includes Basic Service Set Color (BSS) information, which includes the BSS color information of the first AP and the BSS color information of the second AP.

[0294] In some embodiments, the second STA can accurately parse the configuration parameters used by the first AP when sending the NDP frame, i.e., the parameter information of RXVECTOR, by parsing the first identification information in the first radio frame.

[0295] Optionally, in some embodiments, sending the first radio frame to the second STA includes:

[0296] During Co-BF channel sounding, the first radio frame is sent to the second STA.

[0297] Optionally, this disclosure also provides an optional implementation method. Taking a first device including a first AP, and a second device being a second STA that has established an initial association with a second AP but has not established an initial association with the first AP as an example, the method may include:

[0298] Step B1: The first AP sends a second radio frame to the second AP; wherein the second radio frame is used to request the establishment of Co-BF with the second AP; the second radio frame includes: BSS color information of the first AP and / or bandwidth parameter information indicating that the first AP supports sending NDP frames. Accordingly, the second AP receives the second radio frame sent by the first AP.

[0299] In some embodiments, the second radio frame may include, but is not limited to, a Co-BF request frame or a Co-BF invitation frame.

[0300] Optionally, the communication method provided in this disclosure can be applied to the negotiation process between a Sharing AP and a Shared AP. For example, the first AP can be a Sharing AP and the second AP can be a Shared AP.

[0301] In some embodiments, the second radio frame further includes information related to the first STA associated with the first AP; wherein the information related to the first STA includes at least one of the following: the AID of the first STA, the BSS color of the BSS where the first STA is located, the NSS information supported by the first STA, and the bandwidth supported by the first STA for channel sounding.

[0302] In some embodiments, the relevant information of the first STA may also include other information besides the information described above.

[0303] In the above embodiments, the first AP can negotiate with the second AP whether to establish a Co-BF by sending a second radio frame to the second AP; and, by carrying relevant information of the first STA in the second radio frame, the first AP can send its BSS color information and / or bandwidth parameter information of the first AP that supports sending NDP frames to the second AP while negotiating whether to establish a Co-BF.

[0304] In step B2, the second AP sends a third radio frame to the first AP; wherein the third radio frame is used to respond to the second radio frame; the third radio frame includes second identification information, which indicates that the second AP does not accept establishing a Co-BF with the first AP. Accordingly, the first AP receives the third radio frame sent by the second AP.

[0305] In some embodiments, in the third radio frame, the second identification information may occupy one bit, and the parameter value of this bit can indicate that the second AP does not accept establishing a Co-BF with the first AP. For example, when this bit is set to "0", the second identification information indicates that the second AP does not accept establishing a Co-BF with the first AP.

[0306] As an example, the second identification information may include a status bit, which, when set to "0", indicates that the second AP does not accept establishing a Co-BF with the first AP.

[0307] Optionally, this disclosure also provides an optional implementation method. Referring to FIG7, taking a first device including a second AP, and the second device being a first STA that has established an initial association with the first AP but has not established an initial association with the second AP as an example, the method may include:

[0308] Step 701, the first AP determines the second radio frame; wherein, the second radio frame is used to request the establishment of Co-BF with the second AP; the second radio frame includes: the BSS color information of the first AP and / or the bandwidth parameter information of the first AP supporting the transmission of NDP frames.

[0309] In some embodiments, the second radio frame may include, but is not limited to, a Co-BF request frame or a Co-BF invitation frame.

[0310] Optionally, the communication method provided in this disclosure can be applied to the negotiation process between a Sharing AP and a Shared AP. For example, the first AP can be a Sharing AP and the second AP can be a Shared AP.

[0311] In some embodiments, the second radio frame further includes information about the first STA associated with the first AP; wherein the information about the first STA includes at least one of the following: the association ID (AID; ID is identifier), the basic service set color (BSS color) of the basic service set (BSS) to which the first STA is located, the number of spatial streams (NSS) information supported by the first STA, and the bandwidth supported by the first STA for channel sounding.

[0312] In some embodiments, the relevant information of the first STA may also include other information besides the information described above.

[0313] In the above embodiments, the first AP can negotiate with the second AP whether to establish a Co-BF by sending a second radio frame to the second AP; and, by carrying relevant information of the first STA in the second radio frame, the first AP can send its BSS color information and / or bandwidth parameter information of the first AP that supports sending NDP frames to the second AP while negotiating whether to establish a Co-BF.

[0314] Step 702: The first AP sends the second radio frame to the second AP. Correspondingly, the second AP receives the second radio frame sent by the first AP.

[0315] Step 703, the second AP determines the third radio frame; wherein, the third radio frame is used to respond to the second radio frame; the third radio frame includes second identification information, the second identification information indicating whether the second AP accepts or refuses to establish a Co-BF with the first AP.

[0316] In some embodiments, in the third radio frame, the second identification information may occupy one bit, and the parameter value of this bit can indicate whether the second AP accepts establishing a Co-BF with the first AP. For example, when the bit is set to "1", the second identification information indicates that the second AP accepts establishing a Co-BF with the first AP; when the bit is set to "0", the second identification information indicates that the second AP refuses (or does not accept) establishing a Co-BF with the first AP.

[0317] As an example, the second identification information may include a status bit. When the status bit is set to "1", it can indicate that the second AP accepts the establishment of Co-BF with the first AP. When the status bit is set to "0", it can indicate that the second AP refuses (or does not accept) the establishment of Co-BF with the first AP.

[0318] Optionally, in some embodiments, when the second identification information indicates that the second AP accepts the establishment of a Co-BF with the first AP,

[0319] The third wireless frame also includes: the BSS color information of the second AP and the bandwidth parameter information of the second AP supporting the transmission of NDP frames.

[0320] In some embodiments, when the second identification information indicates that the second AP accepts the establishment of Co-BF with the first AP, the third radio frame further includes information related to the second STA associated with the second AP; wherein, the information related to the second STA includes at least one of the following: the AID of the second STA, the BSS color of the BSS where the second STA is located, the NSS information supported by the second STA, and the bandwidth supported by the second STA for channel sounding.

[0321] In some embodiments, the relevant information of the second STA may also include other information besides the information described above.

[0322] In step 704, the second AP sends a third radio frame to the first AP. Correspondingly, the first AP receives the third radio frame sent by the second AP.

[0323] Step 705, the second AP determines the first wireless frame; wherein, the first wireless frame includes first identification information, the first identification information identifying the parameter information of TXVECTOR.

[0324] Optionally, the first radio frame may include an NDP (Null Data Packet) frame. An NDP frame is a null frame that does not carry user data.

[0325] Optionally, in some embodiments, NDP frames can be applied in the process of Co-BF channel sounding (Co-BF stands for Coordinated-Beam Forming, a coordination mechanism based on beamforming).

[0326] Optionally, the parameter information of TXVECTOR refers to the configuration parameters used when sending the NDP frame, for example, it can be carried in the frame header of the NDP frame.

[0327] Optionally, the parameter information of TXVECTOR may include, but is not limited to, channel configuration parameters, modulation and coding parameters, pilot signal design parameters, power control parameters, spatial multiplexing configuration parameters, etc.

[0328] Optionally, in some embodiments, the parameter information includes at least one of the following:

[0329] First bandwidth parameter information; the first bandwidth parameter information is the same as the bandwidth parameter information of the empty data packet notification frame (NDPA) frame sent by the second AP;

[0330] The parameter information includes Basic Service Set Color (BSS) information, which includes the BSS color information of the first AP and the BSS color information of the second AP.

[0331] Optionally, if the first radio frame includes an NDP frame, the first bandwidth parameter information is the same as the bandwidth parameter information of the NDP frame transmitted by the second AP. That is, the bandwidth parameter information of the NDP frame transmitted by the second AP is the same as the bandwidth parameter information of the NDPA frame transmitted by the second AP.

[0332] Optionally, the first radio frame may include a bandwidth parameter information field (BW Info field; BW stands for bandwidth), and the first bandwidth parameter information may be carried in the BW field. Referring to the setting method of the TXVECTOR parameter information in the first radio frame, the BW Info field may be carried in the frame header of the NDP frame.

[0333] Optionally, referring to the setting method of the TXVECTOR parameter information in the first radio frame, the TXVECTOR parameter information in the second radio frame can also be carried in the frame header of the NDPA frame. That is, the bandwidth parameter information of the NDPA frame sent by the second AP can be carried in the frame header of the NDPA frame, specifically in the BW Info field of the frame header.

[0334] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first bandwidth parameter information is less than or equal to the bandwidth parameter information supported by the first STA;

[0335] The bandwidth parameter information supported by the first STA includes: the bandwidth and the number of spatial streams (NSS) supported by the first STA for channel sounding.

[0336] Optionally, the bandwidth supported by the first STA for channel sounding may include, but is not limited to, at least one of 20MHz, 40MHz, 80MHz, 160MHz, 320MHz, etc. The NSS supported by the first STA may include, but is not limited to, at least one of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8.

[0337] Optionally, the bandwidth parameter information of the first wireless frame sent by the second AP is less than or equal to the bandwidth parameter information supported by the first STA, so that the first STA can successfully receive the first wireless frame sent by the second AP.

[0338] Optionally, in some embodiments, the coverage area of ​​the first AP completely overlaps with the coverage area of ​​the second AP, and the bandwidth parameter information of the second AP sending NDP frames and / or NDPA frames is the entire overlapping bandwidth;

[0339] The coverage areas of the first AP and the second AP partially overlap, and the bandwidth parameter information of the second AP sending NDP frames and / or NDPA frames is either the full overlap bandwidth or the partial overlap bandwidth.

[0340] Optionally, the coverage area of ​​an AP is the area where wireless network service can be effectively provided through the AP.

[0341] Optionally, the overlapping areas of the coverage of the first AP and the coverage of the second AP may partially overlap, completely overlap, or not overlap at all.

[0342] Optionally, if the coverage areas of the first AP and the second AP completely overlap, the entire overlapping bandwidth between the bandwidth supported by the first AP and the bandwidth supported by the second AP can be determined, and the bandwidth parameter information used by the first AP to send NDP frames and / or NDPA frames can be determined as the entire overlapping bandwidth.

[0343] Optionally, if the coverage areas of the first AP and the second AP partially overlap, the bandwidth supported by the first AP and the bandwidth supported by the second AP can be determined as the total overlapping bandwidth or a portion of the overlapping bandwidth.

[0344] Optionally, referring to the above, the first bandwidth parameter information is the bandwidth parameter information of the NDP frame sent by the second AP. That is, the bandwidth parameter information of the NDP frame sent by the first AP can be determined based on whether the coverage areas of the first AP and the second AP overlap, and then the bandwidth parameter information of the NDP frame sent by the first AP can be carried in the frame header of the NDP frame as the first bandwidth parameter information.

[0345] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first bandwidth parameter information is also carried in the interaction information during the Co-BF establishment process between the first AP and the second AP.

[0346] Optionally, in some embodiments, if the first STA has not established an association with the second AP,

[0347] The first bandwidth parameter information is also carried in the interaction information during the Co-BF establishment process between the first AP and the second AP.

[0348] Optionally, the interaction information between the first AP and the second AP during the Co-BF establishment process may include, but is not limited to, Co-BF establishment request frames and Co-BF establishment response frames.

[0349] Optionally, the first STA establishes an initial association with the first AP but not with the second AP. The first AP and the second AP carry the first bandwidth parameter information of the first wireless frame sent by the second AP in the above-mentioned interaction information. In this way, the first AP that has established an association with the first STA can send the obtained first bandwidth parameter information to the first STA associated with it.

[0350] Optionally, in some embodiments, the parameter information includes Basic Service Set Color (BSS) information, which includes the BSS color information of the first AP and the BSS color information of the second AP.

[0351] Step 706: The second AP sends the first wireless frame to the first STA; correspondingly, the first STA receives the first wireless frame sent by the second AP.

[0352] The first STA establishes an initial association with the first AP, but does not establish an initial association with the second AP.

[0353] In some embodiments, the first STA can accurately parse the configuration parameters used by the second AP when sending the NDP frame, i.e., the parameter information of RXVECTOR, by parsing the first identification information in the first radio frame.

[0354] Optionally, in some embodiments, sending the first radio frame to the first STA includes:

[0355] During Co-BF channel sounding, the first radio frame is sent to the first STA.

[0356] Optionally, this disclosure also provides an optional implementation method. Taking a first device including a second AP, and a second device being a first STA that has established an initial association with the first AP but has not established an initial association with the second AP as an example, the method may include:

[0357] In step C1, the first AP sends a second radio frame to the second AP; wherein the second radio frame is used to request the establishment of Co-BF with the second AP; the second radio frame includes: the BSS color information of the first AP and / or bandwidth parameter information indicating that the first AP supports sending NDP frames. Correspondingly, the second AP receives the second radio frame sent by the first AP.

[0358] In some embodiments, the second radio frame may include, but is not limited to, a Co-BF request frame or a Co-BF invitation frame.

[0359] Optionally, the communication method provided in this disclosure can be applied to the negotiation process between a Sharing AP and a Shared AP. For example, the first AP can be a Sharing AP and the second AP can be a Shared AP.

[0360] In some embodiments, the second radio frame further includes information related to the first STA associated with the first AP; wherein the information related to the first STA includes at least one of the following: the AID of the first STA, the BSS color of the BSS where the first STA is located, the NSS information supported by the first STA, and the bandwidth supported by the first STA for channel sounding.

[0361] In some embodiments, the relevant information of the first STA may also include other information besides the information described above.

[0362] In the above embodiments, the first AP can negotiate with the second AP whether to establish a Co-BF by sending a second radio frame to the second AP; and, by carrying relevant information of the first STA in the second radio frame, the first AP can send its BSS color information and / or bandwidth parameter information of the first AP that supports sending NDP frames to the second AP while negotiating whether to establish a Co-BF.

[0363] In step C2, the second AP sends a third radio frame to the first AP; wherein the third radio frame is used to respond to the second radio frame; the third radio frame includes second identification information, which indicates that the second AP accepts the request to establish a Co-BF with the first AP. Correspondingly, the first AP receives the third radio frame sent by the second AP.

[0364] In some embodiments, in the third radio frame, the second identification information may occupy one bit, and the parameter value of this bit can indicate that the second AP accepts the establishment of a Co-BF with the first AP. For example, when this bit is set to "1", the second identification information indicates that the second AP accepts the establishment of a Co-BF with the first AP.

[0365] As an example, the second identification information may include a status bit, which, when set to "1", indicates that the second AP accepts the establishment of a Co-BF with the first AP.

[0366] Optionally, in some embodiments, the third wireless frame further includes: BSS color information of the second AP and bandwidth parameter information of the second AP supporting the transmission of NDP frames.

[0367] In some embodiments, the third radio frame further includes information related to the second STA associated with the second AP; wherein the information related to the second STA includes at least one of the following: the AID of the second STA, the BSS color of the BSS where the second STA is located, the NSS information supported by the second STA, and the bandwidth supported by the second STA for channel sounding.

[0368] In some embodiments, the relevant information of the second STA may also include other information besides the information described above.

[0369] In step C3, the second AP sends a first radio frame to the first STA; wherein the first radio frame includes first identification information, which identifies the parameter information of TXVECTOR. Correspondingly, the first STA receives the first radio frame sent by the second AP. The first STA establishes an initial association with the first AP, but not with the second AP.

[0370] Optionally, the first radio frame may include an NDP frame. An NDP frame is an empty frame that does not carry user data.

[0371] Optionally, in some embodiments, NDP frames can be applied during multi-AP Co-BF channel sounding.

[0372] Optionally, the parameter information of TXVECTOR refers to the configuration parameters used when sending the NDP frame, for example, it can be carried in the frame header of the NDP frame.

[0373] Optionally, the parameter information of TXVECTOR may include, but is not limited to, channel configuration parameters, modulation and coding parameters, pilot signal design parameters, power control parameters, spatial multiplexing configuration parameters, etc.

[0374] Optionally, in some embodiments, the parameter information includes at least one of the following:

[0375] First bandwidth parameter information; the first bandwidth parameter information is the same as the bandwidth parameter information of the empty data packet notification frame (NDPA) frame sent by the second AP;

[0376] The parameter information includes Basic Service Set Color (BSS) information, which includes the BSS color information of the first AP and the BSS color information of the second AP.

[0377] Optionally, if the first radio frame includes an NDP frame, the first bandwidth parameter information is the same as the bandwidth parameter information of the NDP frame transmitted by the second AP. That is, the bandwidth parameter information of the NDP frame transmitted by the second AP is the same as the bandwidth parameter information of the NDPA frame transmitted by the second AP.

[0378] Optionally, the first radio frame may include a BW Info field, in which first bandwidth parameter information can be carried. Referring to the setting method of TXVECTOR parameter information in the first radio frame, the BW Info field can be carried in the frame header of the NDP frame.

[0379] Optionally, referring to the setting method of the TXVECTOR parameter information in the first radio frame, the TXVECTOR parameter information in the second radio frame can also be carried in the frame header of the NDPA frame. That is, the bandwidth parameter information of the NDPA frame sent by the second AP can be carried in the frame header of the NDPA frame, specifically in the BW Info field of the frame header.

[0380] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first bandwidth parameter information is less than or equal to the bandwidth parameter information supported by the first STA;

[0381] The bandwidth parameter information supported by the first STA includes: the bandwidth and the number of spatial streams (NSS) supported by the first STA for channel sounding.

[0382] Optionally, the bandwidth supported by the first STA for channel sounding may include, but is not limited to, at least one of 20MHz, 40MHz, 80MHz, 160MHz, 320MHz, etc. The NSS supported by the first STA may include, but is not limited to, at least one of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8.

[0383] Optionally, the bandwidth parameter information of the first wireless frame sent by the second AP is less than or equal to the bandwidth parameter information supported by the first STA, so that the first STA can successfully receive the first wireless frame sent by the second AP.

[0384] Optionally, in some embodiments, the coverage area of ​​the first AP completely overlaps with the coverage area of ​​the second AP, and the bandwidth parameter information of the second AP sending NDP frames and / or NDPA frames is the entire overlapping bandwidth;

[0385] The coverage areas of the first AP and the second AP partially overlap, and the bandwidth parameter information of the second AP sending NDP frames and / or NDPA frames is either the full overlap bandwidth or the partial overlap bandwidth.

[0386] Optionally, the overlapping areas of the coverage of the first AP and the coverage of the second AP may partially overlap, completely overlap, or not overlap at all.

[0387] Optionally, if the coverage areas of the first AP and the second AP completely overlap, the entire overlapping bandwidth between the bandwidth supported by the first AP and the bandwidth supported by the second AP can be determined, and the bandwidth parameter information used by the first AP to send NDP frames and / or NDPA frames can be determined as the entire overlapping bandwidth.

[0388] Optionally, if the coverage areas of the first AP and the second AP partially overlap, the bandwidth supported by the first AP and the bandwidth supported by the second AP can be determined as the total overlapping bandwidth or a portion of the overlapping bandwidth.

[0389] Optionally, referring to the above, the first bandwidth parameter information is the bandwidth parameter information of the NDP frame sent by the second AP. That is, the bandwidth parameter information of the NDP frame sent by the first AP can be determined based on whether the coverage areas of the first AP and the second AP overlap, and then the bandwidth parameter information of the NDP frame sent by the first AP can be carried in the frame header of the NDP frame as the first bandwidth parameter information.

[0390] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first bandwidth parameter information is also carried in the interaction information during the Co-BF establishment process between the first AP and the second AP.

[0391] Optionally, in some embodiments, if the first STA has not established an association with the second AP,

[0392] The first bandwidth parameter information is also carried in the interaction information during the Co-BF establishment process between the first AP and the second AP.

[0393] Optionally, the interaction information between the first AP and the second AP during the Co-BF establishment process may include, but is not limited to, Co-BF establishment request frames and Co-BF establishment response frames.

[0394] Optionally, the first STA establishes an initial association with the first AP but not with the second AP. The first AP and the second AP carry the first bandwidth parameter information of the first wireless frame sent by the second AP in the above-mentioned interaction information. In this way, the first AP that has established an association with the first STA can send the obtained first bandwidth parameter information to the first STA associated with it.

[0395] Optionally, in some embodiments, the parameter information includes Basic Service Set Color (BSS) information, which includes the BSS color information of the first AP and the BSS color information of the second AP.

[0396] In some embodiments, the first STA can accurately parse the configuration parameters used by the second AP when sending the NDP frame, i.e., the parameter information of RXVECTOR, by parsing the first identification information in the first radio frame.

[0397] Optionally, in some embodiments, sending the first radio frame to the first STA includes:

[0398] During Co-BF channel sounding, the first radio frame is sent to the first STA.

[0399] Optionally, this disclosure also provides an optional implementation method. Taking a first device including a second AP, and a second device being a first STA that has established an initial association with the first AP but has not established an initial association with the second AP as an example, the method may include:

[0400] Step D1: The first AP sends a second radio frame to the second AP; wherein the second radio frame is used to request the establishment of Co-BF with the second AP; the second radio frame includes: the BSS color information of the first AP and / or the bandwidth parameter information of the first AP supporting the transmission of NDP frames.

[0401] In some embodiments, the second radio frame may include, but is not limited to, a Co-BF request frame or a Co-BF invitation frame.

[0402] Optionally, the communication method provided in this disclosure can be applied to the negotiation process between a Sharing AP and a Shared AP. For example, the first AP can be a Sharing AP and the second AP can be a Shared AP.

[0403] In some embodiments, the second radio frame further includes information related to the first STA associated with the first AP; wherein the information related to the first STA includes at least one of the following: the AID of the first STA, the BSS color of the BSS where the first STA is located, the NSS information supported by the first STA, and the bandwidth supported by the first STA for channel sounding.

[0404] In some embodiments, the relevant information of the first STA may also include other information besides the information described above.

[0405] In the above embodiments, the first AP can negotiate with the second AP whether to establish a Co-BF by sending a second radio frame to the second AP; and, by carrying relevant information of the first STA in the second radio frame, the first AP can send its BSS color information and / or bandwidth parameter information of the first AP that supports sending NDP frames to the second AP while negotiating whether to establish a Co-BF.

[0406] In step D2, the second AP sends a third radio frame to the first AP; wherein the third radio frame is used to respond to the second radio frame; the third radio frame includes second identification information, which indicates that the second AP does not accept establishing a Co-BF with the first AP. Accordingly, the first AP receives the third radio frame sent by the second AP.

[0407] In some embodiments, in the third radio frame, the second identification information may occupy one bit, and the parameter value of this bit can indicate that the second AP does not accept establishing a Co-BF with the first AP. For example, when this bit is set to "0", the second identification information indicates that the second AP does not accept establishing a Co-BF with the first AP.

[0408] As an example, the second identification information may include a status bit, which, when set to "0", indicates that the second AP does not accept establishing a Co-BF with the first AP.

[0409] Optionally, in some embodiments, the third wireless frame further includes: BSS color information of the second AP and bandwidth parameter information of the second AP supporting the transmission of NDP frames.

[0410] In some embodiments, the third radio frame further includes information related to the second STA associated with the second AP; wherein the information related to the second STA includes at least one of the following: the AID of the second STA, the BSS color of the BSS where the second STA is located, the NSS information supported by the second STA, and the bandwidth supported by the second STA for channel sounding.

[0411] In some embodiments, the relevant information of the second STA may also include other information besides the information described above.

[0412] In some embodiments, a method for multi-AP coordinated NDP frame reception is provided. This method defines the setting signaling of TXVECTOR parameters in the NDP frame transmission during Co-BF Channel sounding, so that STAs can accurately parse it to meet UHR requirements. Specifically, it includes:

[0413] 1. The Sharing AP or Shared AP sends an NDP frame. For the STA (which has initially associated with the Sharing AP but not with the Shared AP, or has not initially associated with the Sharing AP but is initially associated with the Shared AP), if it receives an NDP frame, the STA will parse the RXVECTOR. Alternatively, for the AP, if it sends an NDP frame, the TXVECTOR will be set as follows:

[0414] a. Includes bandwidth parameter information, which is the same as the bandwidth parameter set in the TXVECTOR of the NDPA frame sent by the AP; the bandwidth parameter is related to the bandwidth information supported by the STA and is carried in the UHR capability information element, which identifies the bandwidth of its supported channel sounding and the corresponding number of SS; for STAs that have not established an association with the AP, information exchange is required between the sharing AP and the shared AP during the Co-BF establishment process;

[0415] b. Includes BSS color parameter information. Regardless of whether it corresponds to sequential sounding or joint sounding, the STA needs to resolve two BSS colors, so its RXVECTOR contains two BSS color values. One is set by the associated AP and can be carried in the HE operation information element of the radio frame sent by the associated AP; the other is the BSS color value of the shared AP, which can be carried in the NDPA frame sent by the shared AP.

[0416] 2. During the Co-BF establishment process, the Sharing AP and the Shared AP exchange the following information:

[0417] The Sharing AP sends a Co-BF establishment request frame, which carries its (Sharing AP's) BSS color information and bandwidth information that enables it to send NDP frames.

[0418] The response frame of the Shared AP to the Co-BF establishment request frame carries its own (Shared AP's) BSS color information and the bandwidth information of the NDP frames it can send. It may also carry status code information. If the request is accepted, the aforementioned information is included; if the request is not accepted, the aforementioned information is not included.

[0419] Sharing APs and shared APs will form OBSS, where the bandwidth may be fully or partially overlapping. If the bandwidth is fully overlapping, then the bandwidth of the NDP frame and the bandwidth of the NDPA frame are fully overlapping bandwidths; if they are partially overlapping, then they can be the full bandwidth or the partially overlapping bandwidths.

[0420] In some embodiments, the names of information, etc., are not limited to the names described in the embodiments. Terms such as "information", "message", "signal", "signaling", "report", "configuration", "indication", "instruction", "command", "channel", "parameter", "domain", "field", "symbol", "bit", "data", "program", and "chip" can be used interchangeably.

[0421] In some embodiments, terms such as “moment,” “point in time,” “time,” and “time location” can be used interchangeably, as can terms such as “duration,” “segment,” “time window,” “window,” and “time.”

[0422] In some embodiments, terms such as wireless access scheme and waveform can be used interchangeably.

[0423] In some embodiments, terms such as "certain," "preset," "default," "set," "indicated," "a certain," "any," and "first" can be used interchangeably. "Certain A," "preset A," "default A," "set A," "indicated A," "a certain A," "any A," and "first A" can be interpreted as A pre-defined in a protocol or the like, or as A obtained through setting, configuration, or instruction, or as specific A, a certain A, any A, or first A, but are not limited thereto.

[0424] In some embodiments, the determination or judgment can be made by a value represented by 1 bit (0 or 1), or by a true or false value (boolean), or by a comparison of numerical values ​​(e.g., a comparison with a predetermined value), but is not limited thereto.

[0425] In some embodiments, "not expecting to receive" can be interpreted as not receiving on time domain resources and / or frequency domain resources, or as not performing subsequent processing on the data after receiving it; "not expecting to send" can be interpreted as not sending, or as sending but not expecting the receiver to respond to the sent content.

[0426] The communication methods involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include the foregoing steps and at least one of the embodiments. In any of the foregoing embodiments, each step may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and any combination of steps may be implemented as an independent embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0427] In some embodiments, other alternative implementations described before or after the specification corresponding to Figure 7 may be referred to.

[0428] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating one of the communication methods according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0429] As shown in Figure 8, the above method can be applied to the first device 101, and the method includes:

[0430] Step 801: Send a first wireless frame to the second device; wherein the first wireless frame includes first identification information, the first identification information identifying: parameter information of the transmission vector TXVECTOR; the first device includes a first access point device (AP) and / or a second AP;

[0431] In one scenario, the second device establishes an initial association with the first AP but does not establish an initial association with the second AP; or, the second device does not establish an initial association with the first AP but establishes an initial association with the second AP.

[0432] In the above embodiments, the setting signaling of the parameter information of TXVECTOR is defined. Regardless of whether the second device is associated with the first AP or the second AP, it can accurately parse RXVECTOR by parsing the first radio frame. Then, based on RXVECTOR, it can be determined whether the second device is the receiver of the first radio frame. For example, based on the result of whether the second device is the receiver of the first radio frame, the subsequent Co-BF channel sounding process can be further performed, which can better reduce area conflicts and improve area throughput.

[0433] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, sending the first wireless frame to the second device includes:

[0434] During the Co-BF channel sounding process of multi-AP coordinated beamforming, the first radio frame is sent to the second device.

[0435] In the above embodiments, the parameter information setting signaling of TXVECTOR can be defined during the Co-BF channel sounding process.

[0436] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the parameter information includes at least one of the following:

[0437] First bandwidth parameter information; the first bandwidth parameter information is the same as the bandwidth parameter information of the empty data packet notification frame (NDPA frame) sent by the first device;

[0438] The parameter information includes Basic Service Set Color (BSS) information, which includes the BSS color information of the first AP and the BSS color information of the second AP.

[0439] In the above embodiments, the bandwidth parameter information of the first wireless frame (NDP frame) sent by the first device can be consistent with the bandwidth parameter information of the NPDA frame it sends. By carrying the BSS color information of the first AP and the BSS color information of the second AP in the first wireless frame, the receiver of the first wireless frame can easily determine the identity information of the first AP and the second AP.

[0440] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the first bandwidth parameter information is less than or equal to the bandwidth parameter information supported by the second device.

[0441] The bandwidth parameters supported by the second device include: the bandwidth and the number of spatial streams (NSS) supported by the second device for channel sounding.

[0442] In the above embodiments, the first bandwidth parameter information of the first wireless frame (NDP frame) sent by the first device is less than or equal to the bandwidth parameter information supported by the second device, so as to ensure that the second device can accurately receive the first wireless frame.

[0443] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, if the second device is not associated with the first device,

[0444] The first bandwidth parameter information is also carried in the interaction information during the Co-BF establishment process between the first AP and the second AP.

[0445] In the above embodiments, during the Co-BF establishment process between the first AP and the second AP, bandwidth parameter information can be carried in the interaction information to facilitate subsequent data interaction between the two.

[0446] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the first device includes a first AP, and the method further includes:

[0447] Send a second radio frame to the second AP; wherein the second radio frame is used to request the establishment of Co-BF with the second AP; the second radio frame includes: BSS color information of the first AP and / or bandwidth parameter information of the first AP supporting the transmission of NDP frames.

[0448] In the above embodiments, the first AP may, while requesting to establish a Co-BF with the second AP, carry its own BSS color information and / or bandwidth parameter information supporting the transmission of NDP frames in the second radio frame, and inform the second AP of its own BSS color information and bandwidth parameter information supporting the transmission of NDP frames.

[0449] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the method further includes:

[0450] The third radio frame sent by the second AP is received; wherein the third radio frame is used to respond to the second radio frame; the third radio frame includes second identification information, which indicates whether the second AP accepts or refuses to establish a Co-BF with the first AP.

[0451] In the above embodiment, the second AP can respond to the second wireless frame via the third wireless frame. Specifically, the second identification information in the third wireless frame indicates whether the second AP accepts or refuses to establish a Co-BF with the first AP.

[0452] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, when the second identification information indicates that the second AP accepts the establishment of a Co-BF with the first AP,

[0453] The third wireless frame also includes: the BSS color information of the second AP and the bandwidth parameter information of the second AP supporting the transmission of NDP frames.

[0454] In the above embodiments, when the second identification information indicates that the second AP accepts the establishment of Co-BF with the first AP, the BSS color information of the second AP and the bandwidth parameter information of the second AP that supports sending NDP frames can also be carried in the third radio frame to inform the first AP of its own BSS color information and the bandwidth parameter information that supports sending NDP frames.

[0455] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the first device includes a second AP, and the method further includes:

[0456] The system receives a second radio frame sent by the first AP; wherein the second radio frame is used to request the establishment of Co-BF with the second AP; the second radio frame includes: the BSS color information of the first AP and the bandwidth parameter information of the first AP supporting the transmission of NDP frames.

[0457] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the method further includes:

[0458] A third radio frame is sent to the first AP; wherein the third radio frame is used to respond to the second radio frame; the third radio frame includes second identification information, the second identification information indicating whether the second AP accepts or refuses to establish a Co-BF with the first AP.

[0459] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, when the second identification information indicates that the second AP accepts the establishment of a Co-BF with the first AP,

[0460] The third radio frame also includes: the BSS color information of the second AP and / or the bandwidth parameter information of the second AP supporting the transmission of NDP frames.

[0461] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the coverage area of ​​the first AP completely overlaps with the coverage area of ​​the second AP, and the bandwidth parameter information of the first device sending NDP frames and / or NDPA frames is the entire overlapping bandwidth;

[0462] The coverage area of ​​the first AP partially overlaps with that of the second AP, and the bandwidth parameter information of the NDP frame and / or NDPA frame sent by the first device is either the full overlap bandwidth or the partial overlap bandwidth.

[0463] In the above embodiments, the bandwidth parameter information for the first AP to send NDP frames and / or NDPA frames can be determined based on the coverage range of the first AP and the coverage range of the second AP.

[0464] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0465] Figure 9 is a second schematic flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0466] As shown in Figure 9, the above method can be applied to the second device 102, and the method includes:

[0467] Step 901: Receive a first wireless frame sent by a first device; wherein the first wireless frame includes first identification information, the first identification information identifying parameter information of TXVECTOR; the first device includes a first AP and / or a second AP;

[0468] In one scenario, the second device establishes an initial association with the first AP but does not establish an initial association with the second AP; or, the second device does not establish an initial association with the first AP but establishes an initial association with the second AP.

[0469] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, receiving the first wireless frame sent by the first device includes:

[0470] During Co-BF channel sounding, the first wireless frame sent by the first device is received.

[0471] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the parameter information includes at least one of the following:

[0472] First bandwidth parameter information; the first bandwidth parameter information is the same as the bandwidth parameter information of the NDPA frame sent by the first device;

[0473] The parameter information includes Basic Service Set Color (BSS) information, which includes the BSS color information of the first AP and the BSS color information of the second AP.

[0474] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the first bandwidth parameter information is less than or equal to the bandwidth parameter information supported by the second device.

[0475] The bandwidth parameter information supported by the second device includes: the bandwidth and NSS that the second device supports for channel sounding.

[0476] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, if the first device has not established an association with the second device,

[0477] The first bandwidth parameter information is also carried in the interaction information during the Co-BF establishment process between the first AP and the second AP.

[0478] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the coverage area of ​​the first AP completely overlaps with the coverage area of ​​the second AP, and the bandwidth parameter information of the first device sending NDP frames and / or NDPA frames is the entire overlapping bandwidth;

[0479] The coverage area of ​​the first AP partially overlaps with that of the second AP, and the bandwidth parameter information of the NDP frame and / or NDPA frame sent by the first device is either the full overlap bandwidth or the partial overlap bandwidth.

[0480] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0481] This disclosure also proposes an apparatus (also referred to as a communication device, etc.) for implementing any of the above methods. For example, an apparatus is proposed that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by the terminal in any of the above methods. Furthermore, another apparatus is proposed that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by a network device (e.g., an access network device, a core network functional node, a core network device, etc.) in any of the above methods.

[0482] It should be understood that the division of units or modules in the above device is only a logical functional division. In actual implementation, they can be fully or partially integrated into a single physical entity, or they can be physically separated. Furthermore, the units or modules in the device can be implemented by a processor calling software: for example, the device includes a processor connected to a memory containing instructions. The processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or to implement the functions of the units or modules in the above device. The processor can be, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory can be internal or external to the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of hardware circuits. The functionality of some or all of the units or modules can be achieved through the design of these hardware circuits, which can be understood as one or more processors. For example, in one implementation, the hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The functionality of some or all of the units or modules is achieved through the design of the logical relationships between the components within the circuit. In another implementation, the hardware circuit can be implemented using a programmable logic device (PLD). Taking a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) as an example, it can include a large number of logic gates. The connection relationships between the logic gates are configured through configuration files, thereby achieving the functionality of some or all of the units or modules. All units or modules of the above device can be implemented entirely through processor-called software, entirely through hardware circuits, or partially through processor-called software with the remaining parts implemented through hardware circuits.

[0483] In this embodiment, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capabilities. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction read and execute capabilities, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a microprocessor), or a digital signal processor (DSP). In another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through the logical relationships of hardware circuits. The logical relationships of the aforementioned hardware circuits are fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented using an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (PLD), such as an FPGA. In a reconfigurable hardware circuit, the process of the processor loading a configuration document and configuring the hardware circuit can be understood as the process of the processor loading instructions to implement the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. Furthermore, it can also be a hardware circuit designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as an ASIC, such as a Neural Network Processing Unit (NPU), a Tensor Processing Unit (TPU), or a Deep Learning Processing Unit (DPU).

[0484] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first device according to an embodiment of this disclosure. The first device is used to perform any of the above methods. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 10, the first device 1000 may include at least one of a transceiver module 601, etc.

[0485] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 601 is configured to send a first wireless frame to a second device; wherein the first wireless frame includes first identification information, the first identification information identifying parameter information of a transmission vector TXVECTOR; the first device includes a first access point device (AP) and / or a second AP; wherein the second device establishes an initial association with the first AP but does not establish an initial association with the second AP; or, the second device does not establish an initial association with the first AP but establishes an initial association with the second AP.

[0486] Optionally, the transceiver module 601 is used to execute at least one of the transceiver steps (e.g., steps 202, 302, 304, 306, 602, 604, 606, 702, 704, 706, 801, but not limited thereto) executed by device A 101 in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated here.

[0487] The first device 1000 may further include a processing module, which is used to execute at least one of the communication steps executed by the first device 101 in any of the above methods (e.g., steps 201, 301, 303, 305, 601, 603, 605, 701, 703, 705, but not limited thereto), which will not be described in detail here.

[0488] In some embodiments, the processing module can be interchanged with the processor and the determination module, and the transceiver module can be interchanged with the transceiver, the sending module, and the receiving module.

[0489] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second device proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. The second device is used to perform any of the above methods. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 11, the second device 1100 may include a transceiver module 1101.

[0490] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 1101 is configured to receive a first wireless frame sent by a first device; wherein the first wireless frame includes first identification information, the first identification information identifying parameter information of TXVECTOR; the first device includes a first AP and / or a second AP; wherein the second device establishes an initial association with the first AP but does not establish an initial association with the second AP; or, the second device does not establish an initial association with the first AP but establishes an initial association with the second AP.

[0491] Optionally, the transceiver module 701 is used to execute at least one of the transceiver steps (e.g., steps 202, 306, 606, 706, 901, but not limited thereto) executed by the second device 102 in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated here.

[0492] In some embodiments, the transceiver module can be interchanged with the transceiver, the sending module, and the receiving module.

[0493] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device 1200 proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. The communication device 1200 can be a network device (e.g., access network device, core network device, etc.), a terminal (e.g., user equipment, etc.), a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the network device in implementing any of the above methods, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the terminal in implementing any of the above methods. The communication device 1200 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments; for details, please refer to the descriptions in the above method embodiments.

[0494] As shown in Figure 12, the communication device 1200 is used to execute any of the above methods. In some embodiments, the communication device 1200 includes one or more processors 1201. The processor 1201 may be a general-purpose processor or a special-purpose processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor may be used to process communication protocols and communication data, and the central processing unit may be used to control communication devices (e.g., base stations, baseband chips, terminal devices, terminal device chips, DUs or CUs, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. Optionally, the communication device 1200 is used to execute any of the above methods. Optionally, one or more processors 1201 are used to invoke instructions to cause the communication device 1200 to execute any of the above methods.

[0495] In some embodiments, the communication device 1200 further includes one or more transceivers 1202. When the communication device 1200 includes one or more transceivers 1202, the transceiver 1202 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above-described method (e.g., steps 202, 302, 304, 306, 602, 604, 606, 702, 704, 706, 801, 901, but not limited thereto), and the processor 1201 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., steps 201, 301, 303, 305, 601, 603, 605, 701, 703, 705, but not limited thereto). In optional embodiments, the transceiver may include a receiver and / or a transmitter, which may be separate or integrated together. Optionally, terms such as transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, interface circuit, and interface can be used interchangeably; terms such as transmitter, transmitter unit, transmitter, and transmitter circuit can be used interchangeably; and terms such as receiver, receiver unit, receiver, and receiver circuit can be used interchangeably.

[0496] In some embodiments, the communication device 1200 further includes one or more memories 1203 for storing data and / or instructions. Optionally, one or more processors 1201 are used to invoke instructions stored in the memory 1203 to cause the communication device 1200 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, all or part of the memory 1203 may also be located outside the communication device 1200. In an optional embodiment, the communication device 1200 may include one or more interface circuits 1204. Optionally, the interface circuit 1204 is connected to the memory 1202 and can be used to receive data and / or instructions from the memory 1202 or other devices, and can be used to send data and / or instructions to the memory 1202 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 1204 can read data and / or instructions stored in the memory 1202 and send the data and / or instructions to the processor 1201.

[0497] The communication device 1200 described in the above embodiments may be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 1200 described in this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 1200 may not be limited by FIG12. The communication device may be a standalone device or may be part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be: (1) a standalone integrated circuit IC, or chip, or chip system or subsystem; (2) a collection of one or more ICs, optionally, the IC collection may also include storage components for storing data, programs and / or instructions; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, terminal device, smart terminal device, cellular phone, wireless device, handheld device, mobile unit, vehicle device, network device, cloud device, artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[0498] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the chip 1300 proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. For cases where the communication device 1200 can be a chip or a chip system, the schematic diagram of the chip 1300 shown in Figure 13 can be referenced, but the invention is not limited thereto.

[0499] Chip 1300 includes one or more processors 1301. Chip 1300 is used to perform any of the above methods.

[0500] In some embodiments, chip 1300 further includes one or more interface circuits 1302. Optionally, terms such as interface circuit, interface, and transceiver pin can be used interchangeably. In some embodiments, chip 1300 further includes one or more memories 1303 for storing data and / or instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 1303 may be located outside of chip 1300. Optionally, interface circuit 1302 is connected to memory 1303, and interface circuit 1302 can be used to receive data and / or instructions from memory 1303 or other devices, and interface circuit 1302 can be used to send data and / or instructions to memory 1303 or other devices. For example, interface circuit 1302 can read data and / or instructions stored in memory 1303 and send the data and / or instructions to processor 1301.

[0501] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 1302 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above-described method (e.g., steps 202, 302, 304, 306, 602, 604, 606, 702, 704, 706, 801, 901, but not limited thereto). The interface circuit 1302 performing the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above-described method refers, for example, to the interface circuit 1302 performing data and / or instruction interaction between the processor 1301, chip 1300, memory 1303, or transceiver device. In some embodiments, the processor 1301 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., steps 201, 301, 303, 305, 601, 603, 605, 701, 703, 705, but not limited thereto).

[0502] The modules and / or devices described in the various embodiments, such as virtual devices, physical devices, and chips, can be combined or separated arbitrarily as needed. Optionally, some or all steps can also be performed collaboratively by multiple modules and / or devices, which is not limited here.

[0503] This disclosure also proposes a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a temporary storage medium.

[0504] This disclosure also proposes a program product, including a program and / or instructions, which, when executed by a communication device, cause the communication device to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product. Optionally, the program product is stored on the storage medium.

[0505] This disclosure also proposes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the above methods.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, Performed by a first device, the method includes: Send a first wireless frame to a second device; wherein the first wireless frame includes first identification information, the first identification information identifying parameter information of the transmission vector TXVECTOR; the first device includes a first access point device (AP) and / or a second AP; In one scenario, the second device establishes an initial association with the first AP but does not establish an initial association with the second AP; or, the second device does not establish an initial association with the first AP but establishes an initial association with the second AP.

2. The communication method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Sending the first wireless frame to the second device includes: During the Co-BF channel sounding process of multi-AP coordinated beamforming, the first radio frame is sent to the second device.

3. The communication method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The parameter information includes at least one of the following: First bandwidth parameter information; the first bandwidth parameter information is the same as the bandwidth parameter information of the empty data packet notification frame (NDPA frame) sent by the first device; The Basic Service Set (BSS) color information includes: the BSS color information of the first AP and the BSS color information of the second AP.

4. The communication method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first bandwidth parameter information is less than or equal to the bandwidth parameter information supported by the second device. The bandwidth parameters supported by the second device include: the bandwidth and the number of spatial streams (NSS) supported by the second device for channel sounding.

5. The communication method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The first bandwidth parameter information is also carried in the interaction information during the Co-BF establishment process between the first AP and the second AP.

6. The communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The first device includes a first access point (AP), and the method further includes: Send a second radio frame to the second AP; wherein the second radio frame is used to request the establishment of Co-BF with the second AP; the second radio frame includes: BSS color information of the first AP and / or bandwidth parameter information of the first AP supporting the transmission of NDP frames.

7. The communication method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The method further includes: The third radio frame sent by the second AP is received; wherein the third radio frame is used to respond to the second radio frame; the third radio frame includes second identification information, which indicates whether the second AP accepts or refuses to establish a Co-BF with the first AP.

8. The communication method according to claim 7, characterized in that, When the second identification information indicates that the second AP accepts the establishment of a Co-BF with the first AP. The third wireless frame also includes: the BSS color information of the second AP and the bandwidth information of the second AP that supports sending NDP frames.

9. The communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The first device includes a second AP, and the method further includes: The system receives a second radio frame sent by the first AP; wherein the second radio frame is used to request the establishment of Co-BF with the second AP; the second radio frame includes: the BSS color information of the first AP and the bandwidth parameter information of the first AP supporting the transmission of NDP frames.

10. The communication method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The method further includes: A third radio frame is sent to the first AP; wherein the third radio frame is used to respond to the second radio frame; the third radio frame includes second identification information, the second identification information indicating whether the second AP accepts or refuses to establish a Co-BF with the first AP.

11. The communication method according to claim 10, characterized in that, When the second identification information indicates that the second AP accepts the establishment of a Co-BF with the first AP. The third radio frame also includes: the BSS color information of the second AP and / or the bandwidth parameter information of the second AP supporting the transmission of NDP frames.

12. The communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The coverage area of ​​the first AP completely overlaps with the coverage area of ​​the second AP, and the bandwidth parameter information of the first device sending NDP frames and / or NDPA frames is the entire overlapping bandwidth. The coverage area of ​​the first AP partially overlaps with that of the second AP, and the bandwidth parameter information of the NDP frame and / or NDPA frame sent by the first device is either the full overlap bandwidth or the partial overlap bandwidth.

13. A communication method, characterized in that, Performed by a second device, the method includes: Receive a first wireless frame sent by a first device; wherein the first wireless frame includes first identification information, the first identification information identifying parameter information of TXVECTOR; the first device includes a first AP and / or a second AP; In one scenario, the second device establishes an initial association with the first AP but does not establish an initial association with the second AP; or, the second device does not establish an initial association with the first AP but establishes an initial association with the second AP.

14. The communication method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The receiving of the first wireless frame sent by the first device includes: During Co-BF channelsounding, the first wireless frame sent by the first device is received.

15. The communication method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that, The parameter information includes at least one of the following: First bandwidth parameter information; the first bandwidth parameter information is the same as the bandwidth parameter information of the NDPA frame sent by the first device; BSS color information, which includes: the BSS color information of the first AP and the BSS color information of the second AP.

16. The communication method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The first bandwidth parameter information is less than or equal to the bandwidth parameter information supported by the second device. The bandwidth parameter information supported by the second device includes: the bandwidth and NSS that the second device supports for channel sounding.

17. The communication method according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that, The first bandwidth parameter information is also carried in the interaction information during the Co-BF establishment process between the first AP and the second AP.

18. The communication method according to any one of claims 13 to 17, characterized in that, The coverage area of ​​the first AP completely overlaps with the coverage area of ​​the second AP, and the bandwidth parameter information of the first device sending NDP frames and / or NDPA frames is the entire overlapping bandwidth. The coverage area of ​​the first AP partially overlaps with that of the second AP, and the bandwidth parameter information of the NDP frame and / or NDPA frame sent by the first device is either the full overlap bandwidth or the partial overlap bandwidth.

19. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device is used to perform the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 12 or claims 13 to 18.

20. A communication system, characterized in that, Including the first device and the second device; The first device is configured to implement the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, and the second device is configured to implement the communication method according to any one of claims 13 to 18.

21. A storage medium storing instructions, characterized in that, When the instruction is executed on the communication device, the communication device performs the communication method as described in any one of claims 1 to 12, or performs the communication method as described in any one of claims 13 to 18.

22. A program product comprising at least one of a program and instructions, characterized in that, When at least one of the programs or instructions is executed by a communication device, it implements the communication method of any one of claims 1 to 12, or the communication method of any one of claims 13 to 18.

Images